New AI tools transform Microsoft Paint and Photos apps

AI-based tools in Microsoft Paint and Photos are allowing users to remove or add elements effortlessly.

Microsoft updates Paint with AI-powered tools, making image editing easier for Copilot Plus PC users.

Microsoft is introducing AI-powered updates for its Paint and Photos apps, available on Copilot Plus PCs. The new features, Generative Fill and Generative Erase, are designed to simplify image editing without requiring professional software. These tools allow users to remove or add elements to images easily, much like advanced functions in Adobe Photoshop.

Generative Fill and Erase come with adjustable brushes for precise editing. Generative Erase is ideal for removing unwanted objects, while Generative Fill enables users to add AI-created elements by typing a description. These new functions are similar to popular features like Google’s Magic Eraser.

The new tools are an expansion of Microsoft’s Cocreator feature for Paint, launched earlier this year. Cocreator generates images using text prompts and sketches. Microsoft has also upgraded the diffusion-based model behind these tools to improve speed and output quality, while adding moderation features to avoid misuse.

Microsoft’s Photos app will now include Generative Erase and a Super-Resolution feature. The latter uses AI to enhance blurry images, allowing users to boost image resolution up to eight times, with options for fine-tuning the result using a slider.