Soon, users will be able to save their Paint projects as editable project files, similar to Photoshop Documents (.PSD). This feature is currently being tested with Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channels. “You can now save your creation as an editable Paint project file and seamlessly pick up where you left off,” explains Dave Grochocki, principal product manager lead for Microsoft’s Windows inbox apps.

These Paint files will carry a .paint file extension and will store any layers inside the file. “When you’re ready to return, simply open the file to launch it in Paint, right where you left off,” says Grochocki.

Microsoft is also introducing opacity sliders to Paint, allowing users to change the transparency levels of the pencil and brush tools. “To get started, select either tool and use the slider on the left side of the canvas to adjust the opacity to your desired level,” Grochocki advises.

For those who enjoy the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, a quick markup feature is being added to make annotating screenshots easier. The markup toolbar includes tools like a highlighter, pen, and eraser, along with an option to re-crop images.

Lastly, Microsoft is launching AI-enhanced writing, summarization, and rewriting capabilities as a free feature in Notepad for Copilot Plus PC users. A Microsoft 365 subscription is not required to access this feature. Grochocki notes that users can “seamlessly switch between local and cloud models based on your needs.” This new Notepad feature is powered by local models on Copilot Plus PCs.