Microsoft Paint Adopts Photoshop-Style Project Files

The new .paint file extension functions as a container for layered imagery, ensuring that edits remain non-destructive between sessions. Dave Grochocki, principal product manager lead for Windows inbox apps, confirmed that these files preserve the state of the canvas, effectively eliminating the need to flatten images before closing the program.

Beyond project management, the update brings granular control to artistic workflows through new opacity sliders. Users can now adjust the transparency of pencil and brush strokes directly via a sidebar interface, providing a level of precision previously absent from the app. Parallel to these changes, the Windows 11 Snipping Tool is receiving an enhanced markup toolbar. This addition simplifies the annotation process with dedicated highlighter, pen, and eraser functions, alongside improved cropping capabilities. These updates arrive alongside broader system enhancements, including AI-powered writing and summarization tools now rolling out to Notepad for Copilot Plus PC users.