Key Facts
- ✓ Microsoft Paint now includes an AI feature that generates coloring book pages from text prompts like 'a cute fluffy cat on a donut'.
- ✓ The new Coloring book tool is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs and is currently available for Windows Insiders in Canary and Dev channels.
- ✓ Users can select from multiple AI-generated image options, then add, copy, or save the chosen image for printing or digital use.
- ✓ A new fill tolerance slider has been added to Paint, allowing for more precise color filling within the application.
- ✓ Notepad's AI features, including Write, Rewrite, and Summarize, have been improved for faster performance and better integration with GPT.
- ✓ Access to these cloud-based AI features requires users to sign into their Microsoft account.
Quick Summary
Microsoft has unveiled a new creative tool within its classic Paint application, leveraging artificial intelligence to generate coloring book pages from simple text descriptions. This feature allows users to type a prompt, such as "a cute fluffy cat on a donut," and receive a set of AI-generated images suitable for coloring.
Currently available for Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels, the update is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. It represents a practical application of AI technology, aligning with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's vision for AI to demonstrate tangible value in everyday tasks.
How the AI Tool Works
The new Coloring book feature operates directly within the Paint interface. Users enter a text prompt, and the AI tool generates a selection of slightly different images based on that description. This provides a variety of options to choose from for the final artwork.
Once an image is selected, it can be added to the current workspace. From there, users have the flexibility to copy or save the generated image. The functionality is designed to be intuitive, allowing for the creation of custom coloring pages that can be printed for personal use or entertainment.
In addition to the coloring book generator, Microsoft has introduced a fill tolerance slider for the Paint application. This new control lets users adjust the precision of the Fill tool, offering more granular control when adding color to a canvas.
Broader AI Enhancements
The update to Paint is part of a larger suite of AI improvements across Microsoft's applications. Notepad has also received significant upgrades to its AI capabilities. The Write, Rewrite, and Summarize features have been enhanced to provide faster results.
These Notepad tools integrate with GPT to help users fine-tune their writing and summarize complex notes more efficiently. A key improvement is the ability to interact with the preview without waiting for the full response to generate, streamlining the editing process.
Access to these cloud-based AI features requires users to be signed into their Microsoft account. The performance enhancements aim to make the AI tools more responsive and interactive for daily use.
Availability and Requirements
These new features are currently in a phased rollout. To access the AI coloring book generator in Paint and the updated AI tools in Notepad, users must be enrolled in the Windows Insider Program. Specifically, access is limited to those in the Canary and Dev channels running Windows 11.
The Coloring book feature is not available on all devices; it is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. This hardware requirement ensures the necessary processing power for the AI generation tasks. As the features move through testing phases, broader availability may be announced in the future.
The Strategic Context
This innovation arrives at a time when Microsoft is actively promoting the practical benefits of AI. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has previously stated that AI needs to prove its worth for long-term societal adoption. The introduction of a creative, family-friendly tool like an AI coloring book generator serves as a direct example of this philosophy in action.
By embedding AI into widely used, accessible applications like Paint, Microsoft aims to demonstrate the technology's utility beyond complex enterprise solutions. The ability to quickly generate custom artwork for children or personal projects highlights a tangible, real-world impact that aligns with the company's broader AI strategy.
Looking Ahead
The integration of AI into Microsoft Paint marks a significant evolution for a legacy application, transforming it from a simple drawing tool into a platform for AI-assisted creativity. The Coloring book feature, alongside the Notepad enhancements, signals Microsoft's commitment to weaving AI into the fabric of its operating system.
For users, this means more powerful and accessible tools for both creative and productivity tasks. As these features mature and expand beyond the Windows Insider program, they are poised to change how millions interact with their PCs, making AI a standard part of the creative workflow.
