Paint 3D for Windows 10

Hands-on with the Paint 3D app for Windows 10

Windows 10 is getting a new Paint app, and here's an early look to the new design and features.

Paint is an image editing app that has been part of Windows introduced the graphical user interface, and now Microsoft has built on a brand new version for Windows 10, which will also bring 3D to masses. Recently, the software giant has released an early preview of Paint 3D that give us a glimpse of the features we’ll be seeing with the Windows 10 Creators Update.

Paint 3D is a complete overhaul of the desktop version, and it’ll be part of the suite of apps Microsoft already ships with Windows 10, but if not, you’ll be able to download Paint from the Store.

Paint 3D app is optimized for touch

Paint is now a touch-friendly app that also works well with a keyboard and mouse, and it includes 3D rendering support, which is something the app never had.

The current preview is not the final version, but it already shows impressive capability and design.

The app includes a canvas front and center with navigation bar on the top, and when you move between tabs, you will get access to the different features and tool on the right side.

Paint 3D features

In the tools tab, you have access to the color picker and a number of different pencils, including marker pen, pixel pencil, oil brush, calligraphy pen, spray can, fill bucket, and more.

Maker tab
Maker tab

In the second tab, you can access all the 3D objects, models, and doodle you create your 3D project.

3D objects tab
3D objects tab

Additionally, when you create a 3D object in the canvas, you’ll see a short video highlight the steps to manipulate the object, which is very handy information for beginners.

Paint 3D assistant
Paint 3D assistant

From the Stickers tab you can access to a number of fun stickers, in addition to 2D shapes, textures, and you also get the option to add your own textures and stickers.

Stickers tab
Stickers tab

The Text tab simply lets you add 2D and 3D text with different fonts and the ability to change the background color.

Text tab
Text tab

The Backdrop tab lets you change the size of the canvas you’ll be working on with the option to show or hide the backdrop.

Backdrop tab
Backdrop tab

The Effects tab simply allows you to change the color accent of your project, which you can only pick from a handful of predefined effects.

Effects tabs
Effects tabs

Finally, there is also a Community tab, which you can sign in with your Microsoft account to access the Remix 3D community to share your creations with the world or download 3D projects that you can then make your own. 

Remix 3D sign up
Remix 3D sign up
Remix 3D projects from the community
Remix 3D projects from the community

Then on the far right, there is a paste, undo, redo, and history button that allows you to quickly undo or redo all the changes.

This early version of Paint includes a hamburger button on the top-left corner to create new files, import or export 3D models, and print.

Here’s a video demo of Microsoft’s new Paint app for Windows 10:

https://twitter.com/h0x0d/status/784539144647282688

Even though the app is still under development, it’s impressive to see the new design and features Microsoft was able to bring. However, it’s far from complete, as it lacks of essential features you’ll find on other imaging editor software (Photoshop), such as layers or support to open more of one file at a time.

The Paint 3D app for Windows 10 feels like a basic image editor, but perhaps that’s exactly what Microsoft is trying to accomplish.

Do you like the new Paint 3D app for Windows 10? Tell us in the comments below.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].