Microsoft Paint is 38 years old, making it one of the oldest programs that has survived the evolution of Windows. This program has always stood out (or sinned) for being too basic, and since its launch in 1985, it has hardly received any changes or new functions. However, by surprise, Microsoft has decided to renew it to be a much more useful tool and compete directly with Photoshop, Gimp or Paint.NET. And, after a long wait, we have finally been able to try what is one of the most anticipated new features: layered editing.
In the last update, this program received a very interesting novelty that users had been waiting for a long time: a function to remove the background from photos with one click. However, the new features that Microsoft is preparing for its basic drawing program do not stop there, and from today, Windows 11 users (within the Insider branch, for now) can now enjoy another of the most anticipated new features. : layered editing.
What we can do with Paint layers
This new feature has made its debut with program update 11.2308.18. Therefore, if we want to use it, we must make sure that our Paint has that version, or any later one. If we have a Windows 11 Insider, we can receive this new version directly from the Microsoft Store; Otherwise we will have to wait a little longer before being able to use this version.
The first thing we should keep in mind is that Paint’s layered editing is a bit limited compared to Gimp or Photoshop. What we will be able to do, mainly, with this function is add, hide, move or delete the layers of any image.
How do they work
The first thing we have to do to start working with these layers, in addition to making sure we have the version we mentioned, is enable the layers panel. To do this, we simply have to click on the “Levels” button to show the layers on the right of the window.
By default we will have the background layer, but using the “+” button that appears in the layers panel we can add all the layers we want. All the layers that we add above will be Alpha layers, that is, transparent, so that we can place whatever we want on them.
When it comes to editing and retouching layers, the possibilities are very limited. By right clicking on a layer we can see that the options are very limited. We can hide it, delete it, duplicate it or combine it, but nothing more.
Now we can start working with our Paint, and although the possibilities are still very limited compared to its rivals, we will have many more possibilities than before. For example, we are going to add an image, with a white background, and we are going to test the new tool that allows us to remove the background automatically.
In seconds, we see how Paint perfectly detects the white background and eliminates it, converting the image into a transparent PNG to work on.
Now we create a new layer, and add another photo, with a white background, to our Paint. And we are going to do the same to eliminate said white background and be able to work with the layers to be able to make a very simple assembly.
Once the background of the other layer has been removed, we will have two different layers, each one with an element. And we are going to add a third also with a text. Now, all of them with a transparent background, we can move and place them as we want to shape the image we have in mind.
It is true that it is a very simple functionality, and it has nothing to do with larger editing programs. But to get by, it is perfect, and many will receive it with joy. And, as was said that time when Microsoft wanted to end this program, “Paint is more alive than ever.”
