Generate Free Images with MS Paint Image Creator Now Available

The AI Image Creator in MS Paint (previously known as Cocreator) stands out as a highly effective text-to-image generation tool, enabling users to craft images simply by typing in text. This innovative software eradicates the need for tedious searches on stock photo platforms. In this guide, we will explore how to leverage the Image Creator feature in Windows 11.

Understanding Microsoft Paint Image Creator

The Microsoft Paint Image Creator is an integrated tool within MS Paint that generates visuals based on text descriptions provided by the user. Utilizing the DALL-E model, this feature can also be found in the Copilot application. To start creating, just click on the Image Creator icon in an open Paint window, where you can enter your text prompt to instruct the AI on the desired image characteristics, including layout and color preferences.

This functionality is compatible with all recent versions of Windows 11, specifically starting from version 23H2. Formerly called Paint Cocreator, make sure your system is updated to the latest Windows 11 version, like 24H2, through Settings -> Windows Update, or by reinstalling Windows 11.

Currently, this feature isn’t gaining significant traction, as many users still operate on alternative systems like macOS and Linux. Additionally, as of November 2024, a notable percentage of Windows users, over 60%, continue to utilize Windows 10, while just above 35% have transitioned to Windows 11.

Making the Most of Paint Image Creator

The ease of use is one of the standout attributes of Paint Image Creator, allowing for effortless text-to-image transformations. Positioned within one of the most familiar Windows applications, you can generate images with just a prompt. Providing detailed descriptions significantly enhances the output, as the AI responds better when treated as an interactive entity.

The user interface appears on the right side of the screen. In the Choose a style section, you’ll find several options available. I personally prefer the Photorealistic style because it delivers images that appear remarkably lifelike. Alternatively, options like Digital Art or Anime can also be selected based on your needs. After choosing your preferred style, hit Create to start generating an image powered by DALL-E. This action will deduct one AI credit from your balance.

Your generated image will be displayed in the Explore Variants section on the right panel. Clicking on any of the variants will transfer the image onto the Paint canvas. For optimal results, maintain a larger canvas size to comfortably fit the generated output.

When you’re ready to save your image, Paint will automatically assign Content credentials in line with the C2PA standard. This ensures that users can easily identify images created with AI technology, and you can use these images without copyright concerns.

Additional Modern Features in MS Paint

MS Paint has been a staple since the early versions of Windows. Although Microsoft once considered retiring this application, user demand ensured its continued availability. Recently, MS Paint has undergone a modern transformation with several new AI capabilities. Notable features that enhance creative tasks include:

• Layers: Similar to the powerful layers function found in Photoshop, Paint now supports multiple layers, enabling the creation of composite images. Simply click the Layers icon located next to the Image Creator icon to get started with layering.

• Generative Fill and Generative Erase: Similar to Photoshop’s “Magic Eraser,” Paint Image Creator includes a Generative Erase option that helps you effortlessly eliminate unwanted elements from your artwork. Simply outline the area around the object you wish to remove, and deploy the AI erasing tool. Additionally, you can utilize AI to apply colors using the Generative Fill feature.

• Background Removal: Although Paint traditionally has not been the go-to for advanced image editing, it has recently introduced a highly sought-after feature that enables precise background removal. After you bring an AI-generated image onto the main canvas, look for the Remove background icon, which you can click to instantly eliminate the entire background, providing a clean cut-out.

• Enhanced Sharing Options: Previously, sharing images was limited to Outlook or manually downloading them to your PC. Newer versions of Paint now enable sharing of your AI-generated images via Nearby Share, WhatsApp, and the Snipping Tool.

Drawbacks of MS Paint Image Creator

The Image Creator (formerly Cocreator) is undoubtedly one of the standout features in the Windows ecosystem. However, like many text-to-image applications, it comes with certain limitations. A significant hurdle is the requirement of having a Microsoft account in addition to the latest version of Windows 11, excluding many Windows 10 users from using this feature.

Personally, one of my main frustrations is that Paint Image Creator often overlooks size requirements. When I specify desired dimensions, it consistently defaults to creating square images, which can be less than ideal for editing purposes.

Another constraint may arise from Microsoft’s strategy of promoting higher-end Copilot+ PCs. Currently, the latest Windows 11 versions can operate Image Creator without hitches, but this could change in the future due to the resource-intensive nature of creating AI images, particularly if your PC does not meet adequate RAM and CPU specifications.

While many versions of DALL-E require payment, Paint’s Image Creator is free to use, albeit with limitations. You start with an allocation of 50 image credits, and each generated image consumes one credit. If you exhaust your credits, you can replenish them through a Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro subscription.

Moreover, you can also earn credits via the Microsoft Rewards program, which is accessible through the Edge browser and Bing search. Nevertheless, many users feel that the process of regaining credits should be more streamlined.

MS Paint boasts a variety of impressive features that can be utilized regularly. If you encounter issues with MS Paint on your Windows device, consider exploring some possible fixes.

Image Credit: Paint Image Creator (DALL-E 3). All screenshots by Sayak Boral.