Ahead of the Windows 11 launch next week

Sep 29, 2021 16:49 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has released a new Paint app for Windows 11 testers in the Dev channel, just ahead of the operating system’s official launch next week.

The redesign Paint app is obviously an interface update of a rather familiar app, so if you used it before, you should definitely feel like home when running the Windows 11 version too.

There’s a new redesigned toolbar, rounded corners, and even a dark mode (though this one is not available just yet), all in an effort to bring the Paint app in line with the visual refresh that went live in Windows 11 as well.

“The most prominent change to Paint is the newly simplified toolbar with updated icon designs, a rounded color palette, and a new set of drop-down menus for tools such as brushes, stroke size, and flip/rotate controls,” Microsoft explains.

“Beyond updated icons and dropdown menus, we’ve included a new text tool for you to try. To access the tool, click on the “A” icon in the toolbar.”

More features on the way

Microsoft says this is just the beginning of the Paint refresh, as the company plans to bring many more features to the app in the coming updates. Of course, there’s no ETA available right now, and it will be interesting to see if the company has enough time to bring the new Paint to all Windows 11 users before the production launch starts on October 5.

“Look out for future updates to the Paint app where we plan to address your feedback with improvements including dark theme, a centered canvas, and updated dialogs which have yet to be updated with the app’s new design,” the firm says.

Windows 11 will go live for the first devices on Tuesday, but you can try out the new Paint today by downloading the latest Dev build in the Insider program.