After 37 years of steadfast service, Microsoft Paint, the beloved graphics editor included with every version of Windows, is finally receiving a much-anticipated update: Dark Mode support. This long-overdue feature, which has been in various Windows 11 beta and dev builds for over two years, is now being tested in both Canary and Dev Channels for Windows Insiders.
The Evolution of Microsoft Paint
Microsoft Paint first debuted in Windows 1.0 in 1985 and has since become a staple of the operating system, offering a collection of easy, straightforward tools for quick image editing and creation. Despite its simplicity, Paint has remained popular, even when Microsoft seemed to neglect it in favor of more advanced graphics software.
The introduction of Dark Mode to Microsoft Paint is a significant upgrade for the software, aligning it with the aesthetic of modern applications and operating systems. Users can now work on their graphics projects without the glare of a bright interface, making the software more comfortable to use in low-light environments.
What’s New in Microsoft Paint?
In addition to Dark Mode, the updated Microsoft Paint also introduces improvements to the zoom controls, providing users with more flexibility and control over their view of the canvas. Users can now zoom in and out with a custom value, and there’s even a fit-to-screen button that adjusts the zoom to match the size of the Paint window and the user’s screen resolution.
The update also brings improved accessibility shortcuts and updated dialogs that match the Windows 11 style. However, it’s worth noting that there’s still no option for layers, meaning Paint remains a basic image editor.
Availability and Future Updates
The Dark Mode feature is currently being tested with Windows Insiders and is expected to be available to all Windows 11 users in the coming months. Unfortunately, there’s no indication that this updated version of Paint will be arriving in Windows 10 any time soon.
This update marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Microsoft Paint, demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to improving and modernizing even its most basic software. As we look forward to future updates, it will be interesting to see what other enhancements Microsoft has in store for this iconic application.
Credits
Image: microsoft
