Microsoft claims Paint 3D to be more sophisticated than its original Paint and that seems to be confirmed as there are plenty of new things we can do with this free tool.
Previously I tried to isolate an object with transparent background with Paint but that doesn’t really fulfill most people’s expectations. However, with Paint 3D, we can clear the background and make the image transparent instead of white background.
It’s not as good as Photoshop and GIMP do offer, but it may be enough for general purposes. To follow this guide, make sure Paint 3D been has installed on your Windows 10 machine.
1. Right-click on a picture > Open with > Paint 3D.
2. After the program launched, click Crop.
3. Select the picture area you want to keep. This will make the background cleaning faster.
4. On the right panel, click Done.
5. Click on Canvas and enable Transparent canvas.
6. Then go to Brushes, select Eraser.
7. Erase the background area until you see something like this.
8. When everything finished, click Menu.
9. Select Save as > Image.
10. Make sure you select the PNG format, and click Save.
The resulting image will have a transparency property which can be easily seen when you viewing the image with Photos. Check out the example below; the left is transparent, right with white background.
The image will of course retaining its transparency value as long as you don’t change the format. It’s also possible to edit the image with more advanced software like Photoshop for further editing. Since it’s already transparent, it will be a lot easier to modify later.
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Expand Your Creativity with Paint 3D
While Paint 3D is already packed with features, there are a few additional tricks that can elevate your projects. For instance, the Magic Select tool is not just for background removal—it can also isolate objects for creative layering or duplication. This opens up possibilities for creating collages or dynamic compositions in just a few clicks.
Tips for Better Results
- Use the Zoom feature to refine edges when erasing backgrounds or selecting objects.
- Experiment with Stickers and Textures to add depth and personality to your designs. The texture options, like marble or metal, can dramatically transform a flat image into something visually engaging.
- Save your project as a Paint 3D file before exporting it as a PNG. This allows you to revisit and tweak your work later.
Advanced Use Cases
If you’re feeling adventurous, try combining 2D and 3D elements. For example:
- Create a 3D object using the 3D Doodle tool.
- Add textures or stickers to enhance its appearance.
- Overlay this object onto a transparent background for use in presentations or social media graphics.
By leveraging these techniques, Paint 3D becomes more than just an editing tool—it’s a gateway to unique and fun creations. Whether you’re editing photos or exploring 3D modeling, the possibilities are exciting!
FAQ
Can I use Paint 3D on Windows 11?
Yes, Paint 3D is compatible with Windows 11. You can download it from the Microsoft Store if it’s not pre-installed on your device.
What’s the difference between Magic Select and Eraser?
The Magic Select tool automatically isolates objects based on their edges, while the Eraser requires manual input to remove unwanted areas.
Can I animate my creations in Paint 3D?
Yes, you can save your projects as animated GIFs by selecting “Save as video” under the Menu options.
Are there alternatives to Paint 3D for more advanced editing?
For more complex tasks, tools like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP might be better suited. However, Paint 3D is excellent for quick edits and basic 3D modeling.
Explore these features and take your designs to new levels!
