Paint 3D

How to Add Text in Paint 3D

Place and format a flat caption or label with the 2D Text tool.

Beginner4 min read
Recreated Paint 3D view · Source video at 1:18

Open the Text tab, choose 2D text, and draw a box where you want the lettering. Type and format your text while the box is active. Once you click outside it, the letters become part of the canvas. The video demonstrates that difference with the word “OPTION,” showing how alignment and background fill look before and after committing the text. Decide where your caption goes and how much room it needs before you finish the edit.

How to add text in Paint 3D

  1. Select 2D Text

    Recreated Paint 3D view · Source video at 0:19

    Open your picture or start a new project. Choose Text in the top ribbon and click the flat 2D text icon in the right-hand panel. Use 2D mode for a caption, label, or sign that should sit flat on the picture. Pick a starting font, size, and color. A high-contrast color is easier to judge on a photo than a subtle shade that looks good only on an empty canvas.

  2. Draw the box and type

    Recreated Paint 3D view · Source video at 0:26

    Click and drag to create a text box large enough for the full caption. Type the words and inspect where the line wraps. Pull the box wider if a word falls onto the next line unexpectedly. If you want a two-line caption, put the break where you want it while the cursor is still in the box. Leave enough clearance around it so the letters do not touch the canvas edge.

  3. Style and position the active text

    Recreated Paint 3D view · Source video at 1:18

    Select the text inside the box before changing its style. Use the font and size fields, the color swatch, or the bold, italic, and underline buttons. Choose the alignment that fits the box. The video uses a solid background fill to give the sample word more contrast. Use that option if the photo behind your caption is busy. While the text box is still selected, check its position and straighten or resize it as needed.

  4. Click outside to commit

    Recreated Paint 3D view · Source video at 1:38

    Proofread the text and check it at normal zoom before clicking an empty area. After the click, the 2D lettering becomes part of the canvas and you cannot select it again as a text box. If you spot a mistake immediately, undo the change and re-enter or recreate the caption as needed. When the image looks right, choose Menu > Save as > Image and keep a separate exported copy.

Tips for readable captions

Choose a short caption, leave a margin, and avoid placing it over the main subject. If the background is uneven, try the fill option or put the caption over an area with a more consistent color. Check how it looks at the size where people will see it. A font that reads well at full size can become too small after resizing the picture for a post or slide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit text after clicking away?

Committed 2D text is part of the canvas. Use Undo promptly if you need to correct it, or return to the original image and create a new box. Keeping a copy without the caption makes it much easier to reuse the picture with different words later.

Which text mode should I use?

Use 2D text for captions and labels on the surface of a picture. Use 3D text if the lettering needs depth and should remain selectable as an object in a 3D scene. You can export either type as an image when all you need is a shareable preview.

Watch the YouTube tutorial

Follow the original demonstration to see the controls in motion.

Watch on YouTube