How to Use Paint 3D (Complete Beginner's Guide)

How to use Paint 3D for your first project

1. 1Create a canvas or open a picture

   

   Launch Paint 3D. Choose New for a blank project or Open to work with a file. If you already have an image on the clipboard, Paste offers another starting point when it appears on the welcome screen. In a project, use Menu > Insert to add an image without opening another document. Pick a copy of a simple photo for practice so you can experiment without changing the original.

2. 2Try Brushes and 2D Shapes

   

   Select Brushes, choose a tool in the right pane, and draw a short line. Change the thickness, opacity, or color and draw a second line to see the difference. Next, try a 2D shapes tool and drag out a simple shape. Check the size and position while its handles are visible. Use Ctrl+Z to undo an edit while you are learning how each tool behaves.

3. 3Crop and frame the picture

   

   Click Crop above the canvas. Drag the edges around the part you want to keep and click Done. The dark area in the crop preview is outside the new frame. For exact output dimensions, use the Canvas resize controls after cropping. If you only want to isolate a subject inside the photo, try Magic Select and refine the selection before moving the cutout.

4. 4Add a caption

   

   Choose Text, select 2D text, and drag a box on the canvas. Type a short caption and adjust the font, size, and color in the sidebar. Proofread while the text box is active. Click outside to place it on the image. If you want lettering you can rotate in space, choose 3D text before creating the box.

5. 5Try a shape in 3D

   

   Open 3D shapes and pick an object such as a cube. Drag on the canvas to place it, then select it to see the editing handles. Rotate it a little and switch to 3D view to see how it sits in front of the canvas. Change its color and try adding a second object. Turn the view to check their positions before grouping parts together.

6. 6Save an editable version and an export

   

   Choose Menu > Save as. Save a Paint 3D project if you want to keep working on the scene. Choose Image for a shareable PNG or JPEG, or 3D model for a compatible 3D file. Check the preview before saving. Name your project and the exported copy so you can tell them apart when you come back to the folder.

A first project that uses both sets of tools

Make a simple postcard. Open a picture, crop the edges, and add a short 2D caption. Place a 3D shape in one corner, then use 3D view to check that it sits where you want it. Save the project first, and export a PNG to see what the same scene looks like as a flat image. The postcard gives you one place to practice both the canvas and object controls.

Frequently asked questions

When should I save a project instead of exporting an image?

Save a project when you want to reopen the scene and keep editing its objects. Export an image when you need something to share or put into a document. Many projects benefit from both files. Give them related names so you can find the editable version later.

What if my picture or object disappears in 3D view?

Change the viewing angle and zoom out to look for it. A 3D object can be behind the canvas or outside the current view. Check whether Show canvas is enabled if the entire flat picture disappears. Return to the front view to inspect the arrangement before exporting.