Microsoft Paint 3D

Ever wanted to dip your toes into 3D design without needing a degree in animation? Paint 3D might just be your new best friend. Launched with the Windows 10 Creators Update, this app takes the classic simplicity of Microsoft Paint and levels it up with a whole new dimension literally. It’s packed with ready to use 3D models like animals, people, geometric shapes, and even fun doodles. You can also pull in your own 2D or 3D images straight from your device or OneDrive. The best part? You can twist, turn, and resize objects however you like, and even rotate your entire workspace to see your creation from every angle.

Paint 3D sits right in the sweet spot between the super basic MS Paint and the more advanced 3D Builder. It’s part of a bigger push by Microsoft into mixed reality, alongside tools like View 3D and Windows Mixed Reality. What’s cool is that you can work on both 2D and 3D elements in the same project and even juggle multiple files at once thanks to its support for multi windowing. Plus, if you're the kind of person who likes to pin stuff to the taskbar for quick access, you’ll appreciate the jumplist feature for your 2D edits.

Microsoft really went all out with the tools in Paint 3D, making sure even casual users can bring their ideas to life. You’ve got Brushes, 2D and 3D Shapes, Stickers, Text, Effects, Canvas, Magic Select, a handy History Slider, 3D View Mode, and even Mixed Reality integration. There’s also the 3D Library by Remix 3D, though it’s not available everywhere. If I had to guess, you’ll probably spend most of your time playing with the brush tool it’s packed with textures and pen effects that work on both flat surfaces and 3D models. And shaping those 2D and 3D objects? Super intuitive. A little drag with your mouse or stylus and you can curve, sharpen, or reshape anything to match your vision.

One of the standout features has to be the Mixed Reality tool. It’s not just a button in the app it’s a gateway to blending your digital creations with the real world. Click it, and your design pops into the Mixed Reality Viewer where you can see it layered over your actual surroundings through your device’s camera. Snap a photo or record a short video of your 3D object “sitting” on your desk or “interacting” with your room. It’s a fun, immersive trick that makes sharing your work even more exciting.

All in all, Paint 3D is a user friendly, feature rich app that makes 3D design accessible. Whether you’re sketching something quick or building a detailed model, the layout is clean and easy to navigate. If you’ve been curious about 3D creation but didn’t know where to start, this is a perfect place to begin.