How to Insert an Image in Paint on Windows 11: A Straightforward Guide

Getting Started with Image Insertion in Paint on Windows 11

Got a pic you want to chuck into Paint? No worries, it’s dead easy. Inserting images in Paint on Windows 11 isn’t complicated at all. It’s handy for quick edits or tweaks, ya know? Just a couple of clicks and you’re sorted. Here’s the lowdown.

Opening Paint

First up, find the Paint app. It’s probably hanging out in your Start menu or you can hit Windows key + S to search, type Paint, and press Enter. Too easy. If you can’t spot it, head to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Can’t find it there? No worries — the Microsoft Store has it in “Paint 3D” or as a standalone.

Getting Started with a New File

Once you’re in Paint, you might see an old project opening up — annoying if you want a fresh start. Hit File in the top-left corner and select New—or just press Ctrl + N. Clear it out, and ready to get stuck in!

Inserting Your Image

Now for the main part. To get your image onto the canvas, click File again and choose Open, or just press Ctrl + O. Find your image in the folders — it’s pretty straightforward. Make sure it’s in a friendly format like JPEG, PNG, BMP, or GIF. Click Open and Bob’s your uncle.

Here’s a handy tip: if you’ve got an image copied already, just right-click and select Copy, then switch back to Paint and hit Ctrl + V. It’ll slide straight in. Not bad, eh?

Adjusting Your Image

This is where Paint can catch you out a bit. Once your pic is in, you might want to resize or crop it. All those options are sitting under the Home tab.

  • To resize, click Resize or hit Ctrl + W. You can choose to resize by percentage or pixels. Just remember to tick Maintain aspect ratio if you don’t want your image to look all wonky.
  • For cropping, grab the Select tool, drag over your desired area, then hit Crop. Easy as.
  • Rotate options are in the Image section. Quick flips or 90° turns are just a click away.

If you’re after more advanced edits, you might want to check out other tools — Paint’s pretty basic for more complex stuff.

Saving Your Work

Almost there! Don’t forget to save. Go to File > Save As. You’ll see a few formats to pick from:

  • PNG: Keeps the quality up without compression.
  • JPEG: Smaller file size for easy sharing.
  • BMP: Old-school, big files but still an option.
  • GIF: Great for simple animations or limited colours.

Choose your save location — your desktop or Pictures folder are handy spots. Enter a filename, pick the format from the Save as type dropdown, then hit Save. Done and dusted!

Pro tip: Save your work regularly, especially before making big changes. Just press Ctrl + S to keep things safe.


Tips for Using Paint on Windows 11

Getting the hang of Paint? Check out some shortcuts — Ctrl + Z to undo mistakes, Ctrl + A to select everything. They’re your mates!

If you want finer control, turn on gridlines in the View tab. Seriously helps with alignment!

Play around with the tools under Home — there are brushes, shapes, and selection tools. Remember, Paint doesn’t have layers, so think ahead if you’re stacking images or adding text.

If the menu bar’s gone missing, hit Alt + F for quick access, or try F10.

Always save your work! After big edits, it’s easy to forget. Use Ctrl + S as second nature.


FAQs

How do I resize an image in Paint on Windows 11?

Click Resize in the Home tab or press Ctrl + W. Pick your resize method — percentage or pixels — and make sure to tick Maintain aspect ratio so your image doesn’t end up looking funny.

Can I insert multiple images into one project?

You bet! Open each image, copy (Ctrl + C), then paste (Ctrl + V) into your main workspace. It can get a bit fiddly — if you’re doing heaps of layering, software with layers might be a better shout.

What file formats does Paint support?

Common options are JPEG, PNG, BMP, and GIF. If your image isn’t working, try converting it online first.

Can I undo mistakes in Paint?

Absolutely! Just press Ctrl + Z or hit the Undo button. You can step back through multiple actions, too.

How do I add text to my image?

Click the A icon for the Text tool, then click on your image and start typing. You can change fonts, size, and colours from the options. Easy as.

Once you get the hang of it, inserting an image in Paint is a piece of piss. It’s a handy tool for simple edits. Why not give it a go?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet: open the app, create a new file, insert your image with Ctrl + O, and save often with Ctrl + S. Shouldn’t take long if you’re comfy with it! Hope this helps save a few hours for someone.