Paint 3D Brushes and Tools Explained (2026)
Paint 3D’s Brushes tab holds ten drawing tools, and every one of them works on both the flat canvas and the surface of 3D objects. Choosing the right brush and finish is the fastest way to make artwork look polished. For how the brushes fit into the rest of the app, see the Paint 3D beginner guide.
Every Paint 3D brush
| Brush | Best for |
|---|---|
| Marker | Bold, solid strokes and outlines |
| Calligraphy pen | Hand lettering with thick and thin strokes |
| Oil brush | Textured, painterly strokes that blend |
| Watercolor | Soft, translucent washes of color |
| Pixel pen | Pixel art and hard-edged detail |
| Pencil | Sketching and fine lines |
| Eraser | Removing strokes from the canvas or objects |
| Crayon | Grainy, hand-drawn texture |
| Spray can | Airbrush and graffiti effects |
| Fill | Filling an area or a whole 3D object with one color |
Brush settings
- Thickness: controls stroke size.
- Opacity: lower values let colors underneath show through.
- Material: choose matte, gloss, dull metal, or polished metal. Finishes are most visible on 3D objects, where they change how light reflects.
- Color: pick from the palette, use the eyedropper to sample a color, or add a custom color.
Other essential tools
| Tool | What it does | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Select | Selects part of the canvas to move, copy, or delete | Beginner guide |
| Crop | Trims the image to a new size | Crop tutorial |
| Magic select | Cuts out a subject automatically | Magic Select guide |
| Text | Adds 2D or 3D text | Text tutorial |
| 3D shapes | Adds models, shapes, and 3D doodles | 3D models guide |
Tip: for a realistic metal object, add a 3D shape, pick Fill with the polished metal finish, click the object, then add highlights with a low-opacity marker.
FAQ
Does Paint 3D support drawing tablets?
Yes. Paint 3D works with Windows Ink pens and tablets, and several brushes respond to pen pressure.
Can I add custom brushes?
No. Paint 3D only includes its built-in brushes. For custom brushes, try Krita, listed in our alternatives guide.