Paint 3D vs MS Paint: Key Differences (2026)
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Paint 3D vs MS Paint
Two free Microsoft apps, two very different jobs. Here is exactly when to use each.
Paint 3D and MS Paint share a name and a developer, but they are separate apps. Microsoft Paint has shipped with Windows since 1985 and focuses on 2D images. Paint 3D arrived in April 2017 with the Windows 10 Creators Update and added a 3D workspace on top of classic drawing tools. In 2024, Microsoft retired Paint 3D and kept developing classic Paint, so the gap between them has changed.
- 3D shapes, models, and 3D doodle
- Paint directly on 3D surfaces
- 3D text and scene lighting effects
- Exports 3MF, GLB, FBX, and STL
- No longer updated
- Fast, simple 2D editing
- Layers and transparency in recent versions
- Built-in background removal
- Preinstalled on Windows 11
- Still actively updated
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Paint 3D | Microsoft Paint |
|---|---|---|
| First released | 2017 | 1985 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Preinstalled on Windows 11 | No | Yes |
| 3D objects and scenes | Yes | No |
| Background removal | Magic Select | Yes, in recent versions |
| Layers | Each object is separate | Yes, in recent versions |
| Transparent canvas | Yes | Yes, in recent versions |
| Stickers and textures | Yes | No |
| 3D file export | 3MF, GLB, FBX, STL | No |
| Image formats | PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF | PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, HEIC |
| Still updated | No (retired November 2024) | Yes |
When to use Paint 3D
- You want to create or edit simple 3D models.
- You need to paint textures or stickers onto a 3D object.
- You want 3D text or a rotating 3D scene exported as a video.
- You are preparing a simple model for 3D printing.
When to use MS Paint
- You need a quick crop, resize, or annotation.
- You want layers for simple 2D compositions.
- You want an app that will keep receiving updates.
Verdict: for flat images, MS Paint is now good enough for most people. For anything involving depth, 3D objects, or 3D printing, Paint 3D remains the easier choice. Learn it with our Paint 3D beginner guide.
FAQ
Is Paint 3D better than MS Paint?
For 3D work, yes. For everyday 2D edits, the latest MS Paint is just as capable and still receives updates.
Can I have Paint 3D and MS Paint installed at the same time?
Yes. They are separate apps and work side by side on Windows 10 and Windows 11.