Paint 3D: Free 3D Modeling and Digital Art for Windows
Paint 3D is a free 3D creation tool from Microsoft for Windows. Build 3D models, remove image backgrounds with Magic Select, paint on 3D surfaces, and export your work in formats like 3MF, GLB, and PNG.
✓ No Account Required
✓ Works on Windows 10 and 11
What Paint 3D Can Do
Paint 3D combines a 2D drawing canvas with a full 3D modeling workspace. It handles everything from photo editing and background removal to 3D object creation and file export for 3D printing.
2D and 3D Canvas
Draw on a flat canvas with 8 brush types or switch to 3D View to model objects in three-dimensional space. Both views use the same project file, so your 2D art and 3D scenes stay together.
Magic Select Tool
Magic Select lets you outline any subject in a photo or drawing. Paint 3D removes the background automatically and isolates the cutout. Useful for sticker creation, photo compositing, and transparent PNG export.
3D Model Import and Export
Start with built-in 3D primitives (cube, sphere, cylinder, cone, torus) or import models in 3MF, FBX, OBJ, PLY, and STL formats. Paint directly on surfaces, then export as 3MF or GLB for 3D printing or web use.
3D Text
Add text that floats in 3D space. Choose any installed font, adjust size and color, and rotate your text along the X, Y, or Z axis. Works alongside 3D models in the same scene.
Stickers, Textures, and Decals
Apply stickers and textures to any 3D surface. Use the included sticker library or import your own images. Decals wrap around curved surfaces automatically, following the shape of the underlying model.
Multi-Format Export
Save 2D work as PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, or GIF. Export 3D scenes in 3MF (preserves Paint 3D data), GLB (web and cross-platform), FBX, or STL (3D printing). Copy selections directly to the clipboard.
How to Get Started with Paint 3D
- Download Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store. The installer is under 120 MB. No Microsoft account is required to use the core tools. If you are on Windows 11, check our installation guide for the latest download options.
- Open Paint 3D and choose a starting point. Select “New” for a blank canvas, or click “Open” to load an existing image (PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF). The top toolbar shows your main workspaces: Brushes, 2D Shapes, 3D Shapes, Stickers, Text, Canvas, and Effects.
- Create your first project. Use Brushes to draw. Switch to 3D Shapes to add objects. Use Magic Select to cut out subjects. Press Ctrl+S to save, or go to Menu > Save As to export in your preferred format.
Popular Paint 3D Guides
Step-by-step Paint 3D tutorials for the tasks users search for most. Each guide includes exact menu paths, tool names, and the expected result at every step.
Remove a Background
Use Magic Select to isolate subjects and delete backgrounds from photos and images.
Make a Transparent Background
Toggle Canvas transparency, remove the background, and save as PNG.
Crop an Image
Resize the canvas to trim your image to exact pixel dimensions.
Resize an Image
Scale your canvas or content by pixels or percentage.
Add Text to Projects
Insert 2D or 3D text. Choose fonts, sizes, and colors.
Convert 2D to 3D
Turn flat images into 3D objects with the Make 3D feature.
System Requirements for Paint 3D
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 version 1703 (Creators Update) | Windows 10 22H2 or Windows 11 |
| Processor (CPU) | 1 GHz or faster, x86 or x64 | Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 or higher |
| Memory (RAM) | 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) | 4 GB or more |
| Disk Space | 120 MB for installation | 500 MB free for projects and temp files |
| Graphics (GPU) | DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 driver | DirectX 11 compatible GPU |
| Display | 1024 x 768 minimum | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) or higher |
Paint 3D is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app. It does not run natively on macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS. See Mac alternatives here.
Paint 3D Drawing Tools
Paint 3D includes 8 distinct brush types for 2D drawing, plus fill, shape, and line tools. Read the full brushes guide for detailed settings.
| Brush | Category | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Marker | 2D Brush | Bold, opaque strokes for outlines and solid fills |
| Calligraphy Pen | 2D Brush | Variable-width strokes that mimic pen pressure |
| Oil Brush | 2D Brush | Textured, blendable strokes for realistic painting |
| Watercolor | 2D Brush | Semi-transparent layered washes with soft edges |
| Pixel Pen | 2D Brush | Hard-edged lines for pixel art and precise detail |
| Pencil | 2D Brush | Light sketching, shading, and fine line work |
| Spray Can | 2D Brush | Soft gradients, airbrush effects, and diffused color |
| Eraser | Tool | Removing brush strokes or clearing canvas areas |
Paint 3D After November 2024
Microsoft discontinued Paint 3D in November 2024. The app was removed from the Microsoft Store for new downloads, and active development ended. Paint 3D continues to work on machines where it was previously installed. Users who downloaded it before the removal date can reinstall it from their Microsoft Store library.
If you need to get Paint 3D on a new device or recover it after a Windows update, these guides walk through every current option:
Paint 3D vs Other Tools
How does Paint 3D compare to Microsoft Paint, Blender, Tinkercad, and other creative software? These guides break down the differences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paint 3D
Is Paint 3D still free to download?
Does Paint 3D work on Windows 11?
What is the difference between Paint and Paint 3D?
Can I run Paint 3D on a Mac?
What 3D file formats does Paint 3D support?
Why did Microsoft discontinue Paint 3D?
The Complete Paint 3D Resource
Paints3D.net is the independent hub for everything Paint 3D. Tutorials, troubleshooting, feature guides, and download links. No fluff. No paywalls.