How to Use Cocreator in Paint on Windows 11

Cocreator in Microsoft Paint brings generative AI directly to your canvas on Windows 11, allowing you to combine freehand digital sketching with text prompts to create refined artwork. This guide explains the step-by-step process of accessing the Cocreator feature, drawing your base sketch, crafting effective prompts, and fine-tuning the AI output using the creativity controls.

Prerequisites

To use Cocreator, ensure you have the latest version of Microsoft Paint installed via the Microsoft Store on Windows 11. Full real-time generation is optimized for Copilot+ PCs equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). You will also need to be signed in with a Microsoft account.

Step 1: Open the Cocreator Panel

  1. Launch Paint from the Start menu or search bar.
  2. Click the Cocreator icon located on the right side of the top toolbar.
  3. A side panel will appear on the right displaying the text prompt box, style selector, and creativity settings.

Step 2: Draw Your Base Sketch

Use standard Paint tools—such as the brush, pencil, shapes, and color palette—to sketch a rough outline of your idea on the canvas. The AI uses your lines and colors as a structural and spatial guide, so even simple shapes and basic color blocking will guide the final composition.

Step 3: Enter a Text Prompt

In the Cocreator side panel, type a clear, descriptive prompt explaining the scene you want to generate. Include key details such as subject matter, lighting, mood, and environment. For example: “A serene mountain lake surrounded by pine trees during a golden-hour sunset.”

Step 4: Choose an Art Style

Click the Style dropdown menu in the panel to choose an artistic medium for your final output. Available styles include options such as: - Watercolor - Oil Painting - Ink Sketch - Anime - Photorealistic - Pixel Art

Step 5: Adjust the Creativity Slider

The Creativity slider controls how strictly the AI adheres to your original sketch versus interpreting the text prompt: - Lower settings: The AI closely matches the exact contours, proportions, and colors of your hand-drawn sketch. - Higher settings: The AI takes more artistic liberty, prioritizing the text prompt and adding detailed textures, lighting, and complex elements.

Step 6: Refine and Save Your Artwork

As you modify your sketch on the canvas, the AI output will update automatically in real time. Once you are satisfied with the preview: 1. Click on the generated artwork in the side panel to apply it to your main canvas. 2. Use standard Paint tools if you wish to add further manual touches. 3. Go to File > Save As to export your completed image in your preferred format (PNG, JPEG, or BMP).