Microsoft unveiled a new Notepad (version 11.2504.46.0) update on May 22nd, introducing the ability to write new content based on prompts using generative AI. The new Write feature was first discovered earlier this year in code included in test builds of Windows 11.
Microsoft rolled out the new Write feature in Notepad as part of a Windows 11 update released to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels with Copilot Plus PCs. To get started, users will either right-click where they want new text inserted in a document or select existing text they want to use as a reference.
The update also included new AI-powered features like a sticker generator for Paint and improvements to the Snipping Tool, which can automatically crop and resize screenshots based on users’ preferences.
The ‘Write’ feature follows two other AI-powered tools tested in Notepad
The new Write feature followed two other AI-powered tools, Summarize and Rewrite, that Microsoft has been testing with Notepad. Summarize, first introduced last March, can generate a summary of the text in a document. Rewrite, which began testing last November, can adjust the tone of text, shorten or lengthen it, and rephrase sentences.
Users must be signed into their Microsoft accounts to use Notepad’s new Write feature, which will utilize the same credits system in other AI-powered Windows 11 features. However, Microsoft has not yet disclosed the pricing for these credits if it eventually starts charging for them. Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, Enterprise, and Copilot Pro subscribers will be able to use AI credits to use Write in Notepad.
“As always, we love getting feedback from the community and we will be looking out for your thoughts and suggestions on these updates.”
–Dave Grochocki, Principal Group Product Manager – Windows Inbox Apps
After selecting the new Write feature in Windows’ Copilot menu, a prompt will appear where instructions can be entered. The AI-generated output will appear in the document, but users can keep it, discard it if it is not what they are aiming for, or refine the output by entering follow-up prompts. Users will also be allowed to disable AI features in app settings if they prefer.
Microsoft adds AI-powered features for Paint and Snipping Tool
According to Microsoft, a new sticker generator will join other AI features already being tested in Microsoft Paint, such as Generative Fill, Generative Erase, and the Cocreator tool, which can create images based on text prompts and reference sketches.
A new button in the Copilot menu will open a prompt where users can describe the sticker they want to create, and Paint will generate a small set of stickers based on their description. The stickers can then be added to the users’ canvas or copied to other applications. Paint will also get a new Object select tool that will rely on AI to create smart selections that take most of the grunt work out of isolating and manipulating specific elements in a photo or painting.
Windows 11’s Snipping Tool is also gaining a new Perfect screenshot button on its toolbar to make it easier to screenshot exactly what is needed and immediately share it without edits. The new Snipping Tool will include a Color picker that will allow users to see the HEX, RGB, or HSL color values below an eyedropper cursor, and they will be able to zoom for more precision by either scrolling or using Ctrl +/- keyboard shortcuts. Color picker will be great for designers, developers, and anyone needing to quickly match a color you see on your screen as part of a project.
