Microsoft has officially confirmed that its Paint 3D app, once a cornerstone of its creative tools lineup, will be discontinued and removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4th, 2024.
The move marks the end of an era for an app that was initially launched with high expectations as part of Microsoft’s ambitious push towards enhancing the creative capabilities of Windows 10.
The rise and fall of Paint 3D
Paint 3D was introduced in 2017 as a significant update to the classic Paint app, which has been a staple of Windows for decades. The app was part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to position Windows 10 as a platform for creators. With its 3D modeling capabilities and user-friendly interface, Paint 3D was designed to make 3D creation accessible to everyone, from novice users to seasoned artists. The app allowed users to create, view, and manipulate 3D objects, adding a new dimension to the traditional 2D canvas of the original Paint.
At the time of its release, Paint 3D was seen as a potential replacement for the aging MS Paint. Microsoft even hinted at phasing out the original Paint in favor of this new, more advanced tool. The idea was to tap into the growing interest in 3D content creation, which was becoming increasingly relevant with the rise of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive technologies.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm, Paint 3D struggled to gain widespread adoption. While it offered some impressive features, it never quite captured the hearts of users in the same way that the classic Paint app had done for generations. Many users found the interface to be cumbersome, and the focus on 3D creation was not as appealing to the general user base, who primarily used Paint for simple tasks like basic image editing and drawing.
Farewell Paint 3D
In a support note published by Microsoft, the company confirmed that “Paint 3D is deprecated and will be removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4th, 2024.” This means that the app will no longer be available for download, and existing users will no longer receive support or updates. Those still using the app will see a banner within the application warning them about the upcoming end of support.
For users who still need to view or work with 3D content, Microsoft is recommending its 3D Viewer app as an alternative. 3D Viewer is another tool from Microsoft that allows users to view 3D models and animations, though it lacks the creation and editing features that Paint 3D offered.
Shifting focus to the classic Paint app
As Paint 3D is phased out, Microsoft is redirecting its efforts toward improving the classic Paint app, which has been a part of the Windows operating system since 1985. In recent years, the original Paint app has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among users who appreciate its simplicity and ease of use. Recognizing this, Microsoft has begun to enhance the Paint app within Windows 11, adding features that bring it closer to more sophisticated image editing software.
Recent updates to Paint have introduced functionalities reminiscent of Adobe Photoshop, such as layers, advanced color tools, and even some AI-powered features. These enhancements are part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to modernize its core apps while keeping them accessible and user-friendly. By focusing on the original Paint app, Microsoft aims to provide a versatile tool that can serve a wide range of users, from casual doodlers to more serious digital artists.
Featured image credit: Microsoft
