Introducing Cocreator: Unleashing Your Creativity on Windows 11 Paint
As a new MacBook owner, I couldn’t help but miss the simplicity and charm of the Paint app on Windows. It may be a rudimentary graphics editor, but it holds a special place in my heart. I remember the joy of sketching wildly on Paint, creating a whirlwind of colors and shapes. However, there were times when I felt stuck, staring at a blank canvas with artist’s block. That’s where Cocreator, a new AI-powered feature on the Paint app, comes in to save the day.
So, what exactly is Cocreator? It’s designed to guide you through your creative process while doodling on Paint. It uses AI technology to assist you in bringing your artistic ideas to life. Recently, at a Microsoft press event, I had the opportunity to experience Cocreator firsthand, and I must say, I was impressed.
Using Cocreator is simple. When you open the Paint app on Windows 11, you’ll notice a panel on the right side called “Cocreator.” In a text field that says, “Describe what you’d like to create,” you can type in a prompt that gives Cocreator an idea of what you’re about to draw. Once you have your prompt in mind, start drawing based on it. Cocreator will then generate its best rendition of your creation, using your doodle as a guide.
During my hands-on experience with Cocreator, a Microsoft representative asked me what I wanted to create. I blurted out the first thing that came to mind—a dancing pink flamingo with heels. After entering my prompt into the text field, I picked up the Surface Pen and selected the perfect pink hue. As I started doodling, I realized that I had forgotten how to draw a flamingo. Panic set in as I struggled to recall the bird’s shape. But just when I was about to give up, Cocreator swooped in and generated a striking picture of a flamingo for me. Emboldened by its assistance, I added legs and black heels to my drawing, resulting in a somewhat duck-like flamingo on stilts. Nevertheless, Cocreator understood my intentions and transformed my doodle into a stunning image of an actual dancing pink flamingo with heels.
As you continue to add more details to your drawing, Cocreator follows suit, enhancing your artwork with artistic flair. There’s even a slider that allows you to adjust the creativity level of Cocreator’s rendition, giving you control over the final result.
However, it’s important to note that Cocreator is currently only available on Copilot+ PCs. This includes the newly unveiled Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and the Surface Pro 11, which I used during my hands-on experience. The reason for this limitation is that Cocreator requires an NPU (neural processing unit), a specialized processor designed for handling AI tasks. The Surface Pro 11, for instance, offers two chip options—the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, with the latter boasting impressive performance that can rival the M3 chip found in MacBooks.
If you’re interested in harnessing the power of Cocreator on Paint, you’ll need to invest in either a Surface Laptop 7 or a Surface Pro 11. The starting price for both devices is $999, but opting for the Snapdragon X Elite chip variant will cost you a bit more.
In conclusion, Cocreator is an exciting addition to the Paint app on Windows 11. It empowers users to overcome creative blocks and bring their ideas to life with the help of AI technology. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply looking to have fun with doodling, Cocreator is sure to enhance your artistic journey. So grab a Copilot+ PC, unleash your creativity, and let Cocreator be your guide.
