How to Insert Image in Paint Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wanted to add or combine images using Microsoft Paint, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re creating a meme, editing a photo, or just experimenting with pictures, learning how to insert an image in Paint on Windows 11 is quick and easy once you know the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to insert, resize, move, and edit images in Microsoft Paint on Windows 11 — step-by-step. We’ll also share handy tips, troubleshooting solutions, and shortcuts to make your workflow faster and smoother.

Table of Contents

🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Topic	Key Details
Tool Used	Microsoft Paint (Windows 11 built-in app)
Main Task	Insert or add one or more images into a Paint canvas
Best Method	Use “Paste from” or Drag & Drop method
Bonus Features	Resize, rotate, crop, and combine images
Difficulty	Beginner-friendly
Estimated Time	Less than 5 minutes

What Is Microsoft Paint in Windows 11?

Microsoft Paint is a free image editing application that comes pre-installed with Windows. It’s been around for decades — and while it’s simple compared to Photoshop or GIMP, it’s still incredibly useful for basic editing, drawing, and combining images.

In Windows 11, Paint received a modern refresh:

A new interface that matches Windows 11’s rounded design
Support for dark mode
Improved tools for drawing and cropping
Updated menus for easier navigation

If you just want to insert images, merge pictures, or overlay graphics, Paint is the perfect lightweight tool.

Why Insert Images in Paint?

You might want to insert an image in Paint for several reasons, such as:

Combining two photos into one
Adding a logo or watermark
Creating memes or collages
Editing screenshots
Inserting clip art or icons into your project
Making simple digital art

No matter your reason, the process is fast and straightforward once you understand the tools.

How to Open Microsoft Paint in Windows 11

Before you can insert an image, you need to open Paint. Here are several quick ways to do it:

🪟 Option 1: Using the Start Menu

Click the Start button (Windows icon).
Type Paint in the search bar.
Select Paint from the search results.

⌨️ Option 2: Using Run Command

Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
Type mspaint and hit Enter.
Paint will open instantly.

📁 Option 3: Right-Click an Image

Right-click any image file (like .jpg, .png, .bmp).
Select Open with → Paint.

How to Insert Image in Paint Windows 11 (Main Method)

Now, let’s get to the core — how to insert an image in Paint.

Step-by-Step: Insert an Image into Paint

Open Microsoft Paint.
Start with a blank canvas or open an existing image.
Click on the “Paste” menu.
At the top toolbar, click the Paste dropdown arrow.
Choose “Paste from.”
This option lets you insert an image from your computer.
Select your image file.
Browse and choose the image you want to insert, then click Open.
Move and adjust the image.
Once inserted, drag the image to position it where you want.
Resize if needed.
Use the corner handles to increase or decrease the image size proportionally.
Save your work.
Press Ctrl + S to save or Ctrl + Shift + S to save as a new file.

That’s it! You’ve successfully inserted an image in Paint on Windows 11.

Alternative Ways to Insert Images in Paint

Sometimes, you might want to use faster or more creative methods. Here are a few alternatives:

🔹 1. Drag and Drop Method

Open Paint.
Drag any image from File Explorer directly onto the Paint canvas.
The image will automatically appear in the project.

💡 Pro Tip: Hold Shift while dropping the image to paste it as a new layer (instead of replacing the current one).

🔹 2. Copy and Paste Method

If you already have an image copied from the web or another app:

Right-click the image → Select Copy.
Open Paint.
Press Ctrl + V to paste it.
Move or resize as needed.

This method works great when you’re combining screenshots, icons, or images from online sources.

🔹 3. Insert a Second Image on Top of Another

Want to overlay one image on another (like a logo or sticker)?
Here’s how:

Open your base image in Paint.
Go to Paste → Paste from.
Select the second image (logo, small graphic, etc.).
Position it where you want on top of the first image.
Save your combined image.

How to Resize an Inserted Image in Paint

Sometimes the inserted image doesn’t fit your canvas. To fix that:

Click the Select tool on the top menu.
Click the inserted image to activate the resize handles.
Drag a corner handle to resize proportionally.
Alternatively, use the Resize button in the toolbar.
- Choose Percentage or Pixels.
- Check Maintain aspect ratio.
- Adjust width and height.

✅ Tip: Resizing via handles is quick, but the Resize dialog gives you more control.

How to Move an Inserted Image in Paint

Select the Select tool.
Click and hold the image you inserted.
Drag it to the desired position.
Release the mouse to drop it there.

💡 Tip: If you accidentally move the background image, press Ctrl + Z to undo and reselect the overlay image.

How to Rotate or Flip the Inserted Image

Want your image at a different angle? Follow these steps:

Click the inserted image.
Go to the Image group in the toolbar.
Select Rotate.
Choose one of the following options:
- Rotate right 90°
- Rotate left 90°
- Rotate 180°
- Flip horizontally
- Flip vertically

Perfect for aligning logos, portraits, or creative layouts.

How to Crop Around an Inserted Image

Sometimes you want only a specific part of your image. Here’s how to crop it neatly:

Select the area using the Select tool.
Drag around the portion you want to keep.
Click the Crop button in the top toolbar.

The rest of the image will be removed instantly.

How to Combine Two or More Images in Paint

You can easily merge multiple images into one project:

Open the first image in Paint.
Click Paste → Paste from and choose the second image.
Move and resize as needed.
Repeat for additional images.
Once done, click File → Save As to keep your combined version.

You can use this method to create:

Photo collages
Side-by-side comparisons
Tutorial visuals

How to Insert Transparent PNGs in Paint

If your image has a transparent background (like a logo), you can keep that transparency when inserting it.

Open your base image.
Go to Paste → Paste from and select your PNG file.
Before moving it, click the Select dropdown.
Choose Transparent selection.

Now the transparent parts of the image won’t block your background.

How to Fix Common Issues When Inserting Images in Paint

Even simple tools can cause a few hiccups. Let’s fix them quickly.

❌ Issue 1: “Image Replaced Instead of Inserted”

Cause: Dragging or opening a new image replaces the existing one.
Fix: Always use Paste → Paste from to insert without replacing.

⚠️ Issue 2: Image Looks Stretched or Squished

Cause: Resized without maintaining aspect ratio.
Fix: Use the Resize tool and check “Maintain aspect ratio.”

🖼️ Issue 3: Transparency Not Showing

Fix: Enable Transparent selection before moving your image.

🔁 Issue 4: Image Too Large for Canvas

Fix: Expand the canvas size from the edges or use File → Properties → Resize Canvas.

Expert Tips for Working with Images in Paint

✅ Use keyboard shortcuts:
- Ctrl + O → Open
- Ctrl + V → Paste
- Ctrl + S → Save
- Ctrl + Z → Undo
🪄 Use “Zoom In/Out” to make small adjustments precisely.
📐 Enable “Gridlines” under the View tab for alignment.
💾 Save as PNG for better quality and transparency support.
🖊️ Add text with the Text tool after inserting the image.

When to Use Paint vs Paint 3D

Feature	Paint	Paint 3D
Basic editing	✅	✅
3D objects	❌	✅
Transparency	✅ (limited)	✅
Stickers & textures	❌	✅
Simplicity	✅	⚠️ Slightly complex

If you’re doing simple image editing, use Paint.
If you want 3D graphics or layered editing, go for Paint 3D.

Conclusion: Mastering Image Insertion in Paint on Windows 11

By now, you know exactly how to insert an image in Paint on Windows 11 — and much more. From adding multiple pictures to resizing, rotating, and cropping, Paint remains a surprisingly powerful tool for quick edits.

Here’s a quick recap:

Open Paint and use Paste → Paste from to insert images.
Move, resize, and crop with the built-in tools.
Use Transparent selection for PNG overlays.
Combine multiple images to create collages or tutorials.

Even in 2025, Microsoft Paint continues to be one of the easiest ways to manage and edit images quickly — perfect for beginners, students, and casual users alike.

🔍 FAQs About Inserting Images in Paint (Windows 11)

1. Can I insert multiple images at once in Paint?

No, Paint doesn’t support batch insertion. You’ll need to add each image one at a time using Paste → Paste from.

2. How do I insert an image without replacing the existing one?

Use the Paste from option instead of Open. This inserts the new image on top of your current canvas.

3. Can I insert a transparent PNG in Paint?

Yes! Enable Transparent selection before or after inserting the PNG image.

4. How can I change the background color of the canvas?

Click the Fill with color (bucket) tool and choose a new color before or after inserting your image.

5. Is Paint available on all Windows 11 editions?

Yes, Microsoft Paint comes pre-installed on all versions of Windows 11. If you can’t find it, you can reinstall it via the Microsoft Store.

📝 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re editing a family photo, creating a quick graphic for a blog, or designing a meme, inserting an image in Paint on Windows 11 takes just a few clicks. It’s one of the simplest tools — but when used creatively, it can produce impressive results.

So go ahead, open Paint, and start experimenting today!