Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue Paint 3D in November 2024. The news came as a shock to all the users of Paint 3D who now have to either keep the already installed copy of Paint 3D or search for alternatives.
Released in 2017 as a part of the Windows 10 Creators Update, Paint 3D was initially touted as a modern replacement for the classic MS Paint. The application was introduced to bring a more robust and innovative experience to users, allowing them to create and manipulate 3D objects easily, in addition to the basic 2D editing capabilities that its predecessor offered. But pretty soon it all will become a part of history.
As Paint 3D prepares to sunset in November 2024, Microsoft seems to be acknowledging that the application never quite filled the shoes of MS Paint. The decision to discontinue it likely reflects a shift in focus as Microsoft continues to streamline its software offerings and concentrate on more widely-used applications.
With the discontinuation of Paint 3D, users who have relied on it for their creative projects may now be seeking alternatives. Fortunately, there are several free tools available that offer similar, if not superior, functionality for both 2D and 3D design.
1. Blender
Blender is an open-source 3D creation suite that is widely regarded as one of the best free tools for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. While it has a steeper learning curve than Paint 3D, Blender is incredibly powerful and is used by professionals in the industry. It offers features such as sculpting, texturing, particle simulation, and more.
You can download Blender from https://www.blender.org/.
2. Tinkercad
Tinkercad (from AutoDesk) is a user-friendly, web-based 3D modeling tool that is ideal for beginners. Created by Autodesk, it allows users to create 3D designs easily with its drag-and-drop interface. Tinkercad is particularly popular among educators and hobbyists, especially those interested in 3D printing.
You can try Tinkercad on https://www.tinkercad.com/.
3. Krita
While Krita is primarily a 2D digital painting application, it offers a wide range of features for artists, including animation tools and support for 3D-like effects through the use of filters and layer styles. It is open-source and highly customizable, making it a great choice for artists who need robust painting and drawing tools.
You can download Krita from https://krita.org/.
4. Vectary
Vectary is another web-based 3D design tool that combines the ease of use of Paint 3D with more advanced features. It supports both 2D and 3D design, and it is particularly noted for its intuitive interface and collaboration features. Users can create complex 3D scenes and even integrate augmented reality elements directly within the browser.
You can try Vectory on https://www.vectary.com/.
5. Paint.NET
For those who miss the simplicity of MS Paint but need more advanced features, Paint.NET is a fantastic option. While it does not support 3D modeling, Paint.NET offers a wide array of 2D image editing tools, including layers, filters, and plugins, making it a powerful alternative for 2D design tasks.
You can download Paint.NET from https://www.getpaint.net/.
6. SketchUp Free
It is an online 3D design software that lets you dive in and get creating without downloading anything. Offers a free version with limited features, but it’s still a solid choice for creating basic 3D models and architectural designs.
You can try SketchUp on https://www.sketchup.com/.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of Paint 3D marks the end of a chapter in Microsoft’s creative software history. While the application offered an innovative approach to digital art, it ultimately struggled to gain traction in a competitive market. As users bid farewell to Paint 3D in November 2024, they can turn to a variety of free alternatives that cater to both 2D and 3D design needs, ensuring that creativity continues to flourish in the digital age.