How To Add, Color and Rotate text in MS Paint

MS Paint has been around since the 1990s and still looks like it stayed there while the rest of us moved on. However, it is installed with Windows, works okay for basic image editing and can perform some tasks we might need for the web. This tutorial is going to show you how to how to add text, resize text, change text color and rotate text.

MS Paint is okay for basic image editing. If you want to perform more actions, you’re going to need one of the many other programs out there that do it better. Some of them are free like Gimp or Paint.net while others come at quite a premium like Photoshop or Paintshop Pro. As this tutorial is about MS Paint, let’s ignore those and concentrate on that.

If you’re a Windows 10 user, you also get Paint 3D which is an updated version of the original. We’re not working with that, we are using MS Paint. If you can’t find it, type ‘paint’ into the Cortana Search box and select it from there.

MS Paint doesn’t use layers like other editors so you will be adding text directly onto the image. A little experimentation may be necessary to get to grips with not selecting outside the text until you’re finished otherwise you can lose control of the text tool and have to start again.

How to add text in MS Paint

Adding text to create a meme is probably the most common reason why you would want to use MS Paint. It’s a very simple task that even this very basic image editor is capable of doing. That begins by adding text to an image.

1. Open up MS Paint and add your background image if you’re using one.
   
2. Select the ‘A’ icon within the Tools section in the Ribbon.
   
3. Place the cursor on the image where you want to add your text.
   
4. Type your message.
   

Remember to not select outside the text box until you’re finished as you won’t be able to go back if you do!

How to resize text in MS Paint

Resizing text in MS Paint is refreshingly simple but you have to do it while the text is still selected within the image.

1. Select all of the text you added in the box.
   
2. Select the numbered drop down box within Font on the Ribbon to resize.
   
3. Set the number to the font size you require.
   

You may find the text container cuts some of the text if you go too large. You can resize the container by selecting it, dragging and dropping it. This should not place the text so you can no longer edit it.

How to change text color in MS Paint

Changing the text color is one of the easier things to do in Paint. There is a simple interface that displays a bunch of colors and the ability to edit them. Again, you need to ensure text is still selected so you can edit it but is otherwise a breeze.

1. Select all of the text you added in the text box.
   
2. Select a color from the Colors box.
   
3. Select Edit colors and choose a tone if a default doesn’t work for you.
   

The text should change color immediately to reflect your change.

How to rotate text in MS Paint

Rotating text is something we take for granted as super simple in other editing programs. As you would normally add text as a layer you can then customize it to your heart’s content. With MS Paint, you don’t use layers so you have to work a little harder.

Rotation only works for the image as a whole so when placing text you will want to rotate you need to place it over an area you can rotate without it spoiling the image. You cannot select the text in isolation and rotate it.

1. Add your text to the image.
   
2. Select the Home tab at the top.
   
3. Select the Select tool in the Ribbon and draw a box around the text.
   
4. Select Rotate and choose your setting.
   

You cannot manually increment the rotation, you have the option for Right 90, Left 90, Rotate 180, Flip vertical and Flip horizontal. Those are your only options. Once rotated, you can still manipulate the text while it is still selected. Once you click outside the selection you set the text. Undo is your friend as always but it doesn’t make life easy.

MS Paint is incredibly basic but for creating a quick meme it can do the job. Got any MS Paint tips to share? Tell us about them below if you do!