PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Windows 11 Paint lets you separate image elements into layers, reorder or hide them, and erase pixels to reveal content on lower layers. It can open and save transparent PNGs; where the relevant controls are available, you can also hide the canvas background to make a transparent result.
Paint offers basic layer and transparency tools, not Photoshop feature parity. Availability varies by Paint version and rollout channel, so check your installed app if a button or shortcut is missing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Check Paint and open the Layers panel
- Open Paint and look for Layers in the toolbar.
- Select Layers to open the side panel.
- If the button is missing, check for Paint updates in the Microsoft Store and check your installed Paint version. Microsoft introduced these features through staged Insider rollouts, so not every installation necessarily has the same controls.
Microsoft first announced Paint layers for version 11.2308.18.0 or higher in a staged Windows Insider rollout beginning in September 2023. That announcement is historical rollout context, not proof that every current Windows 11 device has identical controls.
Build a simple layered image
Keep the background, main subject, and labels or decorative shapes on separate layers. This makes it easier to change or hide one element without repainting the others.
#1 Best Overall
- Full HD Portable Monitor - MNN 15.6inch portable laptop monitor with 1920*1080 resolution, advanced IPS glossy screen support 178° full viewing angle, it renders accurate and bright color, draws you into the video or game with lifelike colors and amazing detail.It can effectively reduce blue light radiation damage, no flickering, eye-care, and make it easier to watch for a long time.A second monitor for working from home.
- Double Type-C Port -For Plug & Play, the MNN monitor provides 2 Full Feature Type-C ports. Only One USB Type-C Cable is required to connect to the power supply & display signal transmission. NOTE: Your device should support thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE.which supports multiple connect ways to your laptops, PC, Phones, Macbooks, PS5/PS4, Xbox, and Switch.
- Lightweight Ultra Slim for Travel - As a portable external monitor,MNN portable laptop monitor easily accommodate to every suitcase and backpack and stress-free when you are holding it for a long time. They are truly portable computer monitors for travelers, students, gamers,engineers, and everyone.
- Give consideration to work and games - through multiple display modes [Copy Mode/Extended Mode/Second Screen Mode/Portrait Mode], we can bring you a clear second screen in the meeting, and expand the screen anytime and anywhere to improve work efficiency and improve the quality of life. Adjusting to HDR mode can upgrade the image to a new level, providing you with brighter highlights,deeper and more realistic colors, more realistic images, and amazing viewing/gaming experience.
- Powerful Smart Cover - MNN portable external monitor can work in both landscape and portrait mode, can be used as a gaming monitor, screen extender for laptop or phone. Comes with a scratch-proof smart cover made of durable PU leather exterior, doubles as a stand, provides comprehensive protection for this portable computer monitor.
- Open an image or start a canvas. Put the background on a lower layer.
- Use the Layers panel to add a layer for the subject or another image element.
- Add another layer for labels, shapes, or annotations if needed.
- Select the layer you want to work on before editing it.
- Reorder layers in the panel to change which elements appear above others.
- Use the panel’s visibility control to show or hide a layer. Duplicate a layer when you need another copy.
- Merge layers only when you no longer need to adjust them independently.
Microsoft documents adding, removing, managing, reordering, showing or hiding, duplicating, and merging layers in Paint. Each element on its own layer can be easier to revise than a flattened composition.
Understand transparency and erasing
The checkerboard on the canvas marks transparent areas; it is a display cue, not part of the exported image. Erasing removes pixels from the selected layer. If there is content on a lower layer, that content shows through the erased area.
Recommended Free Tools
- Select the layer containing the pixels you want to erase.
- Erase a small test area and check whether the layer below shows through.
- If the result is not what you expect, check that the correct layer is selected and that the lower layer contains visible content.
Hide or change the canvas background
In the March 2024 Insider announcement, Microsoft described a Background tile in the Layers panel for choosing a canvas background color and a Hide background option for transparency. The announced shortcuts are Ctrl+Shift+B to open the background color picker and Ctrl+Shift+H to show or hide the background.
Rank #2
- 15.6" FHD Portable Monitor - Featuring a 1920*1080P resolution, 178°FULL viewing angle, HDR, and Low Blue Light Super Clear IPS A-grade screen, this Anyuse portable screen for laptop enhanced visual experience, reduces eye strain and fatigue.
- Double Type-C Port -For Plug & Play - Anyuse portable monitor features 2 full-featured Type-C ports and 1 MINI HDMI port. You can easily access your favorite devices with just one USB Type-C or MINI HDMI cable. NOTE: Your device should support Thunderbolt 3.0/4.0 or USB 3.1 Type C DP ALT-MODE.
- Portable & Light Weight - At just 1.37lbs and 0.04 inch thin, this portable laptop monitor is ultra-portable and perfect for on-the-go productivity or gaming. flexible to use anywhere you need a second screen for laptop. bringing you efficiency for meetings, work from home, and presentations.
- Able to Balance Work and Play - With multiple display modes [copy mode/extension mode/second screen mode]. During meetings,it can copy your laptop's content as a second screen to share with others.At work, it can be used as a second extended screen to increase productivity. In life, adjusting to HDR mode can upgrade the image to a new level, providing you with brighter highlights, more realistic colors and images.Two built-in speakers provide an amazing viewing and gaming experience.
- Wide Compatibility - Enjoy hassle-free plug-and-play functionality with the portable monitor. it is compatible with all devices equipped with HDMI and USB Type-C ports like laptops, PS, XBOX, SWITCH game consoles, No app or driver installation required.
These controls were announced as an Insider rollout. If the Background tile or shortcuts are absent or behave differently, check the current Paint interface and your app version rather than assuming every build has them.
Save a transparent PNG
Paint supports opening and saving transparent PNGs. PNG is a suitable choice when you need an exported image to retain transparent areas, such as a cutout or overlay.
- Make sure the areas intended to be transparent are actually transparent, rather than covered by a solid background layer.
- If your Paint version offers the Background tile, hide the background when needed.
- Save the image as PNG.
- Open the PNG in a viewer or destination that displays transparency to verify the result.
A viewer may display transparent pixels as white. Check the file against a different background before concluding that transparency was lost. Saving as PNG does not mean the exported image retains Paint’s independently editable layers; keep the composition in Paint if you need to continue editing it.
Rank #3
- [ FHD 1080P PORTABLE MONITOR ]: KYY using a 15.6''(8.8"x14.2") advanced IPS screen with 178° wide viewing angle, Delivers 1920*1080 breathtaking viewing quality and HDR technology, KYY portable gaming monitor has excellent color rendering ability, provide you the clearer, smooth, excellent performance in gaming/multimedia. It can effectively reduce blue light radiation damage, no flickering, eye-care, and make it easier to watch for a long time
- [ WIDE COMPATIBILITY ]: KYY portable monitor for laptop equipped with 2 Full Function Type-C ports and Mini-HDMI port, easy access to your favorite devices with 1 cable solution as long as your device support Thunderbolt 3 or 3.1 USB-Type-C, compatible with most laptop, smartphone, PC, PS4, XBOX and more.
- [ ULTRA-SLIM PORTABLE DISPLAY ]: KYY USB C portable monitor features a 0.3inch ultra-slim profile(1.7lb), it is easy to slides into your bag, allows you to carry it everywhere, ideal for a simple on-the-go dual-monitor setup or extend your phone screen for movies or games. No driver needed and equipped with 3.5mm audio inputs and 2 built-in stereo speakers to enhance entertainment experience
- [ DURABLE SMART COVER ]: Comes with a scratch-proof smart cover made of durable PU leather exterior, doubles as a stand, provides comprehensive protection and frameless magnetic design for this portable computer monitor. There are two grooves in the cover base to give at least some choice of viewing angle for your comfort for less cumbersome installation
- [ LIGHTWEIGHT BUT POWERFUL ]: KYY portable external monitor can work in both landscape and portrait mode, can be used as a gaming monitor, screen extender for laptop or phone. It has a unique designed Premium gray metal appearance, 2 built-in speakers to play audio, a friendly menu control wheel for setting, and 24/7 professional support team
Paint’s layer and transparency controls at a glance
| Need | Paint control or behavior | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Separate image elements | Layers panel | Add and manage layers, then reorder them to control what appears above or below. |
| Reveal content below | Erase on the selected layer | Erasing removes that layer’s pixels; visible content on lower layers can show through. |
| Make canvas areas transparent | Hide background, where available | Microsoft announced the Background tile and hide-background control in an Insider rollout. |
| Export transparency | PNG | Paint supports opening and saving transparent PNGs; verify the result in a transparency-aware viewer. |
Common problems
The Layers button or Background tile is missing
Check for Paint updates in the Microsoft Store and confirm your installed app version. Microsoft rolled out these controls through Insider announcements, so their availability can vary by version and channel.
Erasing does not reveal the background
Confirm that the layer you intend to edit is selected and that a lower layer contains visible content. Erasing removes pixels from the active layer; it cannot reveal content that is absent or hidden.
The PNG appears to have a white background
Confirm that you saved as PNG and that no visible background layer covers the area. Then view the file against a contrasting background in an application that displays transparency.
Rank #4
- [Portable Monitor Laptop] InnoView laptop screen extender is no need of app and drivers! 15.6 in is a more suitable size for traveling or remote work. Suitable for traveler, student, gamer, engineer, and white-collar worker to connect HP laptop, Lenovo laptop, Dell laptop, Asus laptop, Macbook, iPhone, game console, tablet, PS, Xbox, etc. The laptop screen can expand the viewing area and be more efficient when playing games, working, meeting and studying
- [Plug and Play] The travel monitor for laptop provides 2 full-function Type-C ports and 1 HDMI port to connect most devices. Only one USB-C cable is needed to connect the external display to computer, and it supports power pass-through reverse charging. Note: Your device should support Thunderbolt 3.0/4.0 or USB 3.1 Type-C DP ALT-MODE. If not, you can connect via HDMI and power cable(NOT INCLUDE IN THE PACKAGE)
- [IPS FHD USB C Monitor] 15.6 inch portable screen with a resolution of 1920*1080P, made of A+ IPS screen, supports 178° full viewing angle, can present accurate and vivid colors. Combined with HDR, images and videos present realistic colors and amazing details. Low blue light can effectively reduce blue light radiation damage, no flicker, eye protection, making it easier for you to work and perform multiple tasks at the same time
- [Versatile Cover and Stand] Equipped with a scratch-resistant smart protective cover made of durable PU leather, it can also be used as a stand when working. Two grooves are used to adjust the angle and fix the external monitor. It can also provide all-round protection for the 1080p monitor when going out or traveling, suitable for putting in a backpack to avoid squeezing. Optional landscape and portrait modes, save more desktop space
- [Worry-free Purchase] Since the output power of each device is different, the screen may flicker or restart. You can power the laptop monitor to solve it. Provide a 30-day return policy and 18-month warranty (excluding external force damage). If you have any concerns, please let us know (displayed on the back of the monitor)
A transparency shortcut does not work
Ctrl+Shift+B and Ctrl+Shift+H were documented in Microsoft’s March 2024 Insider announcement. Check your current Paint interface and version if those shortcuts are unavailable.
FAQ
How do I use layers in Paint on Windows 11?
Select Layers in the toolbar to open the side panel. Add separate layers for elements such as a background, subject, and labels, then reorder or hide them as needed.
How do I make the background transparent in Paint?
Where your version offers the Background tile in the Layers panel, use its hide-background option. The feature was described in a Microsoft Insider rollout, so it may not appear in every installation.
Best Value
- Quality Screen Care Kit: The kit includes 4 bottles of tv screen cleaner for smart tv and 2 microfiber cloth wipes. Carefully crafted with rigorous quality control, ensuring a best-in-class screen cleaning kit (4 Fl Oz each)
- Best Cleaner for TV Screen: Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the microfiber cleaning cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints and other smudges on the screen’s surface. Our microfiber cloth gently and deeply cleans the surfaces of electronic, while also drying and absorbing the toughest oils, able to dry and polish your electronic devices without risk of scratching
- Electronic Cleaner: Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used, can be used as computer screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner, laptop screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, monitor cleaner, macbook screen cleaner, lcd screen cleaner and any other electronic device
- Gently Electronic Cleaner: Our formula is safe for the environment. Non-toxic and contains no alcohol, it is of high quality and plant-based, safe to use around family and pets
- Safety First for Kids and Pets: Untidy cables can be dangerous to your family, especially kids and pets. Wire covers not only help with home decor and overall appearance but are also a great protector for you and your family
Can Paint save a transparent PNG?
Yes. Paint supports saving transparent PNGs. Check that the intended transparent areas are not covered by a background, then verify the saved PNG in a viewer that displays transparency.
Does erasing in Paint reveal the layer below?
Yes, when you erase pixels on a selected layer and visible content exists on a lower layer, that lower content can show through.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Why are Paint’s layer controls missing from my PC?
Paint features roll out by app version and channel. Check for Microsoft Store updates and confirm your installed Paint version; the feature announcements do not establish that every PC has the same controls.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
