Thanks to Microsoft Designer’s integration with the Photos app, I’ve finally found a photo editing experience that’s both powerful and effortless.
1
Selective Edit
One of my most-used features of Microsoft Designer is Selective Edit. Unlike traditional photo editing tools that apply changes to the entire image, this feature lets me target specific areas for detailed and customized enhancements.
For instance, if there’s an unwanted object or person in the background, I can use Selective Edit to move or remove it with just a few clicks. Another useful option in the Selective Edit menu is Focus, which automatically sharpens the subject while subtly blurring the rest of the scene. It’s incredible how this simple adjustment can make the subject pop.
And speaking of popping, the color pop effect is one of my favorites. I love how I can use it to highlight a single element within a photo, and the Designer automatically turns the rest of the image black and white. To do all of this, I simply need to open the image in the Photos app, click the Designer icon in the top right corner, and select Edit > Selective edit.
2
Restyling Using AI
With Microsoft Designer, I don’t need to write a detailed prompt to create an image using AI. Instead, I can take an existing image and transform it using one of the Designer’s curated, pre-built style options. I can choose from several unique choices like pop art, flat illustration, papercraft, stylized 3D, and more.
Once I select a style, Microsoft Designer generates four variations of the image. I can choose the one that I like the most, then either save it or refine it further using the editing tools. I love how this tool allows me to transform an ordinary photo into a striking piece of art.
3
Blur, Remove and Replace the Background
Another feature I find myself using from time to time is the ability to remove the background from an image, whether to isolate the subject or rework the background. To do this, I can go to Edit > Background and click the Remove option. I can then replace the background with a solid color, a custom texture, or even a completely different photo.
There’s also this Blur option that I can use if I don’t wish to remove the background. This feature adds a beautiful depth-of-field effect, similar to what you’d get with a professional DSLR camera. It draws attention to the subject by gently fading out the distractions in the background.
Editing photos with Microsoft Designer isn’t just about AI-powered enhancements—it also offers practical tools for manual touch-ups, such as cropping, auto-enhancing, and adding text. Among these, the Markup tool is great for annotating images and screenshots.
Whether I want to circle an important detail or point to an object, this tool offers multiple brush styles, adjustable pen sizes, and a wide array of colors. What truly sets it apart, though, is the straight-stroke option. This lets me draw perfectly straight lines, which is ideal for making my annotations look professional.
5
Extensive Library of Graphics and Photos
One of the reasons I prefer using Microsoft Designer over the Photos app is its extensive library of graphics and photos. Whether I need basic shapes, stylish frames, or eye-catching illustrations, Microsoft Designer has it all neatly organized and easily accessible.
Additionally, the rich collection of high-quality stock photos saves me countless hours searching the internet for the perfect image to complement my designs. With just a few clicks, I can browse through an impressive selection and find exactly what I need.
And if I don’t find the perfect image, sticker, or icon in the Visuals tab, I can enter a prompt, and hit Generate to create one. This spares me the hassle of jumping between different apps and tools while editing photos on my PC.
With these Microsoft Designer features and its seamless integration with the Photos app, I rarely need to rely on third-party apps for photo editing on my Windows PC. If you haven’t tried Microsoft Designer yet, I highly recommend giving it a try—you’ll be amazed at how powerful it is.
