Want to resize, reshape, flip, remove and modify any object in a photo—any photo? Find out here how to use MS Paint 3D magic select so you can act on arbitrary objects (such as cars, poles, or people) selectively.
First, an Ancient Remedy for Teething Pains
When babies’ teeth cause suffering, we need but turn to Pliny; in the interest of decency, let us leave the advice in the obscurity of a learned language, though:
ad dentitiones, cerebrum pecoris utilissimum est
Pliny the Elder
I will, of course, tell you where to find this ancient remedy in translation. I shall also, while we’re at it, tell you how to find—and select—objects in images using Microsoft Paint 3D for Windows 10, say to extract teeth:
How to Use Magic Select in Paint 3D
Time needed: 3 minutes
To select an object in an image quickly using the Paint 3D Magic select tool:
- Click Magic select in Paint 3D.
- Use the selection handles to draw a rough, rectangular outline around the object you want to select.
Capture it all: Make sure the entire object is inside the selection.
- Click Next under Choose an area to cut out in the sidebar.
No “Choose an area…”: If you do not see Choose an area to cut out, click the magic select icon in the sidebar.
Permanent sidebar: You can also expand the Paint 3D sidebar permanently. - To add parts that magic select has not included:
1. Make sure Add is highlighted under Refine your cutout in the sidebar.
2. Draw over the part you want to add to the selection.
Point and highlight: You can draw a line, but also highlight the part or draw slightly inside its outline.
- To remove parts that magic select included but that are not part of the object you want to select:
1. Make sure Remove is highlighted under Refine your cutout.
2. Draw over the part you want to remove from the magic selection.
- Click Done in the siedebar when you are happy with your selection.
- Work with the object as you desire.
Related: How to crop, and how to crop circles in Paint 3D.
How to Use Magic Select in Paint 3D: FAQ
What does “Autofill background” do? Should I use it?
With Autofill background enabled, Paint 3D will intelligently fill the background if you delete, move, or alter an object magically selected.
Autofill works similar to object removal tools in image editing software, filling in the background with surrounding pixel values so it blends in as perfectly as possible. Without automatic filling, the object will be replaced with the background color (or a transparent background).
Usually, leaving Autofill background enabled is the better choice.
Starting over: After clicking Done, you cannot change the option; you can, of course, deselect the object and magically select it again with Autofill background checked or not selected.
Can I invert the Paint 3D magic selection and work on the background?
No, Paint 3D magic select always selects objects in the front on which to work.
What you can do is use brushes and the eraser to remove background and add transparency in Paint 3D.
(How to use Paint 3D magic select tested with Paint 3D 6.2305–6.2310; updated January 2024)