MS Paint for Windows 11

Question

I am using MS Paint for Windows 11. I am unable to find the Cloning tool for shapes. Is it no longer available in this version? Paint 11.2512.221.0

Answer 1

Hi Shefali,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

In the current Windows 11 Paint experience, the app is designed with a simplified set of editing tools focused on quick drawing and basic image adjustments. A dedicated Clone/Stamp tool (commonly found in advanced image editors) isn’t part of the available toolset in this version of Paint.

Here are some simple workarounds in Paint for you to try

While there’s no one‑click clone tool, you can still duplicate parts of an image using selection and copy actions:

Option 1: Copy and paste a selected area

• Open the image in Paint.
• Choose Rectangular selection or Free‑form selection.
• Select the area you want to duplicate.
• Press Ctrl + C to copy, then Ctrl + V to paste.
• Move the pasted area into position.

Option 2: Repeat duplication

• After pasting once, press Ctrl + V again to create additional copies of the same selection.

These methods are best for basic duplication and layout adjustments. If your task requires sampling pixels seamlessly (for example, blending textures or removing objects), you may want to use an image editor that includes a dedicated clone tool, such as Paint.NET, GIMP, or other advanced editors. These tools are designed specifically for that type of editing.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

The classic MS Paint (even in the latest Windows 11 builds) does not include a specific clone or stamp tool. It has never had a dedicated clone feature for duplicating image regions by sampling; paint is more focused on simplicity.

So, in version 11.2512.221.0:

• You won’t find a tool explicitly labeled a “clone” or “stamp” tool.
• This hasn’t been replaced by something with the same behavior internally in Paint.
• You can't as well use keyboard shortcuts like Select+Ctrl+Drag

Although there’s no clone stamp, you can duplicate shapes or objects using the built-in selection and clipboard functions. The workflow is manual, but it’s the closest built-in alternative:

1. Draw or Select the Shape/Area
   • Use the Select tool to draw a rectangle around the shape you want to duplicate (or use the free-form).
2. Copy
   • Press Ctrl + C or right-click → Copy.
3. Paste
   • Press Ctrl + V to paste a copy of that shape/selection.
   • You can then drag it to wherever you want on the canvas.
4. Repeat
   • You can paste multiple copies (each time you press Ctrl + V) as needed.
   TIP: You can also cut/copy parts of drawings and move them around using this method.

Recent updates to Paint (including version 11.2512.221.0 ) have added things like:

• Layers and transparency support (so you can duplicate entire layers, not just selections).
• AI-based helpers under the Copilot/Creative tools.

None of these introduce a true clone tool that automatically replicates texture from one region to another, but they do make composition and reuse of elements easier than in very old versions.