How to Invert Colors in MS Paint

On Windows 7 and later

You need to know that the Invert Colors tool has changed. Don't look for the Invert Colors tool in the top toolbar like in Windows Vista or earlier versions. As of MS Paint 6.1, we can only invert colors by selecting and right-clicking on the image. This means that if you use Windows 7, 8 or 10, the new version of Paint will be pre-installed. You may be confused after years of being used to using the top toolbar to adjust colors – but don't worry! Although the new process will be different, it will still be very simple.

The Invert Colors tool is quite useful if you just want to invert the existing colors in an icon or image and don't need to completely replace the colors.

Select photo. If you want to invert the colors in the entire image, you need to select the entire image. You can select photos using the Select tool, or click "Select all" from within Select Options.

If you only want to invert the colors in part of the image: simply select the part of the image you want to manipulate.

Invert image color. First, right click on the photo. Then scroll down to the 'Invert color' option at the bottom of the drop-down menu. Click "Invert color". The part of the image you select will have its color inverted immediately.

To quickly invert colors, press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+I.

On Windows Vista and earlier

Open the image in MS Paint. You can do this both in or out of Paint.

In Paint: Open MS Paint by clicking the icon on the Desktop or looking in Programs. Once Paint opens, click "File" then "Open." Find and select the photo you want to invert. Then, tap ↵ Enteror click "Open."

Beyond Paint: Find the file you want to invert. Right-click the file and select "Open with" > MS Paint. The file will open in MS Paint.

Click "Image" at the top, then select "Invert colors." The colors will immediately be inverted. The colors in the inverse image are exact complements of the colors in the original. The yellow ball will become blue (rather than purple – the traditional complementary color) in the inverted version.

To quickly invert colors, just press Ctrl+I. Remember: this operation only applies on Windows Vista and earlier!

Save Image. Click "File," select "Save as.". Choose an easy-to-remember name along with the file type (if necessary). You need to make sure you save the file somewhere you can find it again. Finally, click "Save" to confirm.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 08 November 2023