
There are several ways to cut out a specific shape in Paint depending on the version of the program being used. In MS Paint, one can simply crop around the shape, or for a more accurate outline, one can use the Select menu button and choose the Free Form option to trace the shape. In Paint 3D, one can use the Magic Select tool to select an object to cut or eliminate from an image, or the Select tool to select 3D shapes, 3D text, or stickers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Software | Paint, Paint 3D |
| Method | Simple crop, free-form selection, magic select, select in 3D |
| Steps | Click "Select" and choose "Free Form", trace the shape, move the cursor to the shortcut menu and select "Cut" |
| Additional Info | Hold Shift while dragging a corner handle to maintain aspect ratio, Lock aspect ratio in the sidebar, Ctrl + X to cut and paste |
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What You'll Learn

Using the Select menu button
To cut out a specific shape in Microsoft Paint, you can use the "Select" menu button. This button allows you to choose the "Free Form" option, which enables you to trace around the shape you want to cut out.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Open the photo you want to edit in Microsoft Paint.
- Click on the "Select" menu button.
- Choose the "Free Form" option from the menu. This option lets you draw a custom selection around the shape you want to cut out, allowing for more flexibility compared to rigid shapes.
- Using the free-form select tool, carefully trace the outline of the shape you want to cut out. Take your time to ensure that you stay within the boundaries of the shape as closely as possible.
- Once you have completed the tracing and enclosed the shape, release the mouse button. You should now see the selected area outlined.
- Move your cursor to the shortcut menu, which is usually located at the top of the Paint window.
- In the shortcut menu, select the "Cut" option. This will remove the selected area from the photo, cutting out the shape you traced.
- After cutting out the shape, you can further edit the photo as needed. For example, you can use the Edit" menu and select "Undo" to remove any changes and start over if necessary.
It's important to note that using the "Free Form" option provides more precision than using rigid shapes, especially when dealing with curved or irregular shapes. The "Free Form" tool allows you to closely follow the contours of the shape, resulting in a more accurate cutout.
Additionally, when working with selections in Paint, you have the option to edit the selected pixels. For instance, you can use the "Move Selected Pixels" tool to easily move, scale, or rotate the selected area. This tool automatically activates when you have a selection, and it provides flexibility in editing your cutout without affecting the rest of the image.
By following these steps and utilizing the "Select" menu button in Microsoft Paint, you can effectively cut out specific shapes from your photos or images.
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Choosing the Free Form option
To cut out a specific shape in MS Paint, open the photo in Paint and click on the "Select" menu button. From the options, choose "Free Form". This option is ideal for adhering to the curves of the shape you want to cut out. The "Free Form" option allows you to trace the shape with the free-form select tool.
After you have traced the shape, move your cursor to the shortcut menu and select "Cut". This will cut out the traced area and remove the background. You can then save the new image as a new file by clicking "File" and "Save As". This will leave your original file intact, which you can use to create different versions or as a backup.
The "Free Form" option is a great way to cut out specific shapes in Paint, as it allows for more precision and flexibility than a simple crop. It is especially useful when trying to cut out curved shapes or objects with irregular outlines.
It is important to note that the "Free Form" option may not always result in a perfect outline, and there may be some background remaining around the edges. However, it is still a more accurate method than a simple crop, especially for shapes with curves or irregular outlines.
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Tracing the shape with the free-form select tool
To cut out a specific shape in Paint, one of the methods you can use involves tracing the shape with the free-form select tool. This tool is one of the four selection tools in Paint, alongside the three Shape selection tools.
To trace the shape, you need to click and drag the mouse cursor to create a selection shape. As you drag the cursor, you can form a freeform selection region that follows the outline of the shape you want to cut out. You can adjust and refine your selection as needed by dragging the cursor accordingly. Once you release the mouse button, the selection will be fixed, and you will see a dashed moving outline known as the "dancing ants" surrounding your active selection.
If you need to make adjustments after releasing the mouse button, you can do so by adding a new area to the selection or deselecting the active selection. It's important to note that editing operations are confined to the active selection, so you won't be able to edit outside of it.
While making your selection, you also have the option to create and move the selection simultaneously. To do this, simply hold down the mouse button while dragging out the selection. This allows you to move the selection around the canvas before releasing the button to stop its movement.
By using the free-form select tool, you can carefully trace and cut out the specific shape you desire.
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Using the Magic Select tool
Paint 3D's Magic Select tool is a simple, free feature that allows you to cut out specific shapes from images. It is a basic version of the Adobe Photoshop Magic Wand Tool, which detects edges by identifying sharp differences in colour and lighting.
To use the Magic Select tool, open your image in Paint 3D. You can do this by opening your image in the Windows 10 Photos app, then selecting "Edit with Paint 3D" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can open your image folder on your PC, then right-click on the image and select "Edit with Paint 3D".
Once your image is open in Paint 3D, you can use the Magic Select tool to cut out your desired shape. The tool works best on simple, well-lit images with clear distinctions between objects. To cut out your shape, simply drag your object off the canvas into the 3D virtual space next to it.
If you are happy with your selection, you can then place your edited object into a new scene by cutting and pasting it into a new image in Paint 3D. It is important to note that the Magic Select tool struggles with complex images, so it is best to keep your edits simple.
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Cropping the image
MS Paint
To cut around a specific shape, such as a face, open the photo in Paint. Click on the "Select" menu button and choose the "Free-Form" option. Using rigid shapes will prevent you from following the curves of the shape. Trace the shape with the free-form select tool. Then, move your cursor to the shortcut menu and select "Cut." This will cut out the traced area and remove the background.
Paint 3D
In Paint 3D, you can use the Magic Select tool to easily select an object in a photo. To do this, make sure the "Select" option is enabled in the toolbar and click on the object you want to cut. You can also select 3D shapes, 3D text, or stickers. Once you have made your selection, press "Ctrl X" to cut it out.
Cropping in 2D
If you are working in 2D, you can use the crop tool to cut out a specific shape. Use your mouse and the selection handles to highlight the part of the image you want to crop. To maintain the aspect ratio of your selection, hold down the Shift key while dragging a corner handle or check "Lock aspect ratio" in the sidebar.
Cropping a Circle in 3D
While you cannot directly crop non-rectangular shapes in Paint 3D, it is possible to crop a circle with a bit of trickery. To do this, switch the framing to "Custom" and uncheck "Lock aspect ratio." Then, manually switch the values under "Width" and "Height" to match the dimensions of a circle.
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Frequently asked questions
To cut out a specific shape in Paint, you can use the "'Select' menu button" and choose the "Free Form" option. Trace the shape with the free-form select tool and then click on "Cut" in the shortcut menu.
In Paint 3D, you can use the Magic Select tool to select an object you want to cut out of a picture. Then, press Ctrl X to cut it out and paste it into another image or application.
To crop an image in Paint, click on the "Crop" button in the image's toolbar. Then, use your mouse and the selection handles to highlight the part of the image you want to crop. To keep the proportions, hold down the Shift key while dragging a corner handle.











































