Microsoft Returns To Its Old Successful Days with Microsoft Designer
Microsoft seems to be back on top with its recent strategic moves and decisions. First of all, it integrated OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Bing search engines.
Then it made very fast and important decisions by integrating DALL-E 2 artificial intelligence into graphic design applications.
My personal opinion is that Microsoft will sit at the top of the next 5 years with these strategic decisions and will reach a serious number of users.
Let’s take a look at what Microsoft designer is and what we can do using it.
By the way, as of now, you can be queued by adding your e-mail address to the waitlist to use Microsoft designer.
What is Microsoft Designer?
Microsoft Designer, part of Microsoft 365, is a tool for creating all kinds of graphics, from logos and invitations to blog banners and social media posts.
You may have worked on projects like those in Word or Publisher before, but Designer is a separate application.
What sets Designer apart from other design tools is that it uses DALL-E 2, developed by OpenAI. This is a type of artificial intelligence that allows you to create images and drawings just by entering a text description of what you want.
The feature will help you come up with unique graphics for your projects, and thanks to advanced programming, they can be very realistic.
How Can I Get Microsoft Designer?
Starting in December 2022, Microsoft Designer is available as a preview on the web via a waiting list.
You can add your email address to the list and you will receive login instructions when you are granted access.
The current preview does not include all planned features, but Microsoft is asking for feedback from those with preview access to improve the tool before general availability.
Microsoft Designer will then be available as a free app with optional premium paid features for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers.
Microsoft also plans to integrate Designer with Microsoft Edge.
The goal is to provide Edge users with help designing social media posts and other elements on the sites they visit in the browser.
Getting Started with Microsoft Designer
When you sign in to Microsoft Designer, you will see Designer Copilot.
This tool helps you create your first image using an AI-generated image, your own image, or a blank canvas.
Use an AI-Generated Image
In the “Add Your Own Images” section, you will see the option to “Start with an AI-Generated Image”. This is where the power of DALL-E 2 really comes out. Enter a description of the image you want in the box and don’t hold back.
You can find everything from a house floating on a cloud to a lizard wearing a top hat, to a squirrel water-skiing on a lake.
If you see an image you like, select “Save” to use it.
Tip: Getting good results from AI image makers is a learned skill, so read up on best practices for using DALL-E 2 efficiently.
You will see design ideas appear on the right. If you give your project a title, you will see updated designs being generated, including your title.
Select the design you want to use and click “Customize Design” to open it in the Designer for personalization.
Upload Your Own Image
Select “From This Device” to upload an image from your computer. Then give your project a title and optionally a subtitle.
S On the web side, you will see automatically generated designs that include your image and title.
At the top, select the Color or Size drop-down boxes to be more specific.
Select a design and click “Customize Design” to work with the Designer’s tools on your project.
Attach a file from your smartphone
Another option is to send files such as photos from your smartphone to Microsoft Designer.
Select “From your phone” and then use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code that appears.
Tap the Microsoft Designer link on your phone and you will see the option to Select Files from your device.
After selecting a file you will see a confirmation.
In a minute or two you should see the file in Designer on the Web.
Select “Upload” and give your project a title to create the designs. Choose the one you want to use and click “Customize Design”.
Other Ways to Start a Project
Along with the above options, you can select “A Blank Canvas” or “Recent Designs” from the bottom of the Designer Utility Pilot.
You can also select “My Media” to use a previously uploaded image.
Customize Your Design
Once your project is open in the Designer workspace, the fun begins! You will see your design front and center, with the tools on the left.
When you make changes, your updated design is automatically saved.
Use Template
You can browse or search Microsoft’s templates to add a different style to your design.
View Your Environment
Then select a previously uploaded picture or take a new picture from your device, phone, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Google Photos.
Add an image
You can choose any of the suggested images for your design or select a shape, image, photo, or icon.
Add Text
You can then add a title, subtitle, or body text. You can also choose a specific text style.
Choose Style
You can even choose a combination of color scheme and text style.
Navigation Designer
With the tools above, you have options at the top of Microsoft Designer.
Select the menu icon to view all your designs, starting from the left. This allows you to change your focus to a different project.
You can also select “New Design” to display the Designer Co-Pilot and start a new project.
You will then see your project title, which you can edit if you wish. Next, you have a zoom option and buttons for Undo and Redo your last action.
Save and Share your Project
Select “Download” to save your design. You can then post it on social media, download it, copy it, or send it to your phone.
On the far right are buttons to send feedback to Microsoft, see what’s new or manage your account.
Microsoft Designer not only gives you the tools you need to create compelling designs but also offers help with AI-generated images and designs.