MC1187787 - PowerPoint adds AI-powered image editing with "Designer editor"

Updated January 22, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

Introduction

The new Designer editor integration in PowerPoint introduces a modern, intuitive image editing experience directly within your slides—eliminating the need to switch apps or interrupt your workflow. Whether you're refining visuals for a pitch deck, enhancing marketing assets, or simply making your slides more engaging, the Designer editor enables fast, seamless image enhancements powered by AI.

Screenshot 1: Designer editor is now built into PowerPoint, so you can edit pictures without leaving the app. To get started, select a picture and then select Picture Format > Edit Picture, or right-click it and select Edit Picture.

Screenshot 2: Transform your visuals using AI-powered tools like Remove background, Auto enhance, and more—right from the canvas.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 508530.

When this will happen:

• General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-December 2025 (previously early December) and is expected to complete in early March 2026 (previously January).

How this affects your organization:

• Who is affected: All users of PowerPoint in Microsoft 365 across commercial and education tenants.
• What will happen:
  • Users will gain access to a new AI-powered image editing experience within PowerPoint.
  • The Designer editor will be available directly in the PowerPoint interface.
  • The following capabilities will be included:
    • Generative Erase:  Remove unwanted elements from images.
    • Generative Move: Reposition objects within an image.
    • Add Text: Insert text directly onto images.
    • Edit Text: Recognize existing text in an image and edit it.
    • Upscale: Improve image resolution for sharper visuals.
    • Background Removal: Remove backgrounds for clean designs.
    • Auto Enhance (Color Adjustment): Automatically improve color balance and vibrancy.
    • Effects: Apply creative filters and styles.
  • This feature cannot be turned off individually.
  • No changes to existing admin policies are required unless your organization chooses to manage availability.
  • AI usage limits for this feature:
    • Commercial users:
      • Copilot users have fair use access to all generative AI features.
      • Starter users have capacity-limited access; in-product messaging will notify users when limits are reached.
    • Consumer users:
      • Free and Basic MSA accounts: 15 credits/month for generative AI features.
      • Personal and Family subscribers: 60 credits/month.
      • Microsoft 365 Premium and Copilot Pro (while supported): fair use access.

What you can do to prepare:

• No action is required to enable the feature.
• Review internal documentation if you provide guidance on PowerPoint features.
• Communicate this change to helpdesk and support teams to prepare for potential user questions.
• If your organization wishes to manage availability:
  • Configure access through policy or permissions as needed.
• Be aware:
  • This feature uses AI capabilities to edit and enhance images in PowerPoint.
  • AI usage disclaimers are included within the editor interface for end users.

Compliance considerations: