What is Microsoft Designer? How to Use It to Ignite Your Creativity

Microsoft Designer has emerged as a powerful design tool that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to generate impressive visuals and graphics. Integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Designer offers numerous features that make it suitable for creating various types of graphics, including logos, invitations, social media posts, and more. 

In this complete guide, we will take a look at the ins and outs of Microsoft Designer, its features and benefits, and how to get started with this innovative design tool.

Introduction to Microsoft Designer

Visual representation of Microsoft Designer: Image via Pixabay

Microsoft Designer is a web-based graphic design tool that is part of the Microsoft 365 suite. This innovative tool enables users to create visually appealing graphics for various purposes, such as logos, invitations, website banners, social media posts, and more. It uses AI technology, specifically DALL-E 2 by OpenAI, to generate unique images by simply entering a text description of the desired graphic.

Microsoft Designer provides a user-friendly interface that allows users to customize their graphics using built-in design tools, templates, shapes, photos, icons, and text styles. The integration of AI technology helps users create realistic and unique graphics that perfectly suit their project requirements.

What sets Microsoft Designer apart

What makes Microsoft Designer stand out from other design tools on the market is its integration with DALL-E 2, a powerful AI technology developed by OpenAI. This AI technology allows users to generate unique graphics simply by entering a text description of the desired image. The AI-generated images can be highly realistic, helping users find the perfect visuals for their projects.

Moreover, Microsoft Designer offers built-in design tools and customized templates that make it easy for users to customize their visuals according to their preferences. With a wide range of templates, shapes, photos, icons, text styles, and color themes to choose from, users can easily explore different design options and create the perfect graphics for their projects.

Getting access to Microsoft Designer

As of now, Microsoft Designer is available for preview as a web app through a waiting list. You have to join the email waiting list and receive instructions to log in once granted access. The current preview only includes some planned features, but Microsoft is actively seeking feedback from users to improve the tool before its full release.

Once the preview phase concludes, Microsoft Designer will be accessible as a free app for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers, with optional premium paid features. Additionally, Microsoft plans to integrate Designer with Microsoft Edge, providing Edge users with seamless design capabilities for social media posts and other items on websites they visit in the browser.

Starting a project with Microsoft Designer

After gaining access to Microsoft Designer, you can begin creating your first project using the Designer Copilot. This helpful tool guides you through the process of creating a visual using an AI-generated image, your own image, or a blank canvas.

Using an AI-generated image

To start with an AI-generated image, navigate to the “Add Your Own Images” section and select “Start With an AI-Generated Image.” Type in a detailed description of the picture that you want, and let the power of DALL-E 2 work its magic.

You can generate anything from a rainbow floating on a cloud to a bird wearing a top hat to a woman ballet dancing. Once you find an image you like, select “Save” to use it.

As you work, you will see design ideas pop up on the right corner of your screen. If you provide your project with a headline, the updated designs will include your headline text. 

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Using your own image

If you prefer to use your own image, select “From This Device” to upload a picture from your computer. Provide your project with a headline and, if desired, a subheading. On the right side of the screen, you will see automatically generated designs that incorporate your image and headline text. Use the Color or Size drop-down boxes at the top to refine your options.

Select a design and click “Customize Design” to work on your project using Microsoft Designer’s design tools. Select the design you want to use, then click “Customize Design” to bring up Designer so you can make additional changes.

Sending files from your smartphone

Another option for starting a project in Microsoft Designer is sending files, such as photos from your smartphone, to the platform. Choose “From Your Phone” and then scan the QR code that appears using the phone’s camera.

This will sync your phone with Microsoft Designer and allow you to select files from your device. After selecting a file, you will see a confirmation on your phone. The file will appear in Designer on the web within a minute or two.

Select “Upload” and give your project a headline to generate designs. Click “Customize Design” to start editing after selecting the design you want to use.

Leveraging Microsoft Designer for business and professional needs – Image via Pixabay

Customizing your design

Once your project opens in the Designer workspace, the real fun begins. Your design will be displayed front and center, with design tools on the screen’s left side. It will be saved automatically as you continue making changes to your design.

Browsing Templates

Microsoft Designer offers a wide range of templates you can browse or search for the perfect style for your design.

1) Accessing your media

Select a previously uploaded image or import a new one from your device, phone, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Google Photos using the “My Media” option.

2) Adding visuals

Choose from recommended visuals for your design or select a shape, illustration, photo, or icon to add to your project.

3) Inserting text

Add a heading, subheading, or body text to your design, and choose from various text styles to make your content stand out.

4) Applying styles

To create a unified and visually appealing design, choose a color scheme and text style combination.

Collaboration and Cloud integration

Microsoft Designer offers a range of collaboration features, allowing users to work together on designs and share them with others. You can easily collaborate with team members, allowing them to make changes and provide feedback in real-time. 

The Cloud integration with Microsoft’s services, such as OneDrive and SharePoint, makes it easy to store and share your designs across multiple devices and with other users.

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Microsoft Designer’s key features

Here are some key features of Microsoft Designer that make it a powerful design tool:

• AI integration: The integration of DALL-E 2 AI technology allows users to generate unique and realistic images by simply entering a text description.
• Templates: Microsoft Designer offers an extensive range of pre-designed templates for various purposes, making it easy to create professional designs quickly.
• Design elements: Users can choose from a wide array of design elements, including shapes, icons, images, and text, to create visually appealing graphics.
• Customization: Microsoft Designer provides built-in design tools, enabling users to customize their visuals according to their preferences.
• Cloud integration: The tool integrates with Microsoft’s cloud-based services, such as OneDrive and SharePoint, for easy storage and sharing of designs.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need design experience to use Microsoft Designer?

A: No, Microsoft Designer is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to users of all skill levels, including those without prior design experience.

Q: Is Microsoft Designer free?

A: Microsoft Designer will be available as a free app for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers, with optional premium paid features.

Q: What types of designs can I create with Microsoft Designer?

A: Microsoft Designer is suitable for creating a wide range of graphics, such as logos, invitations, social media posts, website banners, and more.

Q: Can I collaborate with others on my designs in Microsoft Designer?

A: Yes, Microsoft Designer offers robust collaboration features, allowing users to share their designs, make changes, and provide feedback in real time.

Q: Can I use my own images in Microsoft Designer?

A: Yes, users can import their own images into Microsoft Designer or choose from a library of stock images provided by the platform.

Microsoft designer helping users create unique and personalized images – Image via Freepik

Final thoughts

Microsoft Designer is a powerful and innovative design tool that leverages AI technology to create stunning graphics with ease. Its range of built-in tools, templates, and AI capabilities make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create unique and visually appealing graphics.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, Microsoft Designer is worth exploring to enhance your design skills and create eye-catching visuals for your projects.