How to use Microsoft Designer

Microsoft Designer is a design tool that offers essential features for creating attractive, professional documents. If you want to improve your design skills or create high-quality marketing materials, the program can be a valuable tool, however its current version is in English, which may turn off some users. In this practical guide, we'll explore the key features and steps for using Microsoft Designer.

‌What is Microsoft Designer

O Microsoft Designer, integral part of the Microsoft 365, emerges as a remarkable design tool capable of creating a wide variety of graphics, ranging from logos and invitations to blog banners and social media posts. The peculiarity that differentiates Designer from other design tools is its integration with DALL-E2 da OpenAI, an innovative artificial intelligence that allows the generation of images and works of art from text descriptions. This approach provides the ability to find unique graphics for your projects, with an impressive level of realism.

O Microsoft Designers gives you the flexibility to use your own images, complemented with built-in design tools to completely customize your visuals. With templates, shapes, photos, icons, text styles, and a variety of color themes, you have the freedom to explore diverse options and achieve the exact design that matches your project needs.

How to access Microsoft Designer

To start using Designer, simply access designer.microsoft.com and click the button 'Start for free' in the upper right corner of the screen.

Then click on 'Sign up or sign in with a Microsoft account.' It is worth remembering that access is done from a subscriber account Microsoft 365.

As you proceed, you will have the option to start a new design from scratch, and several options will be available for you to choose from.

Start your design with Artificial Intelligence

The simplest way to use Microsoft Designer is to provide the AI ​​with a description, also called a prompt, of the design you want to create. Enter the description in the available text box and click 'Generate'.

For best results, have a clear idea of ​​what you want to create:

• What is the purpose of your design?
• Who is your target audience?

The more detailed your description, the clearer your intent will be to the AI. For example, if you're creating a design for your Instagram account, specify this in the prompt. Instead of simply saying “Create a post,” use phrases like “Create an Instagram post” or “For an Instagram post” to make your intention evident.

O Microsoft Designers will generate designs that feature text and images. Scroll down to find inspiration. If you like a design, you can download it as is or customize it further. Click on the desired design and select "To go down" ou “Customize design”. Microsoft Designer is a powerful tool that allows you to customize designs to your preferences. Don't hesitate to try out AI-generated models.

Changing the image format

If you want to change the size of the generated design, click on the option "Size" and choose an alternative from the drop-down menu. Designs will be regenerated at the selected size.

Creating an animated design

You can also create animated designs in Microsoft Designer. You must include the request for an animated design in the prompt. So if you want a lively design, just add the words “a lively design” ou "movement" to your prompt, and Designer will apply animated transitions to the text and graphics in your design.

Try existing prompts

If you don't have any more ideas or specific requests for the Designer, you can explore some designs on the right. When you hover over a design, you'll see an example prompt. Clicking on a design will load the prompt in the text box.

You can use a prompt as is if you want to test the tool, or use them as a source of inspiration, making changes to create the design you want. Use the library Prompt to find inspiration. Trying out a new tool can be challenging, so don't hesitate to browse the prompts to get an idea of ​​how different prompts can be used.

Upload your own image

You can also upload your own image from your computer, phone, or media (images you upload to Designer while using the tool) to incorporate it into the design, and the AI Designer will generate templates that include the photo. You can upload your own photos and even have the AI ​​incorporate them into your design later.

Get an AI-generated image

Microsoft Designer offers an AI-powered image creator using the DALL-E 2.5 by OpenAI to generate images based on text descriptions. Unlike the conventional Designer, this sub-element of the tool only generates images, not full designs with text. However, the difference is that you can use this tool to create any type of image.

If you want a phone in an office, it can be done. Or maybe you want flying skateboards? This is possible too. You can get any type of image to enhance your design. Click on the option “Generate image” to use this tool.

Then describe what you want the Designer to create and click the purple arrow. You can include instructions for different media like oil painting, watercolor, pencil drawing, and comics, or add an artist's name to get an image in your style. The AI ​​will generate some images in a matter of seconds. These images will also be saved in the section “My media” so you can access them later.

Start with a Blank Canvas

Designer's initial interface may seem a little confusing, but there are actually easy ways to start from a blank canvas or customize previous designs.

Scroll down and you will find a small links to get started from a White screen. Additionally, clicking the 'X' in the top right corner of the website you will be redirected to the production tab on a blank screen.

Navigating the editor

Although the interface Microsoft Designers shares similarities with the popular design tool Canva, there is still room for improvement. At the moment, the tool only offers basic design functionalities. However, if you are already familiar with the Canva, navigating the Microsoft Designer Editor will be easy.

Its design is in the center of the screen, with three different toolbars: one on each side of the design and another at the top.

Um secondary panel on the left displays options that vary depending on your current selection.

The toolbar at the top offers basic options such as adjusting zoom meeting, buttons undo e redo, a drop-down menu with options to rename the design, resize the design, access all your designs and buttons to download the design and start a new project.

The toolbar on the left contains the main options for customizing the design.

Use ready-made templates

If you choose a blank canvas, the Microsoft Designers will provide templates to choose from. Even if you're customizing an AI-generated design, you can still explore Designer templates. click in "Models" in the left navigation pane.

The templates will be displayed in the secondary pane. Use the search bar to find a template for your desired theme, or browse the featured templates until you find one you like. Click a template to select it. It will replace the blank page or generated design while keeping the text elements in place.

You can completely customize the template by changing the text, colors, and layout to create something perfect for your needs.

Upload your media

The option “My Media” allows you to upload files from various sources such as your computer, cloud storage (Google Photos, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc..) and even directly from your phone. Simply scan a QR code with your phone's camera.

Use the visuals library

the section “Visuals” This is where the design tool shines. From here, you can access Microsoft Designer's library of graphics, photos, and videos.

A IA also recommends photos based on the request provided, the template selected, or the current context of your design. When Microsoft mentioned that AI is present on every surface of the tool, it wasn't kidding. As you explore the other tools, you'll notice this more and more.

You can also use the search bar to find graphics (shapes, stickers, illustrations, etc.), photos or videos for your design. Currently, everything in Microsoft Designer is free, as there is no Pro or Free version.

Now there is also the option "To generate“. If you don't find what you're looking for, you can always use this function to generate an image. As explained previously, this tool uses the DALL-E2.5 to create any image based on text prompts. Go to the “generate” and enter the prompt for the image you want to create.

Entering text

The section "Text” lets you add text to your design. Just like in Canva, you can insert a title, subtitle or paragraph in the body text. You can adjust the font, size, color, position, etc. text. You can also choose predefined fonts for the text.

The special feature here is that AI can help generate the design text if you are stuck. By providing a description of your desired content, the AI ​​will create a title, subtitle, and short and long paragraphs that you can use in your design. Add a prompt in the text box and click the purple arrow.

Then, click “Replace all text” to replace all text in the design with AI-generated text or click the “Copy” in the individual sections to use them.

The AI ​​can also vary the font style and text color randomly if you have difficulty choosing them. Just click "Inspire me", and the Designer will make the selection on your behalf.

Create your branding kit

You can also create your Brand Kit to maintain consistency in your designs by accessing the option in the left toolbar. There are also some styling kits that you can use as is. Click in "Start ” to create a brand kit.

Then you can build your own Brand Kit or describe your brand to the Designer and let the AI ​​system suggest elements for it.

Floating toolbar

As you select an element in the design, such as an image or text, a floating toolbar will appear at the top of the design.

This floating toolbar will offer different options depending on the selected element.

For example, for an image, options such as “Replace","remove background","Cut","Image Tools","Set as background”, "Position"and "Opacity“. Options may vary depending on the element selected, and when you choose an option, more options may appear below the floating toolbar or in the secondary panel on the left.

For example, choose “Image Tools” will open the effects options in the secondary panel, allowing you to apply effects such as removing or blurring the image background, as well as applying filters.

Click on the option “positions” will present more options, such as sending the selected element to the front or back, and so on, below the floating toolbar.

Use design ideas

If you get stuck at any point in the creation process, Designer can help you. The “Assistant”Design Ideas” app, powered by AI, offers suggestions to improve your design or generate new ideas for you.

The ideas board continues to change as you add more elements to the design, suggesting new ideas based on existing elements. With a single click, you can incorporate these ideas into your design.

To generate new design ideas, visit the “Ideas" on the right. If the panel is not visible, click the circular button with sparkles (✨) to open it.

The AI ​​may have generated some ideas for your design, which you can scroll through. Otherwise, click “New ideas” so that the AI ​​generates more suggestions.

Click an idea thumbnail to use it. Keep in mind that it will replace your current design. If you don't want to replace your current design, leave the ideas pane aside and return to the tools in the left pane.

Download your project

When you've finished creating your design, you can share it online or download it to your computer. AI can also help you with this process. Click on the button "Download” in the top toolbar.

The download menu will appear. If you just want to download it to your computer, choose the file type (although the recommended type is already selected), check the “Remove Watermark” and click on “Download“. Alternatively, you can send it to your phone using a QR code.

If you want to share the design on social networks such as Instagram, Facebook ou LinkedIn, you can not only share it directly, but AI can also help you generate captions and hashtags.

Click on the button "To experiment” to post on social media. To use this AI service, you will need to connect your account. Please note that only Instagram business accounts and Facebook pages are currently supported.

After connecting your account, tell the AI ​​the purpose of the post and give a brief description for the caption.

The AI ​​will generate example captions and a list of possible hashtags. You can select the caption and hashtags you want, then post the design to your account.

O Microsoft Designr is a powerful tool that allows you to create attractive and professional designs even without design experience. However, it is important to note that there is still room for improvement and future developments. While it's still not on the same level as some other design tools, it's a valuable option. Microsoft Designer introduces the power of artificial intelligence to image and design generation, making visual creation more accessible and creative. Are you ready to try this revolutionary new approach to design?

What did you think of this tutorial? Tell us in the comments your impressions of this tool that is gaining more and more users.

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reviewed by Glaucon Vital in 26 / 10 / 23.