CNET Editors' review
If all you want is a quick image retouch, Photoshop is overkill. Paint.NET, on the other hand, is an open-source freeware editor with all the essentials, including tools to crop, rotate, and resize images, adjust colors, and create collages. It supports common image formats--JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and others--but not high-resolution RAW files. There are enough basic and intermediate effects and features to keep image-tweakers happy, including a red-eye removal tool that has seen dramatic improvements. Unlike most free image editors, Paint.NET supports layers, history, and has an actions manager. The pleasing interface boasts semitransparent windows for ease of use.
Version 3.5 addresses many performance quibbles and offers some interface tweaks for the Aero-theme users, but fans of the "dancing ants" may not like the gray-overlay changes made to the selection tools. The useful tools under Effects on the menu bar have seen many additions since version 3, including surface blurs, dents, and crystalize.
The new version automatically downloads and installs the program's prerequisites, including the latest Microsoft .Net version and Windows Installer. It will update in the background now, too, so you can continue to use the program until it's ready to restart. Longtime users should notice that the program starts up about 20 percent faster, according to the publisher. Regardless of minor problems, Paint.NET is far more advanced than Microsoft Paint, and given its free price, it's a must-have for anyone needing to fix images.
Watch the CNET video review of Paint.NET:
Publisher's Description
From dotPDN:
Paint.NET is free image and photo editing software. It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools. An active and growing online community provides friendly help, tutorials, and plug-ins.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 1,033 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 16 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"This is interesting will know more when I finish"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
ooooooooooo
Cons
oooooooooooo
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"Clean, easy, fun, powerful, fast. Really fantastic!"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Quick boot-up time, unlike some other image editing softwares
Powerful effects
Doesn't overload you with buttons and features
Great online plug-in database with easy-to-install plug-ins that add additional great features
Clean, polished, and intuitive user interfaceCons
None really. The only con I can see is that you can't treat text as a layer--once you're done editing it, it becomes a part of the image. But I can totally work with that considering how amazing the rest of the program is.
Summary
Really a stand-up freeware application that's a lot of fun to use! Covers all your basic image-editing needs and then some.
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"Beast picture managing software I ever used"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
fast and many output formats available
Cons
sometimes It need too much time to load
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"Amazing - I LOVE it!"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Exactly what Ive always wanted and could never afford.
Cons
Im not getting anything else done since I got it!
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"Great capability, awkward to learn"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Has lots of tools that help me achieve practically everything I need to do or am willing to learn how to do things.
Cons
A lot of assumed knowledge is making getting up to speed awkward for me. The Help and tutorials are ok, just lots to know if you're going to use max features. Prior experience with MicroGrafx was helpful.
Summary
As with all complex software applications there's a lot to know if you're going to exploit a new app. Without considerable prior exposure to a range of graphics tools the newbie will need to invest a few days learning before you do anything too creative or technical.
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"I dig this software"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Pretty intuitive and offers a nice big white canvas for collage purposes. LOTS of useful tools and it appears on par with Gimp with the exception I never did see that big white canvas I'm talking about, for collage purposes. So far, this appears to have everything I need.
Cons
Haven't seen any yet.
Summary
I think I'm in love. I'd looked for a replacement for my old Lview when I went to a 64 bit system and this program appears to have the flexibility I've been looking for.
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"Nice product"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Not something I'd use often, but, easy to use
Cons
No problems thus far
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"Worth the download."
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Sleek Design, Simple, easy to use, great effects.
Cons
I really didn't find any.
Summary
This program is amazing simply because it's a definite upgrade from Microsoft Paint. It's pretty easy to figure out and great for beginners, experts and all in between. The different brush and fill tools give a small variety. It may not be Photoshop but hey it never claimed to be.
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"Great for what I need"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
I use it to write over pics,cartoons and changing backgrounds.I really like the detailed color adjustments,especially the transparency effect for blending.
Cons
The only thing I wish they would add is a few more cursive texts. Other than that no cons I've found
Summary
I've tried this before but didn't really give it a chance to learn something new. I'm still learning to use parts of it but after trying others I came back to this one and would say it is one of the better ones I've found. Anyone who is looking for a program that is easy to use for basic changing to taking a little time to learn the more advanced options, this is the one.
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"Only hesitation: a bit TOO helpful."
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Many many good reasons to use this tool (see all the other reviews).
Cons
"The new version automatically downloads and installs the program's prerequisites, including the latest Microsoft .Net version and Windows Installer."
I have had 'difficulties' in the past with systems becoming unstable due to automatically-updating packages which extend their purview beyond the "usual" boundaries. In one or two cases regaining that previous 'stable' plateau was a major PITA.Summary
Just need to be aware that good habits (re regular backups, Save/Restore points, system hygiene in general) may be more critical than usual to ongoing system health here -- one of many "NOT a 'load it and forget it' type" packages available here.
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