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- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows XP
- Date added: November 19, 2009
- Total Downloads: 4,901,566
- Downloads last week: 12,759
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 869 votes
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CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on November 09, 2009
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.
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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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User reviews
- Average user rating: 0 stars Not yet available
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Showing 3 of 3 user reviewsSee all 3 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.1
Pros: Easy install
Cons: Requires brain... those that try to open zip files with MSPaint should just turn off their computers and go to bed.
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Version: Paint.NET 3.5.1
"Just about the best for texting"
Pros: I design flyers for charitable organizations. After finalizing the graphics in PS or PSP, I use Paint exclusively for simple texting. Super easy and fast visibility enabling you to change the font and/or size displayed changes until you decide.
Cons: I preferred the ants but OK.
Summary: Limited applications but great freeware especially for the purpose outlined. Very user friendly.
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Version: Paint.NET 3.5.1
Pros: Could not install it.
Cons: Message: Paint cannot read this file; not a valid bitmap file or its format is not currently supported
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