Manage updates with the Download AppCNET 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.
Paint.NET - Create and edit photos using layers, effects, and other tools - Download Video Previews: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 1,075 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 58 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"It's my favorite photo editing program"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Simple
Fast
Automatically uses 64 bit systems
Covers important features well
FreeCons
There is always room for improvement
Summary
I've tried a handful of programs, including versions of Photoshop and Gimp, and I always end up using this one. It has all the features I need and isn't bloated with excess stuff.
Running it on a 64 bit OS is much faster than a 32 bit OS. -
"Outstanding, but not this download."
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Alright, if you're looking for a way to get started in Graphic Arts, then this is your program. It has many useful tools and I find it easier to create renders in Paint.NET than any other graphic arts freeware program. It also has many useful plugins which you can download on the website's forum. On top of that, yes you do have to do a bit of searching, but you can easily find most things you want to use while making a picture, instead of digging through heaps of menus (looking at you, Photoshop). Finally, it's pretty easy to figure out on your own.
Cons
Alright, the cons. First, this download includes a lot of stuff extra (toolbars toolbars maaalaaaware), so you should download it off the official website. Next, if you're not exactly a beginner, you might want to get GIMP instead (I use both, create renders in Paint.Net, add some effects, send it off to GIMP, finish the pic). Or better yet, if GIMP isn't good enough, just get Photoshop. Finally, if you're a complete newbie to computers, the menus might confuse you a bit (so many menus...). If the menus DO confuse you, you might want to use MS Paint instead.
Summary
It's a very good program for people who at least kind of know what they're doing, but not for complete freaking newbies and people that are very advanced in the field of Graphic Arts. Also, this download has some stuff you might not exactly want to download, so I recommend downloading it off of the official download page.
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"Watch out Malware attached"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
This is a super software that I have used for years. Even if you are a Photoshop Professional you will find it a quick alternative that gets the job done for 90% of the fixit jobs we all do.
Cons
CNET should be ashamed of the junk and malware that are included in this download. I tried to prevent the installation of all of the toolbars, etc. and still got my Windows 7 computer file system so corrupted that eventually I had to rebuild the entire computer. As you can read on the internet, "conduit" is the worst.
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"Best Program Ever!!"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
The developers of this software are awesome!
Cons
You guys rock!
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"This is my favorite image editor."
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Has the same features the larger programs have but easier to use.
Cons
It didn't replace Paint as the pre-installed picture editor.
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"Almost as good as Photoshop, I have to say"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
If you can learn to use Paint.NET efficiently, it is much better than any free image editing software out there, even Gimp imo. It also allows for user created plugins. I used this program to create some pretty convincing edits to images, and they actually look real to the point it's scary.
Cons
The user interface, especially the layers, can seem a little overwhelming at first. I was expecting this to be almost the same as MS Paint which came with Windows as the name implies. But this is a full blown program. But if you learn to use it, it's really effective.
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"Pitty it has to use the .NET framework"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Lots of function but has trouble preforming..
Cons
Pitty it uses the .NET 4 framework rubbish has trouble installing on most Windows System except Windows 7 which already has a good paint software. WinE no hope..
Summary
Its needs to creates restore point for a very good reason.
Pure users like myself don't like to install a framework like .NET that has so many virus writtn for it. -
"BEST PROGRAM I HAVE FOUND THAT IS FREE!"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
First of all, it's free, secondly it is fairly easy to use. Has the ability to save my file as...BMP, GIF, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, TGA, DDS, OR paint.NET (PDN) I can even acquire my pics from scanner or camera. Zooming in feature is great! I can edit EACH pixel if I choose and have done so. :)
Cons
None so far.
Summary
I am not a graphic artist by trade and was looking for a program that I could edit tiff and jpeg files. I tried several different programs and then ran across this one. I am really impressed! I ended up removing all the other programs I have downloaded and have decided this is the one for me. :) I'm sure that it does more than what I am using it for, but for me it works! I have used this endlessly for the past 2 weeks or so and am learning new things each day. I recommend this for anyone wanting to do some editing or creating!
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"Does the job."
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
It's free. Once adjmts made, program keeps these items as defaults. Works great.
Cons
The auto fix does an over kill, need to adjust Hue.
Summary
Can't beat the price. You cannot expect features present in costly programs, but can be worked to get close results.
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"Best free photo app out there"
Version: Paint.NET 3.5.10
Pros
Multitudes of Effects and Photo Adjustment Options
Cons
Area Selection requires a steady hand or a solid color
Summary
I found Paint.NET amazingly simple and fun to use. I don't use it very much for art anymore but it still comes in handy with Photo Manips & the diverse effects options.
