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, resize images, adjust colors, and create collages.
Paint.NET 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, though the red-eye removal tool is notably weak; those images may require manual attention.
Unlike most free image editors, Paint.NET supports layers and has an actions manager. The pleasing interface boasts semitransparent windows for ease of use.
Version 3 fixes many old quibbles, including a convenient thumbnail manager for handling multiple image editing, and improved program graphics. 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 editing and photo manipulation software designed to be used on computers that run Windows. It supports layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools.
Version 3.10 adds two new effects, support for the DDS file type, and some performance tweaks.
What's new in this version: Version 3.10 adds two new effects, support for the DDS file type, and some performance tweaks.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 1,033 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 110 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Much More Powerful than Paint"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
The detail of editing power in this allows you to do just about anything you like.
Cons
You do have to have some patients and time to work with this software.
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"3.20"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
PDN is now on version 3.20
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"Great Product"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
For the price and especially the size Paint.net can do just about anything you want it to do. For what it has I don't now I could have it to do. Its FREE
Cons
It won't do the dishes.
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"editing pictures"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
This has got to be one of the best.
easy to use
just perfect
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"Workable editor"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
Most everything you need & hey it's free!
Cons
Would like a better image outliner. Something like dropping a image into a background, like a person's picture into a scene. Even the transparency could be improved and even a little how to, would make it even better.
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"Very Good"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
A really good and useful free program with a lot of features
Nice easy to use interface with a very good selection of tools and effects.
Perfect if you want to tweak photos, it has good contrast/brightness and levels tools etc. a clone tool (similar to photoshop), crop, rotate etc.
There is a plugin color balance tool as well as many other plugins also available.
When they have custom brushes added (soon) this will do everything I ever used photoshop for!
Cons
If there was a custom brush or soft edge brush this would do everything I wanted - I believe this is planned for version 4.0
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"Does 95% of everything needed.."
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
Working with layers and touch ups are great.
Cons
The clone tool works but takes some getting used to.
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"Paint.NET beats the run-up"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
Easy to use-quick to learn and vise versa. Does nearly everything I need it to do and well. I've created many graphics using Paint.NET and it's been awesome. MonthsForever.blogspot.com
Cons
Although it's awesome and good, it does need more tools such as rounded rectangle select tool and blur tool, for example.
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"Nice, basic ware, but I miss a good magic wand - especially a two-step"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
Simple to use
Cons
directions of how to use layers tool vague, inneffective magic wand.
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"its insane"
Version: Paint.NET 3.10
Pros
i think its insane
Cons
its always insane
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