Paint.NET

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.

Paint.NET:

Publisher's Description

More Products to Consider

  • Photo Story 3 for W...
    Process your digital photos and create slide shows for sharing.
    Download Or, Learn More About Photo Story 3 for Windows

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • IrfanView
    View and edit most graphics formats simply and quickly.
    Download Or, Learn More About IrfanView

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • FastStone Image Vie...
    Manage, view, convert, and edit your images.
    Download Or, Learn More About FastStone Image Viewer

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Free Picture Resize...
    Optimize your images and change their size.
    Download Or, Learn More About Free Picture Resize Starter

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • PhotoScape
    View, edit, print, or add frames to your photos.
    Download Or, Learn More About PhotoScape

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Paint.NET
    Create and edit photos using layers, effects, and other tools.
    Download Or, Learn More About Paint.NET

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Zoner Photo Studio
    Manage, edit, and share your photos.
    Download Or, Learn More About Zoner Photo Studio

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • PicPick
    Capture and edit your images with various tools.
    Download Or, Learn More About PicPick

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Photo Pos Pro
    Edit, enhance, and manipulate your digital photos or graphics.
    Download Or, Learn More About Photo Pos Pro

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • SteganPEG
    Hide files in a JPEG image.
    Download Or, Learn More About SteganPEG

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • TSR Resize & Rotate...
    Rotate and resize more than one image at a time.
    Download Or, Learn More About TSR Resize & Rotate Free

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Smideo
    Turn your picture into beautiful video.
    Download Or, Learn More About Smideo

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Picasa
    Organize, edit, and share pictures with this free photo manager...
    Download Or, Learn More About Picasa

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • TSR Resize & Rotate
    Rotate and resize more than one image at a time.
    Download Or, Learn More About TSR Resize & Rotate

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Magix Photo Designe...
    Optimize your photos and turn them into paintings or funny cari...
    Download Or, Learn More About Magix Photo Designer

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • GerbView
    Print and convert HPGL and raster files.
    Download Or, Learn More About GerbView

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Trimto Portable (64...
    Edit and process your digital images.
    Download Or, Learn More About Trimto Portable (64-bit)

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • GIMP
    Create and alter photos and graphics manually or via scripting.
    Download Or, Learn More About GIMP

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Trimto (64-bit)
    Edit and process your digital images.
    Download Or, Learn More About Trimto (64-bit)

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Snagit
    Take a snapshot of anything on your computer screen.
    Download Or, Learn More About Snagit

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Trimto
    Edit and process your digital images.
    Download Or, Learn More About Trimto

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Trimto Portable
    Edit and process your digital images.
    Download Or, Learn More About Trimto Portable

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Funny Photo Maker
    Edit photos, add photo frame, photo effects, and funny backgrou...
    Download Or, Learn More About Funny Photo Maker

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Sceneum AV
    Organize and manage scripts for each movie scene.
    Download Or, Learn More About Sceneum AV

    Installed

    Smart Install
All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    4.2 stars

    out of 1,073 votes

    • 5 star: 539
    • 4 star: 361
    • 3 star: 105
    • 2 star: 29
    • 1 star: 38
  • Current version:

    4.3 stars

    out of 36 votes

    • 5 star: 21
    • 4 star: 10
    • 3 star: 2
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 3
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 36

  • 5.0 stars

    "El mejor free"

    October 29, 2010  |   By fabzcom

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    Tiene casi todo

    Cons

    No se como añadir otros plugins

    Summary

    Debe seguir mejorando

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (1)

  • 5.0 stars

    "This Thing Is Great"

    October 29, 2010  |   By picbuck

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    Unlike the huge editors, this one can be learned by mere mortals. But you can still do pretty much anything you want with any image.

    Cons

    Cons? There are no cons.

    Summary

    I think these reviews put a little too much emphasis on "it's like Microsoft Paint." Make no mistake, there's a learning curve here. But a small effort can bring large rewards.

    Tip #1: Don't be afraid of layers (like I was). A layer is like a transparent sheet of plastic placed over the image, you can add, edit, and delete layers infinitely.

    Tip #2: Save your work in Paint.NET's native format because that preserves the layer structure you're using. You can then save-as to a bitmap, jpeg, or whatever at any time. When you save as an image the layers all merge into one.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "super perfect"

    October 26, 2010  |   By sebastiansahwj

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    you know this program is identical to MS paint. I was just looking for a pasting program but I found much more.

    Cons

    Well I'd have to say it was limited but that's exactly what I expected. It didn't give me more than I asked and that was fine by me.

    Summary

    right, the bottom line is this; the program does everything it says and that's great. I can usually count on CNET to give great soft ware recommendations. For anyone with limited windows installed whom wants MS-paint, here you go!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Get GIMP Instead"

    October 13, 2010  |   By mdarmocida

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    None that I can see

    Cons

    Painfully slow, resource hog, not feature rich, unintuitive, hard to use and learn

    Summary

    OMG, how can anyone give this program a good review. It took forever to install, when I did start working with it, it slowed my computer down to a crawl and then a stop. GIMP is so much more feature rich, professional, and best of all FAST! Do yourself a favor, if you want to get a PhotoShop quality product for free then get GIMP, compared to which Paint.net is amature hour. I cant wait to uninstall it once it gives me my computer back.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (2)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Simple and effective"

    October 1, 2010  |   By davidl8ly

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    Easy to use interface

    Cons

    Nothing I can think of

    Summary

    It fills the needs I have.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Everything you want in a free image editor"

    October 1, 2010  |   By EdCenter

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    1) Free
    2) It can crop and stuff

    Cons

    1) None
    2) Documentation (but you can easily find tutorials on youtube)

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "unable to download because of Vista SP1 not installed"

    September 30, 2010  |   By Al Zein

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    I liked it when I had it on my XP computer. I just wish it had animation ability for making your own animated wallpapers.

    Cons

    None, as long as your using it in XP and not worthless Vista

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "The best mspaint replacement ev@r!"

    September 29, 2010  |   By tp4566

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    This is just plainly a great replacement for mspaint. I love the antialiased drawing, and all the Photoshop-like functionality built in (filters, magic wand, etc)

    Cons

    Nothing! This is just plain great.

    Summary

    It's not Photoshop CS4 or anything like that. It's just a really great image editor that is great for postprocessing or simple image composition. And FREE!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 3.0 stars

    "Elitist attitude in forums. Newbies beware."

    September 26, 2010  |   By steveleecbay

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    Good program. Bad forums. Even the rules are crammed down your throat and it's as if they lie in wait for anyone to make a slight mistake so they can ridicule and pounce. There's a bad vibe to that place.

    Cons

    No spray paint can. Don't even ask about it. Lots of useless plugins. They don't tolerate anyone adding similar tutorials or asking similar questions without a major attitude, but loads of worthless plugins that are duplicates of others are welcomed.

    Summary

    Try the program, accept it's limitations and understand that the forums are a breeding ground for negativity and rude responses. If you are not as good as a few of the obsessed and drunk with power mega posters and moderators, then be prepared to be flamed. If you are quite good then you can probably enjoy the program without having to visit the forums.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "All these functions for free?"

    September 18, 2010  |   By mrtn21

    Version: Paint.NET 3.5.5

    Pros

    Free program
    Lot of functions
    ...

    Cons

    ..........

    Summary

    Paint.NET was intended for replacement for MS Paint, beacuse it has a little more functions. But in time, Paint.NET has become very poweful tool for editing images and photos. Program has some Adjustments (Black-White, Auto level, Sepia, Negative,...) and a lot of effects. There are also two fractals(Julia and Mandelbrot) and inserting Garident into image. You can edit image with more layers, etc.
    On all that, you can get more functions(effects) on web and use them in Paint.NET!

    All these functions, for free? Paint.NET can compete with PhotoShop, GIMP, Paint Shop Pro, and others.

    Updated on Sep 18, 2010

    You can chack out some images created with paint.net at http://cebular.blogspot.com/2010/09/paintnet.html (Slovenial language!)

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

Results 1-10 of 36

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for Paint.NET 3.5.5
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

Previous Versions:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for Paint.NET

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK

Or, Learn More About Paint.NET

Installed

Smart Install
Paint.NET