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Paint.NET

​Image and photo editing software for Windows featuring layers, plugin support, tabbed interface, and various drawing and adjustment tools

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Layer Management
Organize and edit images using multiple layers, allowing for separate manipulation of different elements within a project.
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Unlimited History
Track and revert any number of editing actions during a session, constrained only by available system memory and disk space.
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Image List Navigation
Switch between multiple open images using thumbnail previews, facilitating efficient multitasking within the application.
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Comprehensive File Format Support
Open and save images in various formats, including PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, and the native PDN format, accommodating diverse user needs.
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Plugin Support
Extend functionality by adding plugins that introduce new effects, adjustments, and support for additional file types.
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GPU Acceleration
Enhance performance for effects, adjustments, and tools by utilizing GPU resources, leading to faster processing times.
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Pressure Sensitivity
Utilize pressure-sensitive input from pens and drawing tablets to achieve variable stroke widths and opacities.
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Tabbed Interface
Manage multiple open images within a single window using tabs, streamlining workflow and organization.
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Canvas Size Adjustment
Modify the dimensions of the working canvas to suit specific project requirements, either by absolute size or percentage.
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Layer Blending
Apply different blending modes to layers, controlling how they interact visually with underlying layers.
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Selection Tools
Isolate specific areas of an image for targeted editing using tools like rectangle, lasso, and magic wand selections. ​
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Color Picker
Sample and select colors from an image to maintain color consistency across different elements.
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Gradient Tool
Create smooth transitions between colors, useful for backgrounds and shading effects.
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Text Tool
Insert and edit text within images, allowing for the addition of labels, annotations, or other textual elements.
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Zoom and Pan
Navigate and focus on specific areas of an image with zoom and pan functionalities, aiding in detailed editing.
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Clone Stamp Tool
Duplicate parts of an image to another area, useful for removing imperfections or duplicating patterns.
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History Window
View and manage the sequence of editing actions, enabling users to undo or redo steps as needed. ​
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Image Resizing
Change the dimensions of an image, allowing for scaling up or down while maintaining aspect ratios. ​ Paint.NET
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Print Preview
Preview how an image will appear when printed, assisting in making necessary adjustments before final output.
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Absence of Smudge Tool
The software lacks a native smudge tool, making it challenging to blend or soften edges without third-party plugins
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Limited Text Editing Capabilities
Once text is added and the tool is deselected, the text becomes part of the image layer, preventing further editing of the text content. ​
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Lack of Customizable Hotkeys
Users cannot assign custom keyboard shortcuts within the application, which may hinder workflow efficiency for those accustomed to personalized shortcuts.
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Basic Selection Tools
The selection tools offer limited functionality, which can restrict precision in complex editing tasks.
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Limited Built-in Filters and Effects
The software offers a basic set of filters and effects, requiring additional plugins for more advanced editing capabilities.
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No Vector Graphics Support
The application does not support vector graphics, limiting its use for tasks that require scalable graphic elements.
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Flattened Layers on Export
When exporting to formats other than its native .PDN, the software flattens layers, preventing further layer-based editing in those files.
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Limited Automation Features
The application lacks scripting or macro functionalities, making repetitive tasks more time-consuming.

Platform

Desktop

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System Requirements

#MinimumRecommended
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Windows 11, Windows 10 (version 21H2 or newer), or Windows Server 2022
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64-bit CPU (Intel/AMD x64 with AVX2, or ARM64) with at least 4 cores
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GPU with support for Direct3D 11
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A display that supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) or Wide Color Gamut (WCG)
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A pen or drawing tablet that supports Windows Ink
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Microsoft .NET 9 (included as part of the app package)

Ratings

4.15
5

Capterra
4.6
5
based on 37 reviews
CNET
4.2
5
based on 1069 reviews
Microsoft Store
4.6
5
based on 873 reviews
TechRadar
4.0
5
based on professional's opinion
TrustPilot
3.3
5
based on 13 reviews
Uptodown
4.2
5
based on 32 reviews

Developer

Written in

C#, C++

Initial Release

6 May 2004

Repository

Paint.NET being a proprietary software, its source code is not publicly hosted.

License

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