
It can be used to create graphic illustrations and even simple marketing pieces.
It can handle photo retouching/ editing tasks, and has numerous filters to add effects to images. Being a lightweight program, it loads quickly, and the workspace is easy to navigate. Paint.NET is a capable program that beginners can quickly get a handle on. To learn more about plugins available for Paint.NET, visit. Effects, which expands these features by adding filters and adjustments.Īs the proficiency of the user grows, plugins allow Paint.NET to grow in ability.File Types plugins, which allows Paint.NET to work with new types of image file formats.The capabilities of Paint.NET can be expanded with plugins (sub-programs that work within Paint.NET). Paint.NET can be used for creating simple marketing materials.
After the page loads, scroll down until you see the link shown in Figure 1.įigure 11. To download Paint.NET, first go to this page.
Windows 10 (version 1607 "Anniversary Update" or newer). You'll need a Windows PC that meets these requirements: The small price helps fund the program's ongoing development. It has the same functionality as the free download, except that it's automatically updated. There is a paid version of Paint.NET that can be purchased for about $7.00 through the Microsoft Windows Store. The terms of the license can be accessed here. Modifying the source code is prohibited, as is selling the software. It's a freeware program, and under the terms of the license can be copied and given away, installed on multiple PC's, and used for personal and commercial purposes. Paint.NET has been around since the mid-2000s and has gained a sizable online community over the years. Paint.NET is ideal for hobbyists, small business owners, students―anyone who needs an editing program that balances ability with ease of use. It's free (the developers do appreciate donations). This Windows program has many good things going for it, a few of them being: I admit, GIMP (which I happen to love) is a heavy-duty program with tons of tools and features―for those with little image editing experience, it can be overwhelming.įor the people who fall into that camp, a great program worth trying is Paint.NET. In the past, I usually suggested the free, open-source editing program GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), but the response I would get by those who tried it told me it's too hard to learn. I've been a professional digital photo editor for many years, and a question I'm often asked by those who don't need the power and complexity of Adobe Photoshop is if there's an easy-to-use alternative.