Paint.NET - Free Download (2026)

Name: Paint.NET
Availability: InStock
Author: dotPDN LLC

Paint.NET - Free Image Editor

Paint.NET is a free image editor for Windows by Rick Brewster (dotPDN LLC). It started as a college project to replace Microsoft Paint and grew into a capable layer based editor. The classic version from getpaint.net is free. There is also a $14.99 Microsoft Store version that adds automatic updates and supports the developer.

Editing tools

The editor supports layers with blend modes and adjustable opacity, unlimited undo through a visual History panel, and selection tools with anti aliasing (rectangle, ellipse, lasso, magic wand). The Clone Stamp copies pixels from one area to another, useful for removing unwanted objects. Cropping works by selecting an area and choosing Image > Crop to Selection. Seven gradient types are available for fills.

Effects and plugins

The Effects menu is organized by category: Blurs, Distorts, Artistic (pencil sketch, oil painting, ink sketch), and Photo adjustments. An active community has created hundreds of plugins that extend Paint.NET with features like content aware fill, focus stacking, and advanced color correction. Plugins install by copying DLL files to the Effects folder.

Advantages

Free with no ads or watermarks
Layer support with blend modes, which MS Paint still lacks
Active plugin community adding new features
Much lighter than GIMP or Photoshop

Drawbacks

Windows only
No vector tools, pen tool, or advanced text manipulation
GIMP is also free and more feature complete, though harder to learn
Photopea.com offers Photoshop level features for free in the browser

Who it is for

Paint.NET fills the gap between MS Paint (too basic) and GIMP (too complex for simple tasks). If you need layers, effects, and decent selection tools without learning a complicated interface, this is it. If you need vector editing, pen paths, or professional print features, GIMP or Photopea are better fits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paint.NET free?

The classic version from getpaint.net is free. A $14.99 Microsoft Store version exists that adds automatic updates and supports the developer, but the functionality is identical.

Is Paint.NET better than GIMP?

Paint.NET is easier to learn and lighter on resources. GIMP has more features (vector paths, advanced text tools, scripting). Paint.NET is better for quick edits, GIMP for complex work.

Does Paint.NET support layers?

Yes. Paint.NET has full layer support with blend modes, adjustable opacity, and drag and drop reordering. This is its main advantage over Microsoft Paint.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Undo changes and edit history	Edit › Undo (Ctrl+Z) › View › History › Click any step to return to earlier state.
2	Image cropping and rotation	Rectangle Select › Select area › Image › Crop to Selection. Rotation: Image › Rotate/Flip.
3	Working with layers 7	Windows › Layers › New layer (Ctrl+Shift+N) › Blend mode from dropdown › Transparency slider.
4	Photo cloning and retouching	Choose Clone Stamp › Ctrl+click on pixel source › Paint at target location to remove unwanted elements.
5	Color gradient creation	Gradient tool › Set start and end colors › 7 types (linear/radial/diamond) › Drag on canvas.
6	Image area selection 2	Rectangle/Ellipse/Lasso/Magic Wand › Options › Antialiased. Ctrl/Shift to add/subtract selection.
7	Adding text to image	Text tool (T) › Click on canvas › Choose font/size/color › Text on separate layer for further editing.
8	Graphics effects and filters	Effects › Category (Distorts/Artistic/Blurs) › Pencil Sketch/Oil Painting/Ink Sketch › Adjust parameters.