Paint.NET

Paint.NET

(3.8)
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Paint.Net is a free photo editing program that allows you to quickly create and edit images. The application is cross-platform compatible and works on both Mac OS X and Linux operating systems. Released in 2004 by Rick Brewster and DotPDN LLC, the lightweight freeware is available for download via the project’s website. The tool offers basic functions such as cropping, resizing, rotating, adding text, adjusting colors, applying special effects, and saving files. You can use it to make simple edits like changing color schemes, tweaking brightness levels, and sharpening images. However, Paint.NET lacks some of the features found in professional applications, including filters and layers. There are no plug-ins available.
PriceFree
Version4.3.12
CategoryGraphic Design
Developerpaint.net
SourceWindows
Rating
(3.8)
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Development

The idea behind Paint.NET came from an undergraduate college student named Michael Wilcox, who wanted to make a safer version of the popular Microsoft Paint application.

He began working on it in his spare time while he attended the University of Maryland. His goal was to replace the original Microsoft Paint app, which had been developed in the 1990s.

While developing the program, Wilcox took advantage of some tools built into the operating system, including the ability to import images directly from the file browser.

In addition, he used the Open Clip Art Library, which offered thousands of clip art images for use in programs like Paint.NET.

Wilcox continued working on the project over the next few years, eventually releasing the beta version of Paint.NET in May 2010.

While the first version of the software lacked many features found in the standard Microsoft Paint, it did allow users to edit photos in 16 colors and add text overlays.

In 2012, Paint.NET received a major update, adding support for layers, undo/redo, color pickers, and more. A couple years later, the program added support for importing images from Instagram and Facebook.

In 2017, Paint.NET introduced a feature called Live Brushes, allowing artists to draw directly onto photographs without having to open up a separate drawing layer.

Cost

The popular painting program Paint.NET has been updated with some significant changes recently. The latest update includes improvements to the software’s core functionality, including automatic updates, easier installation, and better compatibility with Windows 10.

However, there is one major difference between the old and new versions of Paint.NET. The new version costs $19.99 USD.

While many users had expressed interest in purchasing the upgrade, it appears that the developers were not receiving enough donations to match those requests.

On the Paint.NET blog, the team revealed that while they wanted to provide the best experience possible, they could not continue to offer the product for free without incurring substantial losses.

In response to the change, the developers offered suggestions to users regarding how they could still enjoy the program. They suggested that people could donate directly via PayPal or use the tip jar on the site.

Additionally, the team noted that they plan to add features to the app such as custom brushes, layer masks, and color pickers.

How To Use It

Paint.net

The program is designed to help you edit images and drawings. You can easily perform basic editing tasks such as cropping, resizing, rotating, flipping, adjusting brightness/contrast, applying filters, adding text, drawing lines, shapes, arrows, circles, polygons, and much more.

The main window consists of four panels. On the left side, there is a preview pane where you can see what your changes look like. In the middle, there is a palette of different tools.

There is a toolbar above the palette. On the bottom, there is a status bar where you can check how many layers are selected and how big the canvas is.

To start working on your project, simply double-click anywhere inside the canvas to select it. Then, you can drag around the edges of the canvas to resize it. Clicking the center of the canvas will deselect everything. If you want to undo a change, press Ctrl+Z.

In the palette, you’ll find several categories of tools. Each tool has a unique name and icon. For example, the Rectangle tool looks like a square box with rounded corners.

When you click the tool, it becomes active. Use the mouse wheel to scroll up or down through the list of available tools.

You can access the most commonly used tools directly from the toolbar. However, some tools require additional steps. For instance, the Lasso tool requires you to hold down Shift while dragging over the image.

Another way to use a tool is to click on the icon next to the tool. Some icons indicate whether the tool works horizontally or vertically.

When you’re done making edits, click the Save Image As… option to save your work. Alternatively, you can copy the entire canvas to the clipboard. Paste the copied image into a word processor or email client to send along with your finished product.

Compared To Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular programs out there. However, it costs $600 per year, making it inaccessible to many people. Paint.

NET is a free alternative designed specifically for Windows 10 and Microsoft Surface devices. This app allows you to edit images without having to pay hundreds of dollars for each purchase.

Compared to Photoshop, Paint.NET offers a simpler interface and fewer features. However, it still does everything Photoshop does. For example, both tools allow you to crop photos, apply filters, add text, change colors, etc.

If you want to learn how to use Photoshop, you might find yourself spending hours trying to figure things out. But if you just want to quickly make basic edits, Paint.NET could be the perfect tool for you.

Conclusion

Paint.net is an excellent free photo editor that lets you do all the basics in no time at all. It’s easy to use and comes with plenty of tutorials to get you started.

With this tool, you don’t have to spend money on expensive software. Instead, you can download the trial version and try it out before buying.

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