Classic Desktop
$0
one-time
Free downloadable Windows desktop edition. Optional donations support development.
Check current pricing →P
Paint.NET
Paint.NET is free Windows software for raster image and photo editing, with layers, unlimited history, effects, plugins and broad file-format support.
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
Paint.NET provides layers, unlimited history, color management, multithreaded rendering, broad file support and plugin extensibility. The desktop edition is free, while the Microsoft Store edition currently costs $14.99. Independent ratings are positive overall, though the product remains Windows-on
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
Paint.NET Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Platforms
Windows
TechZella assessment
8.6/10
Overview
Paint.NET is a Windows desktop application for raster image and photo editing. It began as a Washington State University senior design project and released version 1.0 on May 6, 2004.
The application is maintained by Rick Brewster and associated with dotPDN LLC. Its interface supports layers, unlimited editing history, effects, selections, color adjustments and multiple open images.
Paint.NET 5 requires 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11. It does not provide native versions for macOS, Linux, Android or iOS.
Paint.NET Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free classic Windows edition.
- Layer-based editing with unlimited history.
- Broad common-format support.
- Plugin system supports additional effects and file types.
- Microsoft Store edition provides automatic updates.
- Relatively low hardware and financial barrier for routine image editing.
Cons
- Windows-only product.
- No verified native web or mobile applications.
- No verified cloud collaboration or business integrations.
- Less extensive professional feature coverage than Photoshop or comparable suites.
- Third-party plugins can vary in quality and compatibility.
Paint.NET Pricing & Plans
Microsoft Store edition
$14.99
one-time
Paid Windows Store edition with Store installation and automatic background updates.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
Paint.NET Competitors & Alternatives
Compare similar products directly, then see which alternatives may make more sense when your requirements differ.
Direct competitors
These products address broadly similar requirements. The descriptions focus on documented reasons a buyer might compare them with Paint.NET.
Paint.NET Features
Image Editing
- Layers and layer transparency
- Blend modes
- Unlimited editing history
- Selections and transformations
- Adjustments and special effects
- Multiple open images with tabbed documents
File Support
- PDN native layered format
- PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF and TIFF support
- WebP, AVIF, JPEG XL and JPEG XR support
- DDS and TGA support
- HEIC support with Microsoft HEVC Video Extensions
Color and Performance
- ICC and ICM color-profile support
- sRGB, Adobe RGB, Display P3 and ProPhoto RGB profiles
- Asynchronous multithreaded rendering
- 64-bit x64 and ARM64 support
- Automatic updates
Extensibility
- Third-party effect plugins
- Third-party adjustment plugins
- Third-party file-type plugins
- Developer plugin interfaces
Support Resources
- Official documentation
- Community forum
- User tutorials
- Plugin and palette resources
Paint.NET Specifications
| Product type | Raster image and photo editor |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Desktop application |
| Supported platform | 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
| Classic edition | Free download |
| Microsoft Store edition | $14.99 one-time purchase in the United States |
| Latest stable version | 5.1.12 |
| Initial release | May 6, 2004 |
| Native web application | No |
| Public web API | Not verified |
| Native integrations | None verified |
| Extensibility | Third-party plugins and plugin APIs |
| Free trial | Not applicable to the free classic edition |
| Languages | Multiple built-in language options |
Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
8.6/10Moderate confidence
Paint.NET provides layers, unlimited history, color management, multithreaded rendering, broad file support and plugin extensibility. The desktop edition is free, while the Microsoft Store edition currently costs $14.99. Independent ratings are positive overall, though the product remains Windows-only and lacks the broader ecosystem of larger creative suites.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
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FAQ
Is Paint.NET free?
Yes. The classic desktop edition can be downloaded free from the official website. A paid Microsoft Store edition is also available.
What operating systems support Paint.NET?
Paint.NET 5 supports 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11. Official native releases for other operating systems were not verified.
Does Paint.NET have an API?
Paint.NET does not provide a public web API. It supports developer-created plugins through application and file-type interfaces.
Does Paint.NET offer integrations?
No native third-party integrations were verified. The main extension mechanism is its plugin system.
Does Paint.NET offer a free trial?
The classic desktop edition is free, so a separate trial is unnecessary. The Microsoft Store listing is a paid edition rather than a documented trial plan.
Can Paint.NET open Photoshop files?
Native PSD support was not verified in the official feature documentation. Users may investigate third-party file-type plugins for additional formats.
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