SoftNexi

Windows · Graphics & Image Editing

Paint.NET for Windows

Lightweight Windows raster editor with layers and effects, aimed at users who find GIMP or Photoshop more than they need.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Paint.NET is a Windows raster image editor that sits between MS Paint and full editors like GIMP: it supports layers, undo history, and a plugin ecosystem, but keeps the interface simple and approachable rather than exposing every professional tool.

It started as a free, ad-supported application and later moved to a small one-time paid purchase through the Microsoft Store, while remaining free to download directly from the developer's own site. Both routes install the same core application.

Its plugin community adds meaningful capability — additional filters, effects, and file format support — without cluttering the base interface, which is a large part of why it has stayed popular well beyond its original scope as a simple Paint replacement.

It suits users who need layers and basic photo editing (cropping, red-eye removal, curves, cloning) without the depth or learning curve of GIMP or Photoshop, such as quick edits, screenshots, and simple compositing.

Key features

  • Layer-based editing with adjustable opacity and blend modes
  • Non-destructive-feeling undo history with a visual history panel
  • Built-in effects: blur, distortion, noise, and stylize filters
  • Curves, levels, and hue/saturation adjustment tools
  • Large third-party plugin library for extra effects and file formats
  • Simple, uncluttered interface aimed at quick edits

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit)
Architecture
64-bit only

How to install Paint.NET

  1. 1. Download from the developer

    Go to getpaint.net/download.html and use the official download link, avoiding search-result ads for third-party mirrors.

  2. 2. Run setup

    Approve the UAC prompt and complete installation with default options.

  3. 3. Consider plugins

    Visit the community-recommended plugin index linked from the developer's site if you need additional effects or format support.

How to use it

  1. 1. Open an image

    Use File > Open to load a photo or screenshot.

  2. 2. Add layers

    Use the Layers panel to stack elements, adjusting opacity and blend mode as needed.

  3. 3. Adjust the photo

    Use Adjustments > Curves or Hue/Saturation for color correction, and Effects for stylistic filters.

  4. 4. Crop and resize

    Use the rectangle select tool with Image > Crop to Selection, or Image > Resize for scaling.

  5. 5. Save or export

    Use File > Save As to export to PNG, JPEG, or other common formats.

Safety and privacy

  • We link only to getpaint.net, the developer's official site; Paint.NET has historically been targeted by fake download sites bundling adware, so avoid third-party mirrors.
  • The Microsoft Store listing is also an official channel maintained by the same developer.
Bundled software
The installer from getpaint.net's official download page does not bundle third-party offers.
Privacy
Paint.NET runs locally and does not require an account for the direct-download version.

Known risks

  • Third-party plugins run with the app's file access; install plugins only from the community sites the developer links to or otherwise trusted sources.

What's new

  • Recent 5.x series

    Recent releases have added updated effect rendering and interface refinements. Check the developer's release notes on getpaint.net for the current version.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Simple, approachable interface for quick edits
  • Layers and undo history without a steep learning curve
  • Free direct download from the developer
  • Strong community plugin library

Cons

  • Fewer advanced tools than GIMP or Photoshop
  • Windows only
  • No RAW photo processing or vector tools
  • Plugin quality varies since many are community-maintained

Verdict

Paint.NET fills the gap between MS Paint and a full editor like GIMP nicely: layers and real editing tools without overwhelming complexity. Users who need advanced masking, scripting, or RAW support should look at GIMP instead.

Frequently asked questions

Is Paint.NET free?

Yes, it is free to download directly from getpaint.net. A small one-time paid version is also available via the Microsoft Store as an alternative distribution channel.

Is Paint.NET the same as MS Paint?

No, despite the similar name it is a separate, more capable application with layers, adjustment tools, and plugin support that Microsoft's built-in Paint lacks.

Does Paint.NET support layers?

Yes, layer-based editing with opacity and blend modes is a core feature.

Can Paint.NET open PSD files?

Basic PSD support is available through the community plugin ecosystem rather than built in by default; check the plugin index linked from the developer's site.