paint.net 5.1 (5.100.9082.35298)

Winner of Best Image Editor in 2017 and 2014.

Overview

Paint.NET is a useful alternative to the generic Microsoft Paint. The software provides a package that looks and functions in a way similar to Microsoft Paint which is an advantage for previous users of the Microsoft software, but users can benefit from a greater range of features when making the switch to Paint.NET.

The software is lightweight, fast to open, and operate. Multi-core processors that benefit from multi-threaded performance and more basic Atom CPUs can all work with Paint.NET.

Layers are included in the software which is unusual for a free drawing package. Build up images layer by layer, disable layers, try out new ideas, and protect from ruining an image by making changes that cannot be undone later.

Plug-ins are being developed by users who like to add new features to the program. There are also tutorials to help new users learn the ropes.

Special visual effects are included in the software. These include red-eye removal, noise reduction or removal, embossing, sharpening an image, blurring out parts of an image that other people should not see, etc. Images can also be rotated using a 3D axis, zoomed into or tilted to lent a different perspective to a shot.

Gradients can be applied with better color control. Adjustments can also be made to images to make changes to fix saturation, contrast, hue, or brightness levels that aren't quite right.

Installation

The installation proceeds normally. The software takes up little space on the hard drive and opens up almost immediately.

There is no extra unwanted software included in the distribution.

Interface

The user interface is intuitive with an approach to layout which is friendly for previous users of Microsoft Paint. There is a menu and toolbar icons, with a floating tool window on the left side. The interface has been improved to use Aero Glass visuals with Microsoft Windows Vista or 7.

Color wheels that let the user pick the color from a kaleidoscope of color choices, unlimited history displayed as a list, and a layer window are just some of the elements within the interface.

The interface is easy to use for beginners and advanced users.

Pros

• Improvement over the Microsoft Paint package
• Layers included for improved image control during development
• Color wheel to pick colors
• Plug-in availability
• Many visual effects like red-eye removal, sharpening, blurring, and more.
• Unlimited history
• Fast
• Free

Cons

None.

Conclusion

Paint.NET is a painting software package that hits all the right marks for simplicity while offering a wide choice of popular features that few free drawing packages can manage to offer. Lightweight and fast to install, the software is more than worth a try.