Paint.NET is an accomplished, free pixel-based image editor suitable for use on computers running Microsoft Windows. While the application was born out of a project to offer a free alternative to Microsoft's Paint application, this image editor has developed significantly to become a much more powerful application, offering users a wide range of tools and features for image enhancement and creative editing. It is now much more of an alternative to the free and open source pixel-based image editor, GIMP, or, in some respects, Adobe Photoshop.
Highlights of Paint.NET
Some of the key features of Paint.NET include:
- Clear interface with floating palettes that can be arranged to personal preference
- Range of image adjustment tools, including Curves and Levels
- Selection of effects
- Red Eye Removal feature
- Active forum and community of users
- Plug-ins system with substantial range of free plug-ins
- Unlimited undo steps
Why Use Paint.NET?
Despite its humble beginnings, Paint.NET has become quite a full-featured pixel-based image editor. The range of tools make it ideal for different types of users.
Photographers who need an application for image enhancement will be quite well-served by Paint.NET with its selection of the more important image adjustment tools. Those who want to push their work a bit further can utilize the various effects to produce more artistically creative results. It could even be used to produce complete pieces of graphic design, such as posters or leaflets that don't contain much text.
The Limitations of Paint.NET
While Paint.NET does offer users a lot of power, more experienced pixel-based image editor users may miss a few features present in some other editors. There is no native layer mask feature and also no adjustment layers, which means there aren't easy options for non-destructive editing. Also, anyone who relies on Dodge and Burn tools will be disappointed by their absence, though many users will easily find their way around this.
System Requirements
Paint.NET's website lists a few minimum requirements for running the application. Users will require Windows XP or later, at least an 800MHz processor, 512MB RAM and at least 200MB of free hard drive space. Any fairly recent computer should surpass these requirements, including most Netbooks for those looking for a suitable image editor when on the go.
Support and Training
One of the great things about Paint.NET is the active community of users and developers that surround it. The community forum is a fantastic resource for anyone just starting out or looking to develop their skills and techniques. Users can ask questions or browse through the wide range of tutorials covering all aspects of using Paint.NET. The Help menu has items that take users to the forum or directly to the sections devoted to plug-ins and tutorials, just to make things even easier.
Paint.NET can be downloaded from the official website.