A lightweight powerhouse for image editing
Paint.NET is an accessible yet powerful image editing software designed specifically for Windows users. It strikes an ideal balance between simplicity and functionality, making it a smart choice for casual users, hobbyists, and professionals seeking a lightweight alternative to heavier tools. The latest Version 5.1 introduces full color management support and HDR/WCG display compatibility, elevating this already versatile program to meet modern creative demands.
Paint.NET’s robust layer system enables flexible workflows, allowing users to manipulate individual elements without altering the entire composition, though it lacks adjustment layers for fully non-destructive editing. Version 5.1 enhances creative potential with new GPU-accelerated blur effects (Sketch Blur, Square Blur, Median Blur) and real-time support for embedded color profiles (e.g., sRGB, Display P3), ensuring accurate color display. With built-in effects like blurs, distortions, and artistic filters, users can achieve stunning results across formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, and more with plugin support.
Layers, effects, and the tools to bring ideas to life
Effortless navigation, maximum productivity
Paint.NET offers an intuitive interface with a tabbed document system featuring live image thumbnails, a customizable toolbar, and extensive keyboard shortcuts to streamline editing. Unlimited undo and redo via the History window encourages fearless creative exploration. Version 5.1’s GPU acceleration refinements, leveraging Direct3D 11 and DXGI Flip Model, deliver seamless performance for intensive tasks, making the software accessible to newcomers and seasoned editors alike.
Freeware backed by a thriving community
Paint.NET is proprietary freeware, fully functional at no cost, with optional support through a paid Microsoft Store version or user donations. Its thriving community, centered around forums, enriches the ecosystem with tutorials and a wide range of plugins. The Plugin Browser simplifies discovering and installing these enhancements, enabling users to customize the software for diverse editing needs.
What you need to run it smoothly
Paint.NET 5.1 is designed for Windows 10 v21H2 or later (including Windows 11) and benefits from modern hardware. A dual-core processor with AVX2 suffices for basic tasks, but a quad-core or better CPU ensures smoother performance for large files and complex edits. It requires at least 1 GB of RAM, with 4 GB or more recommended for high-resolution projects. Installation needs approximately 200 MB of storage, and GPU-accelerated features in Version 5.1 perform best with a Direct3D 11-compatible graphics processor.
Functionality, usability, and performance—all in one
While Paint.NET lacks advanced features like adjustment layers for fully non-destructive editing, ongoing updates have narrowed the gap with high-end commercial software. Version 5.1’s full color management, HDR/WCG display support (requiring Windows 11 v24H2 for WCG), and optimized GPU utilization make it a compelling choice for users seeking functionality, usability, and performance. Backed by a vibrant community and plugin ecosystem, this proprietary freeware remains a versatile solution for image editing at all skill levels.
