Paint.NET AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Digital Painting Tools

The best Digital Painting alternative to Paint.NET is Pinta, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Paint.NET and loads of them are Digital Painting Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Digital Painting Tool alternatives to Paint.NET are GIMP, Krita, Adobe Photoshop and Pixelmator.

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Paint.NET alternatives are mainly Digital Painting Tools, but if you're looking for Image Editors or Photo Editors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Android, Linux, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Windows and Online. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Paint.NET.
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Alternatives list

  1. Pinta icon

    Pinta

     274 likes
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    Pinta is a image editing, drawing and painting application with a simple yet powerful interface. Pinta has a wide range of drawing tools, including: freehand, rectangles, circles and lines. It also has over 35 effects to apply to your images, and also has the ability to create...

    99 Pinta alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Mono
    • Snapcraft
    Pinta 3.0
     
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    21
    134
    Comments about Pinta as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Comment summary: Pinta receives praise for closely resembling Paint.NET, making it a strong alternative, especially for basic tasks and cross-platform use. However, users also point out issues such as bugs, missing features compared to Paint.NET, and stopped updates, which hinder its effectiveness. Despite these drawbacks, many still consider it the best clone available for those needing a simple and lightweight alternative to Paint.NET.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    12

    This functions in almost identical ways to Paint.NET, more so than any other program listed on here.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    6

    It gives you a good taste of Paint.NET, but it's so broken and painful to work with that it just isn't worth using; e.g. the text function doesn't work.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    harrisben
    Positive
    0

    Much more functionality and cleaner UI.

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    3 of 21 comments
    Paint.NET Icon
    Pinta icon

    • Most users think Pinta is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • Pinta is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Paint.NET.

    • Pinta is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Paint.NET.

    • Pinta is Free and Open SourcePaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
    • Pinta is Privacy focusedPaint.NET is not according to our users
  2. GIMP icon

    GIMP

     4718 likes
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    GIMP delivers powerful functionalities for photo retouching, image composition, and format conversion. As a versatile tool, it serves as both a simple paint program and a high-end retouching suite, and offers batch processing for mass image tasks in an accessible open-source platform.

    190 GIMP alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    yes
     
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    40
    257
    Comments about GIMP as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Comment summary: Paint.NET is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it suitable for basic image editing tasks, while GIMP is criticized for its complexity and steep learning curve. Many users find GIMP to be more of an alternative to Photoshop, due to its advanced features and professional tools, which can be overwhelming for casual users. Despite some positive feedback on GIMP's features and open-source nature, the consensus is that it lacks the user-friendliness and lightweight nature of Paint.NET.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    1

    free, open-source, cross-platform

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    zlelmefs
    7

    The #1 perk of paint.net is how lightweight and fast it is, it's intended as a competitor to Paint. GIMP is the complete opposite- it's a big, slow monster designed to compete with photoshop.

    beng tang
    Negative
    1

    GIMP has many good features but it has removed the option to use lanczos algorithm for resizing images. The alternatives it provides for this purpose produce blurer images and are not as good. As resizing an image is a pretty basic requirement for a raster image editing software package, I'm afraid this is a serious limitation.

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    3 of 40 comments
    Paint.NET Icon
    GIMP icon

    • Some users think GIMP is a great Paint.NET alternative, some don't.

    • GIMP is Free and Open SourcePaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
    • GIMP is Customizable and Privacy focusedPaint.NET is not according to our users
  4. Krita icon

    Krita

     1407 likes
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    Free, open-source painting software designed by artists for artists. Offers customizable UI, 9 brush engines, color management, tablet support, non-destructive editing, and privacy features. Portable and available on major platforms, supporting seamless texture creation.

    142 Krita alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android Tablet
    • KDE Plasma
    • Epic Games Store
    • PortableApps.com
    • Steam
    • F-Droid
    Main Window
     
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    16
    122
    Comments about Krita as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Comment summary: Krita is recognized as a strong alternative to Paint.NET, offering a range of tools and free cost, making it suitable for both basic and advanced image editing. While it has more painting and drawing features, it lacks some rapid photo editing capabilities found in Paint.NET. Users appreciate Krita's localization and customization options, but some find it less intuitive and heavier. Resampling filters in Krita are noted as an advantage for resizing images.
    Top Positive Comment
    beng tang
    0

    As an alternative to Paint.NET for Linux, Krita is not exactly the same, but it has most of the same functionality and it can resize (Image > Scale Image to New Size) images using a variety of resampling filters including Lanczos3, which makes it better than GIMP for resizing photos.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    16

    Very good, but not focused to photo editing.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    FiTekno
    0

    I was looking for a quick tool to combine multiple screenshots, for example. This succeeds with that but not as fast as with Paint.net. Good thing this is localized to many languages.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 16 comments
    Paint.NET Icon
    Krita icon

    • Most users think Krita is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • Krita is the most popular Android Tablet alternative to Paint.NET.

    • Krita is Free and Open SourcePaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
    • Krita is Customizable and Privacy focusedPaint.NET is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Adobe Photoshop icon
    Adobe Photoshop

    Comprehensive raster graphics editor offering advanced photo and image editing features. Supports multiple layers, masks, alpha compositing, various color models, and has limited vector graphics, 3D, and video capabilities. Exten...

    https://www.adobe.com
    Learn More
  6. Adobe Photoshop icon

    Adobe Photoshop

     2417 likes
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    Comprehensive raster graphics editor offering advanced photo and image editing features. Supports multiple layers, masks, alpha compositing, various color models, and has limited vector graphics, 3D, and video capabilities. Extensible via plug-ins.

    225 Adobe Photoshop alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once or Subscription
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Wine
    • ReactOS
    • Google Chrome
    Adobe Photoshop screenshot 1
     
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    110
    Comments about Adobe Photoshop as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Comment summary: Adobe Photoshop is recognized as a powerful and feature-rich photo editing software, offering capabilities such as advanced photo manipulation, video editing, and 3D design. However, it is criticized for its high price and complexity, making it less accessible for beginners and casual users. In contrast, Paint.NET is praised for being free, user-friendly, and suitable for basic editing needs, although it lacks the advanced features of Photoshop.
    Top Positive Comment
    HaricharanSrinivasan
    4

    The absolute best in photo correction and manipulation. Slick interface. Fast. Loads of tools for mobile and Web design. Content-aware editing. Video editing. 3D design capability. Synced Libraries. Integrated stock library. Complementary mobile apps.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    34

    Very pricy advanced application compared to free paint.net

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    zlelmefs
    Negative
    0

    It's slow. It's not free. It's made by one of the worst software companies on the planet.

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    3 of 9 comments
    Paint.NET Icon
    Adobe Photoshop icon

    • Most users think Adobe Photoshop is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • Adobe Photoshop is the most popular Web-based, Android, iPhone & iPad alternative to Paint.NET.

    • Adobe Photoshop is the most popular commercial alternative to Paint.NET.

    • Adobe Photoshop is Paid and ProprietaryPaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
  7. Pixelmator icon

    Pixelmator

     421 likes
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    Image editing software for macOS and iOS, offering nondestructive, GPU-powered editing with machine learning features, RAW support, custom brushes, and seamless macOS integration for touch-ups, painting, and creative compositions.

    154 Pixelmator alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    Pixelmator screenshot 1
     
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    2
    72
    Comments about Pixelmator as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Guest
    Positive
    2

    Fast, easy to use, not overloaded with useless features

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    oddityoverseer13
    Positive
    0

    It's cheap, and it has all the capabilities of Paint.NET (plus some), and it's even more user-friendly.

    Paint.NET Icon
    Pixelmator icon

    • Most users think Pixelmator is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • Pixelmator is Paid and ProprietaryPaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
    • Pixelmator is CustomizablePaint.NET is not according to our users
  8. Affinity Photo icon

    Affinity Photo

     553 likes
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    Real-time image editing software supporting extensive colour spaces, unlimited layers, non-destructive edits, and a streamlined workspace for complex tasks on Windows, Mac, and iPad.

    100 Affinity Photo alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Pay once
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPad
    Affinity Photo screenshot 1
     
  10. Photopea icon

    Photopea

     330 likes
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    Browser-based image editing supports PSD, XCF, Sketch formats, advanced layers, vector tools, RAW photo support, and exports in 40+ formats. Fully client-side with AI background removal, content-aware tools, and privacy as files never leave your device.

    111 Photopea alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Photopea screenshot 1
     
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    1
    21
    Comments about Photopea as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It can cover something up and add shapes to block off anything annoying.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Paint.NET Icon
    Photopea icon

    • Most users think Photopea is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • Photopea is the most popular SaaS alternative to Paint.NET.

    • Photopea is Freemium and ProprietaryPaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
  11. MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     387 likes
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    MyPaint is a fast, distraction-free, and easy painting tool for digital artists. It supports graphics tablets made by Wacom, and many similar devices.

    126 MyPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    MyPaint screenshot 1
     
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    2
    53
    Comments about MyPaint as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    superluminar
    Negative
    5

    MyPaint is a digital painting/drawing program, Paint.NET is a simple image editor.

    Guest
    Negative
    2

    MyPaint looks a lot like Photoshop. Paint.NET is so popular because of the simplicity. Photoshop is a beautiful program with a lot of options. Paint.NET is a simple "paint" program that allows you to go as you like, but keep it simple at the beginning. MyPaint is like a Photoshop lite.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Paint.NET Icon
    MyPaint icon

    • Most users think MyPaint is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • MyPaint is Free and Open SourcePaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
  12. Pixlr icon

    Pixlr

     389 likes
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    Web-based editor with AI image generation, quick fixes, overlays, intricate lighting and texture adjustments, customizable templates, advanced filters, support for layers, high-res export, and ad-free premium features for accessible image and design editing.

    225 Pixlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Pixlr screenshot 1
    Promotion 😀

    Get a 30% discount on Pixlr Premium Plans with AlternativeTo, use code AW30OFF

     
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    5
    45
    Comments about Pixlr as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    19

    Pixlr is more a fun tool adding overlays and colours and basic fixes. Paint.NET is a full photo manipulation tool

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Like the others said, Paint.NET is made for photo manipulation while Pixlr on the other hand, is great for Windows but it''s android version is just for adding filters.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Paint.NET is awesome to edit pictures (cut, copy, resize, write). Pixlr on the other hand is mainly effective in applying effects to pictures (blur, colorize, liquify,heal)

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 5 comments
    Paint.NET Icon
    Pixlr icon

    • Most users think Pixlr is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • Pixlr is Freemium and ProprietaryPaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
  13. LazPaint icon

    LazPaint

     45 likes
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    Raster & vector graphic editor with many tools and filters, written in Lazarus. Portable, 32bit & 64bit versions, ORA format & 16384x16384 image support. In app 3D import & rendering.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Main UI
     
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    6
    15
    Comments about LazPaint as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Top Positive Comment
    sourloti
    3

    Is able to open and edit .pdn files! Especially handy if you're on Linux and aren't able/don't want to use paint.net.

    beng tang
    Positive
    0

    LazPaint comes close to Paint.NET in terms of ease of use and features. Unlike GIMP, LazPaint has good resampling / resizing algorithms including Lanczos. Unlike Krita, it's selection tool does not select outside the image and it can print images. Amongst the Linux image editors I have tried, it is so far the best alternative to Paint.NET.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Lightweight and available in Debian 11

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 6 comments
    Paint.NET Icon
    LazPaint icon

    • Most users think LazPaint is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • LazPaint is Free and Open SourcePaint.NET is Free and Proprietary
  14. Microsoft Paint icon

    Microsoft Paint

     179 likes
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    Windows-bundled image editor for basic painting and raster editing tasks, supporting bitmap, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and TIFF. Offers layer support, offline access, no registration, and dark mode. Lightweight and ad-free, ensuring minimal resource use.

    124 Microsoft Paint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Microsoft Paint screenshot 1
     
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    1
    12
    Comments about Microsoft Paint as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Guest
    Negative
    3

    Save The Transparency Of The Image.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Paint.NET Icon
    Microsoft Paint icon

    • Some users think Microsoft Paint is a great Paint.NET alternative, some don't.

    • Microsoft Paint is Free and ProprietaryPaint.NET is also Free and Proprietary
  15. FireAlpaca icon

    FireAlpaca

     88 likes
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    FireAlpaca is the image editor that can be used readily and easily. We made it possible to provide the completely free download, in order for our products to be experienced by more users from all over the world. It is available for both Mac and Windows users!

    122 FireAlpaca alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    FireAlpaca screenshot 1
     
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    1
    7
    Comments about FireAlpaca as an Alternative to Paint.NET
    Ola Johansson
    Positive
    0

    I just need a super simple tool to use as a web developer to crop and resave and stuff like that. I have always used Paint.net on Windows but this seems pretty good for Mac.

    Paint.NET Icon
    FireAlpaca icon

    • Most users think FireAlpaca is a great Paint.NET alternative.

    • FireAlpaca is Free and ProprietaryPaint.NET is also Free and Proprietary
12 of 71 Paint.NET alternatives