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Free Paint.NET alternatives

Top Photo Editing like Paint.NET

The most popular alternative to Paint.NET is GIMP, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Paint.NET are Photopea, Krita, Pixlr, and Affinity.

Most alternatives to Paint.NET are in the Photo Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Paint.NET alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
5 apps

All Paint.NET alternatives

  1. GIMP

    GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open source image editor used for photo retouching, image composition and digital artwork. It offers layers, masks, selection tools, a wide range of filters and scripts and plugins in Python or Script-Fu. GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters and a refreshed interface, and it is a common Photoshop alternative for people who want to avoid subscriptions.

    12 GIMP alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source and available on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Layers, masks, filters and scripting in Python or Script-Fu
    • Non-destructive filters since version 3.0

    Cons

    • Interface and workflows differ from Photoshop, which slows switchers
    • Fewer AI and generative tools than commercial editors
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about GIMP

  2. Photopea

    Photopea is an image editor that runs entirely in the web browser and closely follows the Photoshop interface. It opens and saves PSD files, reads formats such as XCF, Sketch, XD, PDF and RAW, and supports layers, masks, adjustment layers, vector shapes and smart objects, with files processed locally. It is free to use with ads, and an optional Premium account removes ads and adds a few extras.

    8 Photopea alternatives

    Pros

    • Runs in the browser with no installation
    • Opens and saves PSD files, and reads XCF, Sketch and XD
    • Familiar interface that closely follows Photoshop

    Cons

    • The free version shows ads
    • Slower than desktop apps with large, complex files
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Web
    Features
    AI image editingBackground removalLayersVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Photopea

  3. Krita

    Krita is a free, open source digital painting program developed by the KDE community for illustrators, comic artists, concept artists and texture painters. It offers customizable brush engines, a brush stabilizer, layers and masks, a wrap-around mode for seamless textures and frame-by-frame 2D animation. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with a version for Android tablets and Chromebooks.

    8 Krita alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source painting app with powerful brush engines
    • Brush stabilizer and wrap-around mode for seamless textures
    • Frame-by-frame 2D animation built in

    Cons

    • Not designed for photo editing
    • Can be demanding on hardware with large canvases
    • No version available for iPad
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxAndroid
    Features
    AnimationDigital paintingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Krita

  4. Pixlr

    4.3(5.2K) · App Store

    Pixlr is a family of browser-based image tools, including an advanced layer-based editor, a quick editor for simple adjustments and a template-based designer for social graphics. It adds AI tools for background removal, generative fill and image generation, and is also available as mobile apps. Free use is supported by ads, with Premium plans unlocking more AI credits and tools.

    8 Pixlr alternatives

    Pros

    • Browser-based editors for quick fixes or layered work
    • AI background removal, generative fill and image generation
    • Template-based designer for social graphics

    Cons

    • The free version shows ads
    • AI features run on limited credits without Premium
    • Less precise than desktop editors for detailed retouching
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Background removalImage generationLayersTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Pixlr

  5. Affinity

    Affinity is a professional creative app from Canva that merges the former Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher into one program with vector, pixel and layout workspaces. It is free to download for Windows and macOS, while its optional Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan. It suits designers who want an alternative to Adobe subscriptions and can import PSD, PDF and IDML files.

    12 Affinity alternatives

    Pros

    • Free download combining vector, pixel and layout workspaces in one app
    • Imports PSD, PDF and IDML files from Adobe workflows
    • Professional tools without a mandatory subscription

    Cons

    • Canva AI tools require a paid Canva plan
    • Smaller plugin and training ecosystem than Adobe’s
    • Imported Adobe files can need manual adjustments
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPhoto Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMac
    Features
    Digital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingRAW photo editingVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Affinity

Paint.NET vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Paint.NET, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Paint.NET vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI image editingLayersPlugins & extensions
Paint.NETFreeWindows
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
PhotopeaFreemiumWeb
KritaFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Android
PixlrFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
AffinityFreemiumWindows, Mac

Paint.NET alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Paint.NET?

The most popular alternative to Paint.NET is GIMP: Free and open source raster image editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. Other great alternatives are Photopea, Krita, Pixlr, and Affinity.

Is there a free alternative to Paint.NET?

Yes, 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including GIMP, Photopea, Krita, and Pixlr.

Is there an open source alternative to Paint.NET?

Yes, 2 open source alternatives are listed, including GIMP and Krita.

Is Paint.NET free?

Yes, Paint.NET is free to use.

Compare Paint.NET with its alternatives

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