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Open source 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 Krita.

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

Paint.NET alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
2 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. 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

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
KritaFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, Android

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 Krita.

Is there a free alternative to Paint.NET?

Yes, 2 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including GIMP and Krita.

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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