Paint.NET review

Paint.NET began as a free replacement for Microsoft Paint and has grown into a capable, simple editor for Windows PCs. It is a free download, and users who want to support development can buy the Microsoft Store version, which updates in the background. The features page lists layers, unlimited undo, a tabbed interface with live thumbnails, pressure support for pens from Wacom, UGEE and Microsoft, and full color management with Windows Advanced Color for wide-gamut displays. Built-in formats include PNG, JPEG, JPEG XL, AVIF, HEIC, WebP, TIFF, DDS and its own layered PDN format, and plug-ins add more file types and effects. Development is current, with Paint.NET 5.2 released on November 10, 2026. It suits resizing, cropping, quick fixes and simple composites. For layered PSD work or advanced retouching, Affinity or GIMP go further, and Paint.NET does not run on Mac or Linux.

Who it is for

Windows users who need quick, simple edits

Price

Free download; optional paid Microsoft Store version to support development.

Get it now (free download): Paint.NET 5.2
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Layers and unlimited undo
• Pressure sensitivity for Wacom, UGEE and Microsoft pens
• Opens PNG, JPEG, JPEG XL, AVIF, HEIC, WebP, TIFF and DDS
• Full color management with Windows Advanced Color
• Plug-ins add effects and more file types

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free download, with Paint.NET 5.2 released on November 10, 2026
• Strength: Tabbed interface with live image thumbnails
• Strength: Free automatic updates
• Weakness: Windows only
• Weakness: No native PSD support listed among its standard formats; plug-ins add more file types
• Weakness: Fewer advanced retouching tools than GIMP or Affinity

Key facts

• Price: Free (paid Microsoft Store version optional)
• Platform: Windows
• Latest version: 5.2 (November 2026)
• Native format: PDN

Where it ranks

Paint.NET is No. 7 in our Best Photoshop Alternatives verdict.