Paint.NET

by dotPDN · Graphics, photo & 3D

FreeWindows

Simple, fast image editor for Windows with layers.

Official download from getpaint.net (opens in a new tab)

Opens getpaint.net, dotPDN's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Paint.NET?

Paint.NET sits between MS Paint and Photoshop: layers, effects and unlimited undo in a fast, simple interface. The free download is on getpaint.net; a paid Microsoft Store version supports the developer.

Key features

  • Layers and blend modes
  • Effects and adjustments
  • Plugin support
  • Fast startup

Good to know: getpaint.net is the only official site. Ads on search pages often point to look-alike domains.

Best for

  • Quick image edits on Windows
  • Cropping and annotating screenshots
  • Beginners

Install

How to install Paint.NET

  1. 1Open the official Paint.NET download page on getpaint.net.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id dotPDN.PaintDotNet -e --source winget

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Paint.NET safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on getpaint.net. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Paint.NET alternatives

Other graphics, photo & 3d apps, closest platform match first.

All design

FAQ

Paint.NET questions

Where can I download Paint.NET safely?

Download Paint.NET only from dotPDN's official site at getpaint.net. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Paint.NET free?

Yes. Paint.NET is free to download and use, though it is not open source.

Does Paint.NET work on Windows?

Paint.NET is available for Windows. Check dotPDN's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Paint.NET from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id dotPDN.PaintDotNet -e). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Paint.NET?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full graphics, photo & 3d list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.