Paint.NET
Free Windows image editor with layers. Photoshop-lite without subscription.
Quick facts
- Price model
- Free
- Starting price
- Free
- Best for
- Layered raster edits · Plugin ecosystem · Windows hobbyists
- Replaces
- Photoshop for simple edits, Canva for local edits
- Platforms
- Windows
- Last verified
- 2026-06-22
Why it's listed
The tool Windows users have recommended for fifteen years. Still free.
Paint.NET handles layers, plugins, and selections for household graphics and game mod textures. Free on Windows, more capable than MS Paint, less rent than Adobe.
The catch
Windows only; not for professional CMYK print prep.
Good fit for
- Students
- Indie game modders
Not ideal for
- Mac/Linux creatives
Alternatives
GIMP
Free open-source image editor for photo retouching, compositing, and formats.
Replaces: Adobe Photoshop subscription, Pixelmator Pro for basics
Photopea
Free browser-based Photoshop alternative, edit PSDs without Creative Cloud rent.
Replaces: Adobe Photoshop subscription, Canva Pro for edits
Affinity Designer
Professional vector design software you buy once. No Creative Cloud subscription.
Replaces: Adobe Illustrator subscription
Affinity Photo
Pay-once photo editing and compositing, serious Photoshop alternative.
Replaces: Adobe Photoshop subscription, Luminar Neo subscriptions