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Forget Photoshop: Paint.NET 3.5 is Just as Good, and It's Free

November 11th, 2009 @ 9:00 am

Categories: Software

Tags: Adobe PhotoShop, Image-editing, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Software, Rick Broida

Don’t be thrown by the name: Paint.NET is an image-editing program for Windows, not a Web app. And it’s a powerful one, too, with Photoshop-caliber features like layers, special effects, and plug-ins. Best of all, it costs nothing.

That makes it a no-brainer for any business user who needs to edit, enhance, and otherwise modify images without spending big bucks on Photoshop.

The just-released 3.5 version of Paint.NET adds an updated user interface, new effects, improved startup performance, and a long list of tweaks and fixes.

The program requires Windows XP, Vista, or 7, and Microsoft’s .NET Framework 3.5.

I use IrfanView for basic image-editing tasks like resizing and cropping photos, but turn to Paint.NET when I need drawing tools and other advanced capabilities. It’s yet another example of open-source software offering nearly all the benefits of its pricey commercial counterpart. Take Paint.NET for a spin, then hit the comments and tell us what you think!

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  •  
    1

    jvbo

    11/11/09 | Report as spam

    RE: Forget Photoshop: Paint.NET 3.5 is Just as Good, and It's Free

    Windows 7's Paint is very well suited for basic image-editing tasks like resizing and cropping photos.
    Nice tip, heard of Paint.NET on Cnet as well. Going to give it a try asap

  •  
    2

    Rob C

    11/12/09 | Report as spam

    How good is the Help (and Tutorials) ?

    One of the problems with Photoshop, is knowing how to do things.
    And one of the problems with using PS Help, to find out how to do things, is you have to know what terminology they use.
    Which I found often to be a 'Catch 22'

    How good is the Help (and Tutorials) for Paint Net 3.5 ?

  •  
    3

    aipauley

    11/13/09 | Report as spam

    RE: Forget Photoshop: Paint.NET 3.5 is Just as Good, and It's Free

    Except it doesn?t provide the features that the professional printers require such as the CMYK colour palette. It is a good product but it is only suitable for printing to regular printers.

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  • Blogger Thumbnail Rick Broida A technology writer for more than 15 years, Rick Broida is a regular contributor to CNET, Popular Science, Wired and other publications. He's also the author of numerous books, including How to Do Everything with Your Zune. When he's not chained to his keyboard, he's usually shooting hoops or watching quality television. more »

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