Paint.NET 3.5.10 - Free powerful image editor which puts some commercial software to shame

Editing digital photographs or working with other types of image file need not mean working with a large, complicated and expensive editing package. Paint.NET was originally intended to be a replacement for the basic Paint tool which is bundled with Windows, but into a program in its own right. The program has a beautifully clean and uncluttered interface, with tabbed files access making it easy to work with multiple images at the same time. Although the program is comparable with the likes of Paint Shop Pro and even Photoshop, it is not only free of charge but also lightning fast - but system requirements remain low.

Paint.NET is one of the most feature-packed freeware image editors available

With support for layers, a wide range of image formats and image editing plugins, everything you need to get started with image editing can be found here. A selection of filters and special effects are built into Paint.NET, and these can be used to enhance image or to get creative with your artwork. The program includes everything you would expect to find in an image editing package, but there are plenty of surprises when you consider that this is free software. The gradient tool is powerful and easy to use, and unlimited levels of undo make it possible to try out several ideas without worrying about losing the original image.

Paint.NET is the personification of what free software should be. The program is of a very high standard and features and automatic update facility so you can always be sure you are working with the latest version - and with a dedicated team of developers, updates are fairly frequent. The program has a large and active following, and there are a range of helpful hints, tips and tutorials to be found in the Paint.NET forums. This may well be the on.ly image editor you ever need.

Paint.NET 2.5.10 ships with these new features/fixes:

• Fixed: Ctrl+Shift+A now works again as a shortcut for View -> Actual Size (broken in 3.5.9)
• Fixed: Ctrl+0 still works for View -> Actual Size even if 10 or more images are open (broken in 3.5.9, it would switch to the 10th image).

Verdict:

• Few programs are as pleasing to use as Paint.NET - this freeware image editor is simply unrivalled.