Putting piracy issue aside, not many of us can afford Photoshop application. Most of the times, we just need to perform minor modification on existing images such as entering text, highlight important areas or adjusting tone of the image. Paint.net can easily complete most of the simple tasks and it even includes features which are only available in big players. This article shows you 8 reasons you should use this mighty image editor.
1. Lightweight
We are using Paint.Net 4.0.13 and the whole setup package is just 6.7MB in size.
2. Unlimited Undo
Some cheap drawing tool don't even bother to provide you the "Undo" feature. Paint.Net, however, allows you to undo your actions in unlimited way just like heavyweight paid applications.
3. Support layering
Can you imagine that "Layering" - one of the most important features in Photoshop is also available in Paint.net? The feature allows you to create additional layers for easier modification. For example, instead of typing directly onto background image, you may create a layer and enter your text in the new layer. In case you change you mind later (e.g. remove text), you can just delete the layer you just created.
4. Useful tools with gentle learning curve
If you are used to tools in Photoshop, then you should have no problem in using Paint.net tools. "Shapes" and "Text" are two common tools we use when we would like to highlight something on screenshot images (even though we found it a bit difficult to adjust text once entered). "Move Selected Pixel" is an extremely useful tool to move objects around. Guess what? The fancy "Magic Wand" in Photoshop is here as well.
5. Canvas image
Most simple image editors only allow you to resize images. "Canvas image", on another hand, allows you to extend/reduce image width/height without stretching existing objects. We found it useful when merging two or more images into one.
6. Special Effects
Paint.net is a rare freeware tool providing "Effects" feature out-of-the-box. Blur, sharpen, vignette, noise reduction/increment, and pencil sketch are just few useful special effects in Paint.net.
7. Active online community
It is one of the few freeware providing a forum for users to discuss usages and problems encountered by them.
8. Free
Last but not least and probably the most important one - it is FREE. If this app is useful to you, please consider donating to the author.
Paint.net can be downloaded from http://www.getpaint.net/index.html
