KritaLinux
vs
Microsoft PaintWindows
Krita as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Paint
Updated
Our verdict
Krita is a powerful replacement for Microsoft Paint, but it's aimed at a different user. If you're doing simple drawing or quick edits like cropping or resizing, Krita is overkill. Its interface is complex and not intuitive for casual users. However, for artists or anyone wanting to move beyond basic tools into serious digital painting, illustration, or concept art, Krita is far superior. It handles everything Paint does and vastly more. For the average Paint user looking for a Linux alternative, simpler tools like Pinta or KolourPaint might be better. Krita shines when you need depth, not simplicity.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 5.3.4.1 (October 7, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support basic freehand drawing with a mouse or tablet
- Both allow creating and editing raster images in common formats like PNG and JPEG
- Both provide simple shape tools (lines, rectangles, circles)
- Both run natively on desktop environments without extra dependencies
- Both are accessible to beginners for very basic tasks
What is different
- Krita has advanced brush engines and pressure sensitivity; Paint has no brush customization
- Krita supports layers, masks, and vector objects; Paint has no layer support
- Krita includes CMYK and HDR color spaces; Paint only supports basic RGB
- Krita has Python scripting and extensive plugin support; Paint has none
- Krita's interface is complex and customizable; Paint is minimal and fixed
Opening your Microsoft Paint files
Krita can open and edit BMP and PNG files created in Microsoft Paint without issues. It exports to BMP, PNG, JPEG, and other formats Paint can read, ensuring basic compatibility. While Paint only handles simple raster images, Krita saves layered files in its native KRA format, which Paint cannot open. If you stick to flat image exports, file exchange works fine. Avoid using advanced Krita features if the end goal is Paint compatibility.
Switching from Microsoft Paint to Krita, step by step
- Install Krita via your package manager or Flathub
- Open a BMP or PNG file created in Microsoft Paint to test compatibility
- Use the 'Simple' workspace under Settings > Workspace to reduce interface clutter
- Export to PNG or JPEG for sharing with others using basic tools
- Explore brush presets and the eraser tool for familiar drawing tasks
- Refer to the built-in tutorial docker for guided onboarding
Key features of Krita
- Advanced brush engine with dozens of preset brushes
- Full CMYK, RGB, and HDR color space support
- Layer groups, masks, and vector layers
- HDR painting and 16/32‑bit float channels
- Resource manager for brushes, gradients, and palettes
- Python scripting for custom tools
- Docker panels for quick access to tools and filters
- Export to PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and OpenRaster
How to install Krita on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kritasudo apt install kritasudo apt install kritasudo dnf install kritasudo pacman -S kritasudo zypper install kritaFrequently asked questions
Can Krita open .bmp files from Microsoft Paint?
Yes, Krita can open and edit BMP files without any issues.
Is Krita harder to learn than Microsoft Paint?
Yes, significantly. Krita offers many advanced features that require time to learn, while Paint is designed for immediate use.
Can I use Krita for simple drawings like in Paint?
Yes, but the interface is more complex. You can disable advanced panels to simplify it for basic tasks.
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