KritaLinux
vs
Paint 3DWindows
Krita as a Linux alternative to Paint 3D
Updated
Our verdict
Krita is a strong replacement for Paint 3D if you're focused on 2D drawing and want far more control, but it's overkill for casual users who mainly dabble in basic 3D. It excels in digital painting with advanced brushes, layers, and color management, making it ideal for illustrators or serious hobbyists. However, Krita lacks built-in tools for creating or editing low-poly 3D models—Paint 3D's standout feature. If you don't need 3D object editing, Krita is a major upgrade for 2D work. For users who regularly use Paint 3D's 3D tools, Krita alone won't suffice.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 5.3.4.1 (October 7, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support raster drawing with brushes, shapes, and basic tools like eraser and fill
- Support for layers and basic compositing
- Export to common 2D formats like PNG and JPEG
- User interface includes tool panels and canvas navigation
- Free and accessible to non-professionals
What is different
- Krita has no support for creating or editing 3D models (STL, OBJ export is not available)
- Paint 3D has a simpler, more guided UI; Krita offers deep customization but a steeper learning curve
- Krita supports CMYK, HDR, and 32-bit float workflows—far beyond Paint 3D's scope
- Krita includes advanced features like brush stabilizers, animation, and Python scripting
- Paint 3D integrates with 3D libraries and Remix 3D; Krita does not
Opening your Paint 3D files
Krita cannot open Paint 3D's native .3MF files or any 3D project formats. For 2D work, if the content is exported to PNG or JPEG from Paint 3D, Krita can open those images without issue. There's no direct import of layered or editable data from Paint 3D projects. Users must rely on standard raster exports for transfer. Support for .3MF or .obj import/editing is not present in Krita.
Switching from Paint 3D to Krita, step by step
- Install Krita via your package manager or Flathub
- Export any existing Paint 3D work to PNG or JPEG for import
- Familiarize yourself with the brush and layer panels—start with the 'Sketching' or 'Painting' presets
- Use the resource manager to organize brushes and palettes
- Disable unnecessary dockers to simplify the interface for beginners
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 Paint 3D files directly?
No, Krita cannot open Paint 3D's .3MF or other 3D project files. You can only import raster exports like PNG or JPEG.
Is Krita harder to learn than Paint 3D?
Yes, Krita has more features and a denser interface. Beginners may find it overwhelming at first, but simplified layouts are available.
Can I do 3D modeling in Krita like in Paint 3D?
No. Krita is strictly a 2D painting application. For 3D modeling on Linux, consider Blender instead.
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