MyPaintLinux
vs
PaintWindows
MyPaint as a Linux alternative to Paint
Updated
Our verdict
MyPaint is a good replacement for Paint if you're moving beyond basic edits into drawing or digital art, especially with a tablet. It excels for artists who want expressive brushes and a clean workspace. However, for users who only need to crop, resize, or annotate simple images, MyPaint is overkill. Its interface hides tools by default, which can confuse beginners. If your goal is casual sketching or painting with rich brush dynamics, it's a strong step up. For quick edits, stick with simpler tools.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.0.1 (May 29, 2020)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both are raster graphics editors
- Support freehand drawing with a mouse or stylus
- Allow creating and saving image files
- Offer basic layer support
- Export to PNG and JPEG
What is different
- MyPaint focuses on brush customization; Paint offers only basic tools
- MyPaint assumes tablet use; Paint is designed for mouse
- MyPaint has a minimal, canvas-first UI; Paint shows all tools upfront
- MyPaint supports pressure sensitivity; Paint does not
- Paint allows simple text and shapes; MyPaint lacks built-in text tools
Opening your Paint files
MyPaint can open and export PNG and JPEG files, which are common formats used by Paint, so basic image exchange works. It also supports OpenRaster (.ora), which Paint cannot read. BMP files, often associated with Paint, are not explicitly listed as supported in MyPaint—conversion may be needed. If you're sharing simple drawings or screenshots saved as PNG, compatibility is solid. For BMP or complex Paint files with text or shapes, expect manual rework.
Switching from Paint to MyPaint, step by step
- Install MyPaint via your distro’s package manager or Flatpak
- Connect and calibrate your graphics tablet if using one
- Open a new canvas and explore the default brushes
- Use Ctrl+Z and Shift+Ctrl+Z for unlimited undo/redo
- Export your work as PNG or JPEG for sharing
Key features of MyPaint
- Brush engine with hundreds of configurable parameters
- Supports pressure sensitivity and tilt on graphics tablets
- Simple, distraction‑free canvas‑only interface
- Layer support with basic blending modes
- Export to PNG, JPEG, OpenRaster and other common formats
- Extensible via Python plugins
- Pre‑installed brush packs from professional artists
- Undo/redo history with unlimited steps
How to install MyPaint on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.mypaint.MyPaintsudo apt install mypaintsudo apt install mypaintsudo dnf install mypaintsudo pacman -S mypaintsudo zypper install mypaintFrequently asked questions
Can I use MyPaint with a mouse instead of a tablet?
Yes, but it's designed for pressure-sensitive tablets. With a mouse, you lose brush dynamics like pressure control, limiting its strengths.
Does MyPaint have a text tool?
No, MyPaint does not include a text tool. You’ll need to add text in another program or use an external editor.
Is MyPaint suitable for editing screenshots?
Not ideal. It lacks cropping, arrow tools, and text—basic screenshot-editing features. Use GIMP or Pinta instead.
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