PintaLinux
vs
Microsoft PaintWindows
Pinta as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Paint
Updated
Our verdict
Pinta is a good replacement for Microsoft Paint if you want more control and basic layer support without the complexity of GIMP. It handles everyday tasks like cropping, resizing, drawing shapes, and freehand sketching better than Paint. The interface is intuitive, and it supports common file formats directly. Users who only need simple edits won’t be overwhelmed, and those who occasionally need layers or effects will appreciate the extra power. It’s ideal for casual users, students, or anyone transitioning from Paint who wants a bit more.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.1.2 (March 29, 2026)
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
What works the same
- Simple, accessible interface for beginners
- Basic drawing tools: freehand, lines, rectangles, circles
- Support for PNG, JPEG, BMP, and TIFF
- Image resizing and cropping
- Color picker and fill tools
What is different
- Pinta supports unlimited layers; Microsoft Paint does not
- Pinta includes 35+ image effects like blur and color adjustments
- Pinta has a more advanced toolbar and tool options panel
- Microsoft Paint has a simpler, more minimal interface
- Pinta lacks touch-optimized UI and tablet-friendly ink support found in newer Paint versions
Opening your Microsoft Paint files
Pinta opens and saves all standard file types used by Microsoft Paint, including BMP, PNG, JPEG, and TIFF. Files created in Paint can be opened directly in Pinta without conversion. When saving, you can choose the format explicitly, so compatibility is not an issue. If you share files with someone using Paint, stick to BMP or PNG for maximum compatibility. No known issues with rendering or color fidelity in these formats.
Switching from Microsoft Paint to Pinta, step by step
- Install Pinta via your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install pinta)
- Open a BMP or PNG file to test compatibility
- Use the Tools panel for freehand, shapes, and fills
- Experiment with layers via the 'Layers' menu
- Export or save as PNG/JPEG for sharing
Key features of Pinta
- Simple toolbar with freehand, shapes, and line tools
- Unlimited layers for organizing edits
- 35+ built‑in effects (blur, distort, color adjustments)
- Supports common raster formats (PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF)
- Keyboard shortcuts similar to Paint.NET
- Cross‑platform (Linux, Windows, macOS)
How to install Pinta on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.github.PintaProject.Pintasudo dnf install pintasudo pacman -S pintasudo zypper install pintaFrequently asked questions
Can Pinta open .BMP files created in Microsoft Paint?
Yes, Pinta opens BMP files without issue. They render correctly, and you can edit and resave them.
Is Pinta harder to use than Microsoft Paint?
Slightly, due to extra features like layers and effects, but the core tools are just as easy to access and use.
Does Pinta support undo history?
Yes, it supports multiple undo levels, which is an improvement over older versions of Microsoft Paint.
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