PintaLinux
vs
MS PaintWindows
Pinta as a Linux alternative to MS Paint
Updated
Our verdict
Pinta is a solid replacement for MS Paint if you want a bit more power without the complexity of GIMP. It handles all basic drawing, text, and resizing tasks easily. The interface is clean and familiar to anyone who has used Paint.NET. However, it lacks a dedicated two-color mode, which might be a dealbreaker for pixel art enthusiasts. For general users needing simple edits, Pinta works well. It is free, open-source, and actively maintained, making it a reliable choice for daily image tasks on Linux.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.1.2 (March 29, 2026)
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
What works the same
- Simple toolbar with freehand, shape, and line tools
- Supports common raster formats like PNG, JPEG, and BMP
- Basic text insertion and image resizing capabilities
- Lightweight and easy to learn for beginners
What is different
- Includes unlimited layers, which MS Paint lacks
- Offers over 35 built-in effects for color and distortion
- No dedicated two-color mode for pixel art
- Interface is inspired by Paint.NET rather than MS Paint
Opening your MS Paint files
Pinta supports opening and saving BMP, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF files, which covers the core formats used by MS Paint. GIF support is generally available in most raster editors, but specific animation handling may vary. If you rely heavily on animated GIFs, test your specific use case. For static images, compatibility is straightforward and direct.
Switching from MS Paint to Pinta, step by step
- Install Pinta via your package manager or Flathub
- Open your existing BMP or PNG files in Pinta
- Familiarize yourself with the layer panel
- Adjust keyboard shortcuts if they differ from Windows
- Save your work in PNG or BMP to maintain compatibility
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 I use Pinta for pixel art?
Yes, but it lacks a dedicated two-color mode. You can use the brush tool with a single color, but it is less convenient than MS Paint's specific feature.
Is Pinta harder to learn than MS Paint?
Slightly, due to the layer system. However, if you ignore layers, the basic tools are very similar and intuitive.
Does Pinta support animated GIFs?
It supports GIF files, but complex animation editing is not its primary focus. For heavy animation work, consider other tools.
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