PintaLinux
vs
PaintWindows
Pinta as a Linux alternative to Paint
Updated
Our verdict
Pinta is a good replacement for Paint if you want more control and basic layer support without diving into complex editors like GIMP. It offers a clean interface, reliable drawing tools, and supports common formats like PNG and JPEG. Users who stick to simple edits but occasionally need layers or effects will appreciate the extra power. It’s ideal for casual users, hobbyists, or students who outgrew Paint but don’t need professional tools. Runs well on most Linux systems and feels familiar if you’ve used Paint.NET.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.1.2 (March 29, 2026)
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
What works the same
- Freehand drawing with pencil and brush tools
- Basic shape tools (rectangles, circles, lines)
- Simple, intuitive interface for quick edits
- Supports PNG, JPEG, BMP — same as Paint
- Cross-platform, including Windows and Linux
What is different
- Pinta supports unlimited layers; Paint does not
- Pinta includes 35+ image effects like blur and color adjustments
- Pinta has a more advanced toolbar and settings panel
- Paint has slightly faster startup for trivial edits
- Pinta lacks Paint’s simplicity for absolute beginners
Opening your Paint files
Pinta opens and saves all standard formats used by Paint, including BMP, PNG, JPEG, and TIFF. Files created in Paint can be opened directly in Pinta without issues. When saving, you can choose the same format or switch to a higher-quality option like PNG with transparency. No known compatibility problems exist between the two applications for typical use cases.
Switching from Paint to Pinta, step by step
- Install Pinta via your package manager or Flatpak
- Open a BMP or PNG file to test compatibility
- Use the toolbar to draw or edit as in Paint
- Try layers for non-destructive edits
- Export in preferred format using 'Save As'
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 Windows Paint?
Yes, Pinta opens BMP files without issue, including those saved in Windows Paint.
Is Pinta harder to learn than Paint?
Slightly. The interface is similar, but layers and effects add complexity. Most users adapt quickly.
Does Pinta support transparency?
Yes, when saving as PNG, Pinta supports transparency and layers with alpha channels.
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