PintaLinux
vs
Paint.NETWindows
Pinta as a Linux alternative to Paint.NET
Updated
Our verdict
Pinta is a direct, lightweight replacement for Paint.NET on Linux. It targets the same user base: people who need layers and basic effects without the complexity of GIMP. If you rely on Paint.NET for quick edits, web graphics, or simple compositing, Pinta covers most of that workflow. It lacks the deep plugin ecosystem of Paint.NET, so if you depend on specific third-party plugins, you may hit a wall. For standard raster editing, it is a solid, honest choice that feels familiar to anyone coming from the Windows side.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.1.2 (March 29, 2026)
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
What works the same
- Layer-based editing with unlimited layers
- Simple interface with a toolbar for drawing and selection
- Built-in effects for color adjustment, blur, and distortion
- Support for common formats like PNG, JPEG, and BMP
- Keyboard shortcuts that mirror Paint.NET's layout
What is different
- No native plugin system for third-party extensions
- Fewer advanced selection tools compared to GIMP or Paint.NET
- Cross-platform UI may feel slightly less integrated on Linux
- Limited scripting or batch processing capabilities
- Smaller community and fewer online tutorials
Opening your Paint.NET files
Pinta opens and exports standard raster formats like PNG, JPEG, BMP, and TIFF, which covers most Paint.NET workflows. It does not natively save Paint.NET's proprietary .PDN format. If you have existing .PDN files, you should export them as PNG or PSD from Paint.NET before migrating, as Pinta cannot read the project file directly. This means you lose layer organization if you keep files in .PDN, so converting to a universal format is essential for a smooth transition.
Switching from Paint.NET to Pinta, step by step
- Export any .PDN files from Paint.NET as PNG or PSD to preserve layers.
- Install Pinta via your package manager or Flathub.
- Import your converted images into Pinta to verify layer integrity.
- Map your frequent keyboard shortcuts to match Paint.NET habits.
- Test your common effects and adjustments to ensure they produce similar results.
- Delete old Paint.NET backups once you confirm all files are accessible in Pinta.
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 Paint.NET .PDN files?
No, Pinta does not support the .PDN format. You must export these files as PNG or PSD from Paint.NET before using them in Pinta.
Is Pinta as powerful as GIMP?
No, Pinta is simpler and has fewer features than GIMP. It is designed for quick edits and basic compositing, not complex professional workflows.
Does Pinta support plugins?
Pinta does not have a native plugin system like Paint.NET. You are limited to the built-in tools and effects provided in the application.
