Tux PaintLinux
vs
Paint 3DWindows
Tux Paint as a Linux alternative to Paint 3D
Updated
Our verdict
Tux Paint can replace Paint 3D for very basic 2‑D drawing tasks and for users who only need simple brushes, shapes, and a child‑friendly interface. It does not support 3‑D object creation, layer compositing, or the more advanced export options that Paint 3D offers. It is best suited for children or educators looking for a straightforward drawing tool, but not for users who require 3‑D modeling or complex image editing.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.9.35 (May 26, 2025)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide simple brush and shape tools for 2‑D drawing
- Both export to common image formats such as PNG and JPEG
- Both have an intuitive, minimal‑menu interface
What is different
- Tux Paint lacks any 3‑D object creation or editing capabilities
- Paint 3D supports layers and basic compositing, which Tux Paint does not
- Paint 3D can export to 3‑D formats (STL, OBJ) while Tux Paint cannot
- Paint 3D offers a more extensive brush and shape palette
- Tux Paint is designed for children with sound effects and a mascot guide, not for general users
Opening your Paint 3D files
Paint 3D uses the .mp4 or .png files for images and .obj/.stl for 3‑D models. Tux Paint can open PNG and JPEG files, but it cannot import Paint 3D’s native 3‑D files or proprietary image formats. Exporting from Tux Paint will not produce Paint 3D compatible 3‑D files.
Switching from Paint 3D to Tux Paint, step by step
- Export your Paint 3D drawings to PNG or JPEG if you only need 2‑D images.
- Open the PNG/JPEG files in Tux Paint via the File → Open menu.
- Use Tux Paint’s brush, shape, and stamp tools to edit or recreate the artwork.
- Save the final image as PNG or JPEG again for use in other applications.
- If you need 3‑D models, export them from Paint 3D as STL/OBJ and use a dedicated 3‑D viewer or editor; Tux Paint cannot handle these.
Key features of Tux Paint
- Simple brush, stamp, and shape tools
- Encouraging cartoon mascot guide
- Fun sound effects for actions
- Story mode for sequential drawing
- Masks and collage tools
- Export to PNG, JPEG, and PDF
- No complex menus or settings
How to install Tux Paint on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.tuxpaint.Tuxpaintsudo apt install tuxpaintsudo apt install tuxpaintsudo dnf install tuxpaintsudo zypper install tuxpaintFrequently asked questions
Can Tux Paint edit existing Paint 3D files?
No. Tux Paint can only open standard image files like PNG and JPEG. Paint 3D’s proprietary files are not supported.
Does Tux Paint support layers?
No. Tux Paint works on a single canvas layer and does not offer layer compositing.
Is Tux Paint suitable for adults who use Paint 3D for simple tasks?
It can handle basic 2‑D drawing, but it lacks many of the features that adult users might expect, such as advanced brush settings or 3‑D object editing.
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