paint.net 5.1.12 is a free image and photo editor for Windows PCs from dotPDN LLC. It supports layers, unlimited undo and special effects, plus plugins from an active online community. The build dated March 8, 2026 adds a Kazakh translation and refreshes the bundled DDS and JPEG XL FileType plugins.
A photo editor for Windows without a price tag
Paint.net covers the need for an editor that does more than basic drawing but stays easy to open and use. It runs on Windows PCs and is free, with a proprietary freeware licence.
The category is utilities, and the tags point to image editing, painting and photos.
Layers, unlimited undo and plugins
The store description names layers, unlimited undo, special effects and a variety of tools. Layers let you keep parts of an image separate while you work, and unlimited undo means you can step back through your edits without a set limit.
The description also mentions an active online community that offers help, tutorials and plugins. The current build bundles DDS and JPEG XL FileType plugins, which hints at the file formats it can handle.
What to check before installing the 80.3 MB package
The package is 80.3 MB, and the package ID is dotPDN.PaintDotNet. It is available for Windows only.
If you want an alternative, the catalog lists GIMP among related titles. Compare the two on your own needs before choosing.
What's new in 5.1.12
Version 5.1.12 is a small update that adds a Kazakh translation and updates the bundled DDS and JPEG XL FileType plugins. It also fixes the DxgiAdapterService not implementing IDxgiAdapterService2, caused by a bad merge conflict.
paint.net pros and cons
Pros
- Free to use, listed as proprietary freeware
- Supports layers and unlimited undo
- Official download from github.com
- Plugins and tutorials come from an online community
- Recent update on March 8, 2026
Cons
- Windows only, with no Android version
- Limited to a Windows desktop workflow
- The package is 80.3 MB
- Source code is proprietary, not open
Is paint.net safe?
paint.net is proprietary freeware from dotPDN LLC, so it costs nothing and has no paid tier to unlock. The 5.1.12 update is small: a new Kazakh translation, updated DDS and JPEG XL plugins, and a fix for a bad merge conflict in the DxgiAdapterService. Plugins from the community are separate downloads, so check where they come from before adding them.
How to install paint.net
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start paint.net from the Start menu.
