Paint.NET is a lightweight, Windows‑only image editor praised for its ease of use and powerful features. Below is a curated list of 20 free graphic‑design and photo‑editing tools that can serve as alternatives across Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
Open‑source raster editor with advanced layer, mask, and plug‑in support; comparable to Photoshop.
Professional digital painting application focused on illustration, concept art, and comics, with robust brush engines.
Vector graphics editor offering SVG creation, node editing, and extensive export options.
Web‑based Photoshop‑compatible editor that works directly in the browser; supports PSD, XCF, and Sketch files.
Free online photo editor with a modern UI, layer support, and a suite of filters and effects.
Cross‑platform vector design tool (desktop & web) with real‑time collaboration and simple UI.
Feature‑rich vector design app for UI, illustration, and branding; free tier includes core tools and cloud sync.
Lightweight digital painting program focused on brush dynamics and a distraction‑free canvas.
Simple paint program inspired by Paint.NET, offering layers, effects, and a familiar UI.
Online image editor with a Photoshop‑like interface, offering layers, filters, and drawing tools.
Free illustration and comic creation tool with a clean UI, brush customization, and layer support.
Cloud‑enabled digital painting app geared toward manga and comic artists; includes brushes, tones, and templates.
Professional‑grade sketching app now free, offering a wide brush library and infinite canvas.
Open‑source 3D suite with a powerful 2D animation/painting toolset via Grease Pencil for illustration.
Web‑based design platform with drag‑and‑drop templates for social graphics, presentations, and simple image edits.
Collaborative UI/UX design tool that also supports vector illustration and basic raster editing.
Part of the LibreOffice suite; vector drawing program suitable for diagrams, flowcharts, and simple graphic design.
Open‑source photography workflow application for RAW processing, offering non‑destructive editing and color grading.
Free, cross‑platform RAW editor with advanced color correction, noise reduction, and batch processing.
Hybrid version of Krita optimized for tablets and touch devices, providing the same powerful brush engine in a portable UI.