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GIMP vs Paint.NET

Not sure which of these tools fits your work? Compare GIMP and Paint.NET to see what you can do with each, what you'll pay and what to check before you choose.

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Find the right fit

Check if these tools match how you work. Confirm the plans, limits and renewal prices with each provider before you choose.

Compare features and pricing for GIMP, Paint.NET
What matters to youGIMPPaint.NET
Best suited to
  • Designers
  • Beginners
Starting priceFreeFree
CategoryDesign SoftwareDesign Software
Ratings shown4.6 / 5 (9,000 reviews shown)4.4 / 5 (5,000 reviews shown)
Features to compare
  • Layered image editing and masks
  • Retouching and creative composites
  • Scripts, plugins, and customization
  • Layers and tabbed image editing
  • Selections, adjustments, and effects
  • Pen support and color management
Strengths
  • Free and open-source application
  • Offers detailed image-editing control
  • Can form part of a wider creative workflow
  • Suitable for everyday image tasks
  • Supports editable layered compositions
  • Can be extended through plugins
Considerations
  • Detailed tools take time to learn
  • Plugins require compatibility and trust checks
  • Not a replacement for every vector or layout task
  • Windows environment is required
  • Plugin compatibility needs checking
  • Library sharing and backups need separate arrangements

Before you decide

  1. Which tool fits the way you work?
  2. What will it cost you now and when you renew?
  3. Can you try it on a real task before you choose?

Questions you may have when comparing GIMP and Paint.NET

What's different about GIMP and Paint.NET?

GIMP lists Layered image editing and masks, Retouching and creative composites and Scripts, plugins, and customization. Paint.NET lists Layers and tabbed image editing, Selections, adjustments, and effects and Pen support and color management. Start with the features you would actually use, then check which plan includes them. A shorter feature list doesn't necessarily mean a tool can't do something you need.

Which one will cost me less?

Compare the total for your team, not just the starting price. Check the billing period, currency, number of users, usage limits and renewal rate, then add any extras you need. If you try a free plan or trial, check what happens when you reach its limits.

How do I choose between GIMP and Paint.NET?

Pick a task you do often and try it in both tools. If you need Photo Editing Software and Raster Editing, start there. See which feels easier to use and works with the tools you already rely on. Before you pay, check the plan limits and whether you can get the support you need.