PaintDim vs Paint.NET — Which Free Image Editor Is Better?
Paint.NET has been a go-to free image editor for Windows users since 2004. It started as a Microsoft Paint replacement and grew into a capable tool with layers, effects, and a plugin ecosystem. But it has some fundamental limitations that haven't changed in 20 years.
PaintDim is a newer, browser-based editor that offers more built-in features and runs on any operating system. Let's compare them head to head.
The big difference: browser vs desktop
Paint.NET is a Windows-only desktop application. You need to download and install it, and it only runs on Windows. If you're on macOS, Linux, or a Chromebook — you're out of luck.
PaintDim runs entirely in your browser. Open the website, and you're editing. Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS — any device with a modern browser. No installation, no updates to manage.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PaintDim | Paint.NET |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Platform | Any browser | Windows only |
| Installation | None | Required |
| Layers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer groups / folders | ✓ | ✗ |
| Blend modes | Full set | Full set |
| Layer effects (stroke, glow) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Selection tools | Marquee, Lasso, Polygon Lasso, Magic Wand | Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand |
| Selection operations (smooth, expand, contract) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Curves adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Levels adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hue / Saturation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gaussian blur | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sharpen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vignette | ✓ | Plugin needed |
| Vector shapes | Dedicated vector layers | Rasterized only |
| Text tool | Editable text layers | Rasterized on creation |
| Gradient tool | Linear & radial, custom stops | Linear & radial, limited |
| Export formats | PNG, JPEG, WebP | PNG, JPEG, BMP, TGA, and more |
| Plugin support | ✗ | Large ecosystem |
Where PaintDim wins
Layer groups
PaintDim supports layer folders — you can organize dozens of layers into collapsible groups, just like Photoshop. Paint.NET has a flat layer list with no grouping, which gets messy fast on complex projects.
Layer effects
PaintDim has built-in layer effects: stroke (outline), outer glow, and inner glow. These are non-destructive and adjustable. Paint.NET has no layer effects — you'd need third-party plugins to achieve similar results.
Editable text
In PaintDim, text lives on its own layer and stays editable. You can change the font, size, or content anytime. In Paint.NET, text is immediately rasterized — once you click away, it becomes pixels. Want to fix a typo? Undo and retype everything.
Vector shapes
PaintDim has dedicated vector layers where shapes remain editable — you can move, resize, and change the fill or stroke of a rectangle after creating it. Paint.NET rasterizes shapes immediately, just like text.
Selection tools
PaintDim offers polygon lasso (click-to-add-points freeform selection) in addition to the standard tools. It also has selection operations: smooth, expand, and contract — useful for refining selections. Paint.NET has basic selection tools but lacks these refinement options.
Cross-platform
PaintDim works on any OS. Paint.NET is Windows-only. If you use a Mac or Linux, PaintDim is one of your best free options.
Where Paint.NET wins
Plugin ecosystem
Paint.NET has a large community of plugins that add features like advanced color grading, noise reduction, 3D effects, and file format support. PaintDim currently has no plugin system.
More export formats
Paint.NET natively supports BMP, TGA, TIFF, and its own .PDN format (which preserves layers). PaintDim exports to PNG, JPEG, and WebP.
Desktop performance
For very large images (8000x8000 pixels and above), a native desktop app will generally handle memory and processing better than a browser-based tool. For typical image sizes, both perform well.
Who should use what?
Choose PaintDim if:
- You want to start editing immediately without installing anything
- You're on macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS
- You need layer groups, layer effects, or editable text
- You work on multiple computers and want a consistent tool everywhere
- You value a clean, modern interface
Choose Paint.NET if:
- You're on Windows and prefer a desktop application
- You rely on specific Paint.NET plugins
- You work with very large images regularly
- You need BMP, TGA, or TIFF export
Try PaintDim — see the difference
No download, no account. Open your browser and start editing.
Open PaintDim EditorThe bottom line
Paint.NET is a solid editor that served Windows users well for two decades. But it hasn't kept up with modern needs — no layer groups, no editable text, no vector layers, and Windows-only.
PaintDim delivers more built-in features, works on any platform, and requires zero setup. For most image editing tasks in 2025, it's simply the more practical choice.