GIMP is a superb cross-platform (Win, Mac, Linux) alternative to Paint.NET because it's open source and has a huge range of functionality. It is less suited for those situations where you're seeking a very simple image editor, without fuss. But it's still cross-platform, which Paint.NET isn't. So it depends what 'alternative' means to you. Paint.NET is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The most popular Mac alternative is Krita, which is both free and Open Source.
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All tech hobbyists have a use for photo editing software. Whether for fun or professional use, there are many programs out there that let us transform a photograph. The first program that comes to mind is Adobe’s Photoshop. While it is a great a program, it’s definitely not on the cheap side. If you don’t mind the cost, it can be purchased here for $9.99 per month.
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Before the top 5: Photoshop CC Trial
Available for: Windows, Mac
Download: Trial on Adobe.com
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While the photo editing programs below are free and have a lot of the necessary tools, they don’t compare to the ease of use and features of Photoshop. If you’re not sure if it’s something you want to spend $10 a month on, try out the 30 day free trial.
5 Best Free Photo Editors:
1. GIMP
Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux
Download: GIMP.com
Complete overview and tutorial:Learn GIMP(I completely recommend taking this tutorial series. It’s one of the most useful ones I’ve taken, and constantly come back to it when I use GIMP.)
GIMP is one the most well known photo editors out there. I’ll even say it’s the best free photo editor. It’s simple to use and includes most of Photoshop’s features. Missing something? GIMP also has great support for plugins. Here is a list from BeeBom of some the best plugins. I did find GIMP to be a little more rough around than edges than Photoshop. Missing were the advanced layer styles that I used so often in Photoshop. Still, this software has some powerful tools that any non-professional will be happy with.
2. Pixlr
Available for: Windows, Mac, Mobile (Android and iOS)
Download: Online Desktop Editor; Mobile App
Complete overview and tutorial: Pixlr Power: How to use the Pixlr Editor
If you’re already familiar with photoshop, Pixlr will be a quick and easy platform to use. The layouts of the two programs are almost identical (I see Pixlr as a watered-down version of Photoshop). Pixlr is online, so no need for a download. It is also available as an app on Android and iOS, making it a superb photo editor on the go. Your images can be saved in Pixlr’s own format, which allows easy transfer/editing between mobile and desktop. Pixlr does not offer as many export formats (jpeg, png, tiff, and bmp) as one may hope from a photo editor, but it’ll do the job.
3. Paint.NET
Available for: Windows
Download:getpaint.NET
Used to the old school editor that comes with all Windows operating systems? Paint.NET will feel familiar to you. However, this packs in a lot more features. Layers, ‘special effects’, and unlimited history makes this free editor a great beginner program. I’ve also found this to be very quick, even on older systems. It is missing some more of the advanced tools, but still allows for simple editing. And sorry Mac users, Paint.NET is only available for Windows.
4. Serif Photoplus Starter Edition
Available for: Windows
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Download: Serif.com
Paint.net Mac
Serif’s paid version of Photoplus (at $100) is one of the best editors of 2016. This free ‘Starter Edition’ is just a stripped down version of this program. It is another Photoshop look-alike, with many of the expected editing tools. One noticeable feature left out is keyboard shortcuts, making quick, repetitive tasks a little annoying. Still, this editor has a lot packed into it, and competes with the best free programs.
5. Photoscape
Available for: Windows, Mac
Download:Photoscape.org
Compared to the other programs, Photoscape is a much simpler editor. While it may not have a lot of the advanced editing tools, the software is great for a quick edit. Apply filters, crop, frame, add text, draw, clone, and more basic tools are included. There is also a nice gif creator that will animate multiple photos that are added. This is probably not the program to use if you’re looking for Photoshop-like tools, but it has its uses.