Paint.net or Photoshop - a comparison

In addition to the paid Photoshop program, there is also free image editing software such as Paint.net. We compare the two programs and show you the differences and similarities.

Paint.net: Free photo editing tool

• Paint.net is free image and photo editing software that is only available on the Windows operating system. The program was actually intended as a replacement or extension for the Windows program Paint.
• However, Paint.net is much more than just a simple replacement for Paint. Paint.net offers almost everything that is necessary for image processing. In addition to working with layers, the use of special effects or plugins is also possible.
• The user interface is strongly based on standard Windows programs, so that getting started with Paint.net is relatively easy. Thanks to the active community behind Paint.net, you can easily find problem solving or tutorials through Google etc.

Photoshop: photo editing for professionals

• Adobe has been offering professional photo editing software with Photoshop for over 20 years. The program is accordingly mature and extensive. However, Photoshop is also expensive.
• So Photoshop does a lot better than Paint.net. For many results, there is more than one way to achieve the goal. Photoshop offers much more functions, filters and help than Paint.net.
• The disadvantage, however, is that the program is nested accordingly. Many users are overwhelmed by the many menus after the first start.
• However, the software has long been standard in companies or companies dealing with image processing and is also popular with many private users. For example, Photoshop has an even larger community than Paint.net, which also has many instructions on the Internet.

Conclusion: Paint.net or Photoshop?

• First you should consider which operating system you want to work on. If you want to edit images on Mac OS, Paint.net is not an alternative for you. Photoshop is also available for Apple's operating system.
• You should also ask yourself what your software requirements are. If you just want to touch up a photo from time to time, Paint.net might be enough for you. The best thing to do is install the software and try out for yourself whether you are missing a certain function.
• If this is the case, you can consider whether it is worth paying 13 euros per month for Adobe's software. You can also test these free of charge beforehand.
• Ultimately, your requirements decide which program is right for you.