Head-to-head
Krita vs Paint.NET
2 tools, 6 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
The verdict
Krita or Paint.NET?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
KKrita
Free
Free
Free, open-source software with no paid tier
PPaint.NET
Free
Free
Full app, free download from getpaint.net
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
KKrita
Pros
- Free forever, with no paid tier, subscription or account required.
- Opens and saves PSD files with layers intact.
- Transform masks and filter masks apply edits non-destructively.
- A documented Python scripting API and plugin support extend the app.
Cons
- No AI-based editing tools: no generative fill, AI upscaling, or automatic background removal.
- No batch processing across multiple files, only per-file Python scripting.
- No iOS or iPadOS version; it runs on Windows, macOS and Android in beta.
PPaint.NET
Pros
- Free with full functionality, and no account required to use it.
- Third-party plugins add new effects, adjustments and file-format support.
- Pressure-sensitive input for tablets from Wacom, UGEE, Microsoft and others.
- Ships with 35 built-in interface languages.
Cons
- Cannot open or save PSD files.
- No non-destructive editing; only plain layers and undo history.
- Runs only on Windows, with no Mac or Linux version.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1998 | 2004 |
| HQ | Netherlands | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (beta) | Windows |
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | Yes, the whole app | Yes, the whole app |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| All plans | Free — Free | Free — Free |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Artists who want a free, open-source painting and image editor with PSD support and CMYK painting | Windows users who want a free, lightweight image editor with layers and plugins |
| Differentiator | Krita is a free, open-source painting app that works in CMYK and opens and saves layered PSD files. | Paint.NET is a free Windows image editor with layers, tablet pressure and a large plugin library. |
| Competitors | Procreate, GIMP, Adobe Photoshop | GIMP, Photopea, Krita |
Section 03
Krita vs Paint.NET: common questions
Is Krita or Paint.NET cheaper?
Krita's cheapest paid plan is Free and Paint.NET's is Free. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
Keep comparing
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