Microsoft officially deprecated Paint in July 2017. The app hadn't been updated since Windows 7 anyway, so it was hardly news.

Although Paint is still available through the Windows Store, Microsoft is now squarely focused on the app's successor, Paint 3D. Perhaps, it's now time to start looking for free MS Paint alternatives?

Here are some of the best alternatives to Microsoft Paint for you to check out.

1. Paint.NET

paintnet app

Paint.NET started life as a student project back in 2004, but it's since grown to become one of the best free image editors on the Windows operating system.

If you're only a light user, it's even a valid alternative to full suites like Photoshop and GIMP.

If you're coming from Microsoft Paint, one of the biggest things you'll want is familiarity, and Paint.NET has it in abundance. The main screen looks very similar to the Microsoft app. Dig a little deeper, however, and it's packed with features that make the app shine.

They include Photoshop like layers, a vast number of special effects, unlimited undo/redo, an array of tools for drawing shapes, and importantly for many users, near-endless plugins.

To give you an idea, the community-supported PDF document which lists all the plugins is 95 pages long! If that sounds too daunting, don't worry. You can download packs of the most popular plugins that center around certain themes (e.g. extra brushes, colors, and effects). Some plugins even have installers.

Download: Paint.NET (Free)

2. IrfanView

irfranview app

If Paint.NET is too complicated and you're looking for something more basic, IrfanView could be the tool for you.

Some of the headline features are almost identical to Microsoft Paint. The app has easy-to-draw shapes, tools for rotating, flipping and resizing images, and one-click buttons for converting images to greyscale and other color palettes.

IrfanView also offers some functionality that's missing in Paint but which makes using the app easier and more enjoyable. For example, it has image previews, support for more file formats, and even the ability to open animated GIFs.

Lastly, professionals will still be able to rely on the app for tasks thanks to its support for the best Photoshop filters, batch conversion, and IPTC metadata.

Download: IrfanView (Free)

3. Pinta

pinta

If you've been paying attention, you will notice Pinta looks instantly familiar. Why? Because it's based on the previously discussed Paint.NET.

The app is not quite as feature-laden as its inspiration, making it a better alternative for people who want the Microsoft Paint familiarity without all the extra pro-level features they'll never use.

However, just because it's not equal to Paint.NET, don't write it off. Pinta supports layers, provides unlimited history, has 35 effects, and includes easy-to-use drawing tools.

Perhaps most interestingly, it takes a different approach to the workspace in front of you. You can pop out any window to make it float, and even use a combination of docked windows and floating windows to suit your needs.

Download: Pinta (Free)

4. Krita

krita app

Krita is geared towards digital artists. Specifically, the app is aimed at concept artists, illustrators, matte and texture artists, and people working in the visual effects industry. However, that doesn't mean that it's not also a great tool for people who want an alternative to Microsoft Paint.

If you choose to download the app, you can enjoy several useful features that are absent in Paint. They include a quick color selector (just right-click on a color to pick it), brush stabilizers (perfect if you're doing a basic drawing with a mouse), and vector, filter, group, and file layers.

Krita also offers some of the best shape drawing tools. Thanks to its "Drawing Assistants," you will be able to create the perfect ellipse, arrow, or fisheye every time.

Download: Krita (Free)

5. Photoscape

photoscape app

Photoscape is another of the best alternatives to Paint. The app is mainly focused on photo editing. If you use Microsoft Paint to edit photos you have taken, it's the perfect replacement.

Many of the tools it offers are photo-orientated and are absent on Paint. For example, you can easily combine multiple photos into one image or watch your photos in a slideshow. You can also convert images from the RAW format into JPEGs or splice your photos into multiple pieces.

As you would expect, it also has a comprehensive basic editor. You can use it to resize your image, adjust the brightness and color, change the white balance, correct the backlight, add text, draw pictures, add filters, remove red-eye, and more.

Lastly, Photoscape has a cool tool that lets you print lined, graph, music, and calendar paper using your images.

Download: Photoscape (Free)

6. Fotor

Fotor made its name as a cloud-based image editor, but these days you can download the software as a standalone Windows app that'll work offline.

Like Photoscape, editing photos is Fotor's bread and butter, but it also works well for editing screenshots and other images. The app can make simple adjustments such as resizing and cropping, includes hundreds of free fonts, and offers a shape drawing tool. It also has some basic touch up tools.

Fotor is entirely free to download and use, but it's also the only app on this list that offers a paid tier. For $3.33 per month, you get 100 new effects, a vast number of stickers and photo frames, professional-grade touch-up tools, and an ad-free experience.

Download: Fotor (Free, subscription available)

7. Pixlr

pixlr app

The design of Pixlr is like Photoshop than Paint. But, if you spend a bit of time learning how to use the app, you will quickly discover it's one of the best Paint replacements available. It has all the basics you'd expect, plus advanced features like smudging, blurring, layers, and a long list of filters and effects.

If you don't want Microsoft Paint on your system anymore, why even bother to clutter your hard drive up with more junk? You could use an online photo editor instead, and Pixlr is one of the best.

But you should only consider Pixlr if you have a reliable web connection; it's useless without one.

Download: Pixlr (Free)

8. GIMP

gimp app

If you're looking for a little more power than Paint offers, GIMP is definitely worth considering.

The app will appeal to graphic designers, photographers, and illustrators. It supports layers, channels, and includes advanced image manipulation tools such as hue, saturation, levels, curves, and exposure controls.

GIMP also has a vast library of plugins. They allow you to customize the app so it meets your needs perfectly. GIMP is open source and has an active community behind it. That has helped it stay on as one of the best alternatives to Adobe Photoshop.

Download: GIMP (Free)

9. MyPaint

MyPaint is a free alternative to Paint that's aimed at digital painters. The canvas-based app's special focus is on full-screen working. It lets you work in a distraction-free manner so you can focus on the art itself rather than the app.

Brushes in the app can emulate charcoal, pencils, ink, and paint, but you can also create new brushes to suit your needs.

Apart from Windows, the app works on Wacom drawing tablets.

Download: MyPaint (Free)

10. Photopea

photopea app

Like Pixlr, Photopea is an online Microsoft Paint alternative. It supports multiple filetypes, including the ones professional are more likely to use, such as PSD, XCF, Sketch, XD, and CDR.

Photopea is more complicated than Paint, so although it's an excellent app, beginners might find it advanced for their skill level. If you're comfortable with Photoshop, however, you'll quickly adapt.

Download: Photopea (Free)

Try More Image Editors Like Paint

If you're preparing to move on from Microsoft Paint, you won't go far wrong by using one of these Paint alternatives.

For the most Paint-like experience, try Paint.NET, IrfanView, or Pinta. If you're willing to expand your knowledge and try something new, use Krita, Photoscape, or Fotor. And if you want an online-only tool, you need Pixlr.

If you like to learn even more about photo and image editors, make sure you read our article on how to edit photos on a Mac.