Windows image editor that started as a free replacement for Microsoft Paint and grew into a layered editor with effects and a large plugin ecosystem. It is lighter than GIMP or Krita, and many texture and UI workflows only need that much. The current release is 5.1.12.
At a glance
Licence
custom
Commercial use
commercial OK
Credit
Not required
Status
active: License spot-checked at the source; the entry carries dated evidence.
custom: proprietary freeware. The "Classic" release from the website is free. The Microsoft Store release is paid and has the same features plus automatic updates
The licensing FAQ allows business and commercial use outright. The images you edit are not the program's concern
The main restriction is that you may not modify Paint.NET or distribute modified copies. Its DLLs may not be used inside your own software
Forum plugins belong to their authors. You may not redistribute them without permission
Windows only. The old getpaint.net address now redirects to paint.net
Evidence
Live licensing FAQ (2026-09-30): "Yes, you may use it for business, commercial, school, and government use"
Same page (2026-09-30): "you may not modify the Paint.NET software itself"
Same page (2026-09-30): "Paint.NET is only licensed for use as an application"