Help for Paint.NET etc, please

Well, I've looked right through this forum for information about Paint.NET, and I've found nothing.

If anyone is familiar with it I'd like to get some idea of what it can/cannot do.

Also, assuming it does what I want, I'd appreciate it if someone could provide me with a link/zipfile for a version 2.7 or earlier, cos the current version won't talk to anything prior to XP. :(

It's a free program so there shouldn't be any copyright issues with a zip.

Currently, I'm using MS Paint, but I've been outgrowing it for a while. I need a bit more functionality, but I really don't have time to learn the big programs.

Mainly, I want to create some tiles and objects with transparent backgrounds, cutting and pasting from drawings, photographs etc. Nothing very complex, but a bit more than MS Paint can handle.

If there are any alternatives that are One Small Step up from MSP I'd be pleased to hear about them, too.

Cheers.

Why not use GIMP? It's also free, and a lot more popular here at the guild then Paint.net.

GamerPrinter swears by Xara and that looks like a good choice for this.

LOL, that's the second time today you've replied almost before I've finished posting. :)

Quick service!

I've heard via lurking on various sites that Gimp, Photoshop and Inkscape, to name three, are difficult to learn, with a steep curve. I don't have the time. I tried CC2 once and gave up.
By the time I'd recapped what I'd learned last session, this session was over.

The advantage with Paint.NET (I think) is that it works very much like MSP and I'm already familiar with that.

And another reply whilst I'm replying to the first reply. :)

Again, Xara has a reputation for some complexity. I'm a raw beginner, I'll never be a professional, and all I want for now is Paint with a couple of extra functions. Even Paint will probably do things I don't need.

Simplicity is the name of the game.

Thanks for the suggestions, though. :)

Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop Elements then. While PSP is more akin to PS it's much easier to learn and the bonus stuff is there if you ever get around to wanting them. Elements is kind of like a stripped down version.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by icosahedron

And another reply whilst I'm replying to the first reply. :)

Again, Xara has a reputation for some complexity. I'm a raw beginner, I'll never be a professional, and all I want for now is Paint with a couple of extra functions. Even Paint will probably do things I don't need.

Simplicity is the name of the game.

Thanks for the suggestions, though. :)

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Select the app that's best for you, but as Ascension says, I swear by Xara. Where did you here it was complex - I taught me nephews how to use in one afternoon, just an hour or so, it they are 8 and 10 years old. Its very easy to learn and use, believe me.

You can download a free trial, use one of my tutorials and you'll be convinced fairly quickly. Once you get comfortable using it, send me a PM or post a thread regarding Xara and I'll pop my head in to guide on your specific project.

Only if you want to try!

GP

I've seen a lot of these speed painter guys...this one does the Mona Lisa with MS Paint. If you have skillz, you can use anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk2sP...with-ms-paint/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by icosahedron

I've heard via lurking on various sites that Gimp, Photoshop and Inkscape, to name three, are difficult to learn, with a steep curve. I don't have the time. I tried CC2 once and gave up.
By the time I'd recapped what I'd learned last session, this session was over.

The advantage with Paint.NET (I think) is that it works very much like MSP and I'm already familiar with that.

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Why not pick something MORE powerful and use what you need. I would say go for GIMP as it's free and while it has many advanced features, you can keep it simple also until your ready to step up.

What specifically are you looking for that MS Paint can't do?

I agree with others here. I will stand by CC3 until the end of time, but I will not suggest it to folks if it is not something they fear.