Learn to use the most up-to-date version of Paint.NET, the free, Windows-based program for image editing. This book is ideal for PC users who find Microsoft Paint too lacking, and Photoshop or GIMP too overwhelming. ​Paint.NET is a lightweight yet capable program that’s easy to navigate and is regularly updated. 

You’ll quickly become acquainted with this powerful, yet easy-to-learn program’s features; tools, layers, adjustments, and effects. See how to correct exposure, digitally retouch and repair damaged photos, and handle a broad spectrum of photo editing tasks—even how to colorize a black-and-white image. You’ll also learn how to create digital art using the Paint.NET drawing tools and effects. Practice files are provided with step-by-step instructions to jump into photo editing and art creation.

Practical Paint.NET highlights this powerful program's rich set of features and capabilities providing you the pathway for just about any kind of image editing. Join the large community behind it today!

What You'll Learn

• Use layers, which are essential in any professional quality image editing program
• Acquire and install plugins to maximize Paint.NET’s capabilities
• Enhance, retouch, and modify digital images
• Create compelling digital artwork using the drawing tools and applying artistic filters

Who This Book Is For

Windows-based PC users who require the ability to edit digital images without the ongoing cost of subscription-based software, or complex open-source software. This group includes art or photography instructors (especially those in schools systems with limited budgets), small business owners, casual photographers, aspiring graphic designers, or anyone requiring a solid, basic editing program.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: An Overview of Paint.NET

Chapter 2: Layers

Chapter 3: An Overview of the Paint.NET Tools

Chapter 4: Correcting Tonality, Contrast, and Exposure

Chapter 5: Enhancing, Correcting, and Working with Color

Chapter 6: Modifying, Retouching, and Restoring Photos

Chapter 7: Compositing Images

Chapter 8: Drawing Basics

Chapter 9: Creating Digital Artwork

Chapter 10: Applying Effects

Appendix: More About Paint.NET Plugins

About the Author

Phillip Whitt has a passion for images, and has been involved with digital image editing and graphic design since the 1990's. As a freelance photo editing/restoration and graphic design professional, he has retouched and restored countless photographs.

Mr. Whitt holds a number of certifications, which include one for Adobe Photoshop CS from Expert Rating, as well as a number of others for demonstrating proficiency in Desktop Publishing, Scribus Basics, GIMP 2.6, and Photo Impact. Mr. Whitt is the author of several Apress titles such as Beginning Photo Retouching and Restoration Using GIMP, Pro Freeware and Open Source Solutions for Business, and Pro Colorizing With GIMP.