Pinta review
A capable free layered editor for straightforward photo edits and simple graphics.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Pinta is a free, open-source bitmap image editor for drawing, photo retouching, and simple graphics. It is aimed at users who want familiar editing tools without a paid plan, including hobbyists, students, and anyone working across Windows, macOS, or Linux. The application supports editable layers, selections, cropping, resizing, rotation, recoloring, adjustments, effects, and clone stamping. Its positioning is straightforward: provide core image-editing and drawing capabilities in a multi-platform desktop application.
The strongest part of Pinta is its practical layer-based workflow. Rectangle, ellipse, lasso, and magic wand selections cover common editing tasks, while the clone stamp can remove objects from photos. Adjustments and effects include blur, sharpen, glow, and soften portrait, giving users options beyond basic cropping and resizing. Unlimited undo and redo history lowers the cost of experimentation, and OpenRaster project files preserve layers for continued editing. Choose Pinta when layered composition and everyday photo corrections matter more than an expansive production workflow.
Pricing is simple: Pinta is free and open source, with no paid tiers to compare. It is distributed for Linux, Windows, and macOS, while additional community-supported packages and source code are available. That makes the product a reasonable fit for users who value accessible software across desktop platforms and do not need a subscription structure. Its focus is narrower than a full professional imaging suite, and RAW support and batch editing are not established features here. Users seeking a simple layered editor should consider Pinta; those needing those workflows should look for an alternative built around them.
Pinta pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Layers, selections, clone stamping, adjustments, and effects
- Unlimited undo plus OpenRaster files that preserve layers
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on bitmap editing and simple graphics
- Some additional platform packages are community-supported
- RAW support and batch editing are not established features
Pinta fact sheet, pricing and score →
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