Paint.NET

This is useful for screenshots, simple photo editing and images for a website or document. It suits you if you want to learn layer editing without immediately using an extensive production environment. For vector logos or a large RAW photoworkflow, other software is better targeted.

Start with a copy of your photo and try cropping and resize. In addition, save a work file with layers.

You can edit images locally. Check metadata and visible personal data before sharing files. Plug-ins expand the possibilities, but come from individual creators. Install them only from a trusted source and assess whether you really need the extra feature.

The Microsoft Store release may have been paid while the website provides a free download. For extensive RAW development, you need other software.

A merged export does not save all editable layers. Therefore, save the original project. The free download and the paid shop release are different acquisition routes; check which one you choose. Repeated JPEG save can reduce quality when working on the image.

Paint.NET is a useful midway if you want more than simply drawing on Windows but do not want to set up a full graphical workspace. You can work with layers, selections and effects. That makes it suitable for image corrections and composite images. A neat layer build helps you make adjustments later without redoing the complete image.

The program fits tasks that require more control than a cut-out, but where you do not need an extensive photo catalogue. Review whether you can make the desired corrections and layer construction. Save a project version before exporting. If later only a JPEG is left, you can no longer edit text and other merged parts separately.