MXI

I'm just pointing at an inconsistency. If this mistake slipped into the post and test images - chances are, the plugin itself might be doing not what it says it does.

S/L gradient (of HSL) in the test pattern actually looks like S/V gradient (of HSV). Triggered. I'd expect S/L gradient to look like this:

Woo-hoo! PDN 5.0 finally brings adjustable transparency background. One slider but it will do.

My take: https://imgbox.com/zjgE42Y1 1. Resize 400% (working in higher resolution might help in multiple ways. The sample was too small); 2. Sharpen max (to make text thicker); 3. Sharpen max (one might be enough, but I found this to be a bit better); 4. Pencil Sketch (tip size max, range min); 5. Resize 50% (still 200% from the source, helps with the next step a bit); 6. Levels (adjust input white to remove as much remaining noise while retaining required details, may also adjust output middle point).

I remember using a multistep processing for this: - convert to grayscale; - invert image; - isolate the background levels in a separate layer (remove high-contrast stuff such as text with Median filter); - substract it from the image; - invert back; - clean up remaining noise with Levels filter (histogram there is also helpful to evaluate the quality of cleanup). I later found that there is actually one existing filter that can achieve about the same effect much easier and faster: Use Effects > Artistic > Pencil Sketch!

Been there, did that. It is definitely a UX issue, not specific to new users. It can cost me some time even if I know that it can happen. I (as a user) can be so deep in my thoughts about the object of my work so I can miss something about the tool. I would definitely love to have some sanity/safety check and save me some time. Although sometimes it can also happen on a layer that is not hidden by checkbox, just completely overpainted by a higher layer. This one might not have any nice solution.

Is there a way to change the color of the grid that is shown under transparent parts of an image? If no then this is a feature request. And I hope a pretty easy one. Sometimes I need to work with small sprites / decals. If I need it to be a white detail on a transparent background - I run into problem - I can't see anything on my image. For example, this render is quite misleading about what is actually drawn: There are workarounds: use different color for a time being and then change it with filters, such as "Invert colors"; add a dark layer underneath. But I find it rather annoying to have to set this up and don't forget to remove it and save properly. I would love to see a color selector(s) for the transparency grid in the app settings. If I can select non-gray colors - I will be able to avoid collisions with any colors I use (or 99% at least).

I agree about the icon - it doesn't need to be something as stressful as the red cross. But I don't agree about text change. Two "Don't"s will introduce equal amount of confusion. "Cancel" is the standard name for this behavior across all and every applications out there.

I had this issue. The few times when I needed to print something from Paint.NET, I used Levels adjustment to make image darker so it will look fine on paper. I have HP LaserJet P1005 if that matters. Paint.NET provides access to Color Management options for printing, where color profile can be set up for printers, like for displays. Maybe the defaults used in Paint.NET not good for everyone. And apps that have no such setting - get better defaults. If that's the case, then there better be a way to bypass this settings for average people who can't care less about color management and just want the damn thing to print good enough. And a comprehensible instruction how to use it for the rest of people.

Similar request:

For something as simple as Invert (or even a bit more complex) there are batch convert tools in XnView/XnViewMP and probably other similar apps. Depending on the problem you're trying to solve, ImageMagick might be an option too. I doubt the batch processing has a high priority for a paint application. Although it won't hurt to be able to leverage the power of existing plugins in this way, of course. Reuse the manually created routine in an automated manner, without the need to look for filter analogues. Question to people close to Paint.NET inner workings: How hard will it be to make a CLI application being able to run ScriptLab presets?

What can be done in plugin now: You select a color and a plugin modifies existing layer to leave only pixels with this color or pixels with any color except this. Of the plugins I have installed, - Unblend by ArgusMagnus can do the latter. - Color Accent by Kris Vandermotten sort of does the former (just desaturates the rest of image). - Color To Alpha (can't see the author) sort of does the former (fiddly controls). Maybe there are more. As for file type plugin, it might be something like existing ZIP plugin, with custom layer splitting logic: Speaking of custom logic: It might be viable to have just an external script using ImageMagick to modify the layers inside archive produced by existing ZIP file format plugin. I think this topic is somewhat related to as an industry-specific task that can benefit from better plugin API.

I agree it's tedious. I should've accented this better, or rather dropped the second part of my comment completely. It was a digression from what I wanted to post here. I think this problem, among others, can have a better solution than it is now - through improvements in layers system. Rather than investing developer time into industry-specific system, provide a way for extensions to solve tasks like this in an efficient manner. If extensions will be allowed to produce new layers and blend them back in custom ways, - it will allow to create an extension to split image into color components with a single step and not being limited to RGB. (I'd love to have HSL for example.)

Something similar to layers but separate from layers - looks excessive to me. There should be some way to mate this with layers... Recently I had few situations when I needed a way to recombine color layers. I'd love to see the layers tree, and new APIs that will allow custom blending modes and allow plugins to add new layers. Currently it's possible to extract channels one by one with "Extract channel" plugin from Ed Harvey effects pack. Clone the image to three equal layers, extract R, G, B on each layer (non-grayscale to keep color), make additive blend mode for layers, voila. No alpha though (another extension and some manual work will be needed to add alpha back), and editing might be a pain (need some accuracy with colors).

But it isn't, as I'm thinking one step further already and all of you saying step one is enough. Hearing this from Rick instead of "Nope" would've been reassuring enough for me. But all I got is the same "Clipboard is enough for everyone" story. I consider myself a developer too. I understand there are time and effort requirements in implementing any feature. I can see some of possible technical difficulties involved, and that there are things like priorities and a road map. But nothing bad in discussing possible features and what paths they open for users. Let people think in terms of possibilities and evaluate their uses for new features. By the time the feature gets into development, there better be a good understanding of how and what for this feature will be used. The answer cutting any creative input and further exploration won't be beneficial for anyone. It might end up in a situation when formally implemented feature won't or can't be used by those who were seeking for it. If ever implemented. It would be really shortsighted not to see people will start sharing what is worth to be shared and possible to do so. Local thing? I'm not familiar with this abbreviation.