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This update improves performance and fixes a lot of small issues. As usual, you can download the update directly from the website, or you can use the built-in updater via Settings –> Updates –> Check Now. This is a minor update in the sense that it’s mostly a basket full of fixes and improvements. To me it feels like a larger release though While it doesn’t have any new features, it’s fixing and cleaning out a whole bunch of longstanding things that I’ve wanted to tackle for awhile. I’ve been chipping away at things pretty steadily since the release of 4.0.16, so this really is about 3 full months worth of fixes and improvements! At Microsoft we would’ve called this an “MQ” (Milestone Quality) release. For instance, the animation timer in version 4.0.16 runs at 120Hz. Always. The Win32 APIs for correctly detecting the monitor’s refresh rate are such a maze. They are archaic, bizarre, and the documentation is barely satisfactory. For this release I finally took the time to figure it all out and get the timer to run at the monitor’s actual refresh rate (it also works if you move the window across monitors with different refresh rates). I’m thinking of writing a blog post about it, in fact, because I don’t think anyone else should have to deal with that ever again. It sounds like it should be so simple, but there are always peculiarities and ambiguities that can trip things up. Not too surprisingly, this improves performance if you’re opening a lot of images: the image strip up at the top of the window uses several animations and it really gets bogged down, but now it’s actually much faster. This should also help battery life for laptop users (it won’t change things much for my new overclocked i9-7900X ). Also, there are a handful of bugs in Windows and Direct2D that this release is working around. The “Creators Update” for Windows 10 includes the .NET Framework 4.7 and they totally broke the way mouse cursors work for WinForms in high-DPI situations. The result was that 4.0.16 has some really ugly mouse cursors if you’re running at anything other than 100% scaling (aka 96 DPI). So I spent a bunch of time to work around that and write completely custom cursor loading code, which also came with the bonus of providing me with new control over how this whole system works within Paint.NET. The Win32 cursor system is an old, archaic, weird system, one that’s made worse by the various wrappers which are built on top of it (e.g. WinForms or WPF). Now I’ve got the ability to provide high resolution and high color cursors. I can do pretty much anything with them now, and would like to upgrade the Win95-era cursors in a future release. Also, I’ve implemented a “portable mode” that I’ll be describing in a follow-up post. It redirects the app’s settings into a local JSON file instead of having them in the registry. I know there are at least a handful of people who’ve been hoping for something like this for a long time – now your USB key can carry your personal settings with you from computer to computer. Next up for Paint.NET: Windows Store! Once that’s done, I’m planning to upgrade the brushes system. It desperately needs more built-in brush shapes, as well as the ability to install custom ones. Anyway, without further ado, here’s the change list! Added: "Fluid mouse input" option in Settings -> UI -> Troubleshooting. If you see major glitches while drawing, try disabling this. Improved: Default brush size, font size, and corner radius size now scales with major DPI scaling levels (brush size of 2 at 100% scaling, brush size of 4 at 200% scaling, etc.) Improved: Default image size now scales with major DPI scaling levels (800x600 at 100%, 1600x1200 at 200%, etc.) Improved performance and drawing latency by removing explicit calls to System.GC.Collect() except when low memory conditions are encountered Improved performance by greatly reducing object allocation amplification by reducing the concurrency level when using ConcurrentDictionary, and by removing WeakReference allocations in favor of direct GCHandle usage Improved: Performance and battery usage by ensuring animations always run at the monitor's actual refresh rate Improved (reduced) CPU usage when moving the mouse around the canvas Removed: "Hold Ctrl to hide handle" from the Text tool because it was not useful and caused lots of confusion Fixed: Various high-DPI fixes, including horrible looking mouse cursors caused by a bug in the latest .NET WinForms update Fixed: Gradient tool no longer applies dithering "outside" of the gradient (in areas that should have a solid color) Fixed: Very slow performance opening the Effects menu when lots of plugins are installed after installing the Windows 10 Creators Update Fixed: When cropping and then performing an undo, the scroll position was totally wrong Fixed a rendering glitch in the Save Configuration dialog (it would "wiggle") Fixed: At certain brush sizes, the brush indicator on the canvas had a visual glitch in it due to a bug in Direct2D Fixed: Text tool buttons for Bold, Italics, Underline were not localized for a few languages Fixed a rare crash in the taskbar thumbnails Fixed: Drawing with an aliased brush and opaque color (alpha=255) sometimes resulted in non-opaque pixels due to a bug in Direct2D's ID2D1RenderTarget::FillOpacityMask Fixed: "Olden" effect should no longer cause crashes (it still has some rendering artifacts due to its multithreading problems, however) New: Portable mode can be enabled via a setting in the .exe.config, which will redirect app settings into a local JSON file (see blogpost for details: https://blog.getpaint.net/2017/07/21/portable-mode-in-paint-net-4-0-17/ ) Enjoy!

This tutorial is available as a PDF. Click here to view or download it How to make a Glassy Vase This tutorial was originally written by @yellowman. Since the horrible decision by Photo Bucket to block a lot of people’s images on the forum, I offered to help with trying to re-do this tutorial as close as possible to the @yellowman stellar original. Plugins used are: 1. Shape 3D by @MKT 2. Quadrilateral Reshape by @evanolds 3. Splashes by @MadJik 4. Polar transformation by @MadJik 5. Transparency by @BoltBait 6. TGAngle by @Red ochre Begin: 1-Start with new file 800w by 780h pixels (larger canvas a better result.) 2-Fill it with black, this is the background layer. 3-Add new layer, name it body interior and fill it with transparent white 40: 4-Add new layer and name it body exterior, if you are planning to add some Inscriptions/patterns then add them to this layer (like lines, rings, stars or any shapes.) In this tutorial we will use a transparent green splash. 5-Fill exterior layer with white, then use the Splash Plugin on this white layer (found in Effects>Render>Splashes) and make your splash shape (you can choose your own color if you want) and fill inside with the same color as the outline: 6-Convert the splash using Polar transformation and make sure the option is: Transform Polar to Rectangle (found it in Effects>Distort>Polar transformation): 7-Add some transparency (-80) to body exterior layer using Transparency Plugin (find it in Adjustments>Transparency): 8-Add new layer, name it highlight and draw some white thin rectangles starting from top to bottom: Use Linear Gradient with Transparency Mode to fade up the top and the bottom of the white rectangles created above: 9-Make the secondary color black, open Canvas Size (Found in Image>Canvas Size)and change the image height from 780 to 800 pix choosing Middle anchor – make sure ‘maintain aspect radio is un-checked: You need the canvas to be 800 x 800 now. 10-Now select body interior layer, open Shape 3D Plugin and apply these effect and values shown by the 12 red arrows in the image below. (Hint: Don't reset the effects and values of the Shape 3D plugin just yet, as we will use the same values on a few other layers.) 11-Select body exterior layer and apply Shape 3D Plugin - changing only these 2 values from step 10: 12-Select highlight layer and apply Shape 3D with same values in step 11 changing only the Texture Map from Half Cylinder Map(repeat) to Half Cylinder Map and turn off the light, then use the Transparency Mode gradient to fade up the highlights if they look too bright. 13-Make sure the top layer is the highlight then body exterior then body interior then merge them and name they resulted layer body, you should get an image like this: We are now done with the vase’s body. Now let’s move on to the head and base: 14-Turn off the body layer (for a better view) and add a new layer name it head and fill it with transparent white 40: 15-Add new layer and name it head highlight and draw white rectangles something similar as in step #8. 16-Open Shape 3D on head layer and Reset All old values and apply these new values shown in red arrows: Select head highlight layer and apply Shape 3D with same previous values changing only Texture Map from Half...(repeat) to Half Cylinder Map and turn off the light, you will get this shape: Note: If your highlights are too big after doing the last step, just use the linear gradient again to shrink the lines. 17-Now let’s add thickness to the head. Duplicate head layer and open Rotate/Zoom (find it in: Layers>Rotate/Zoom) with these values: Hint: If you’d like to use different values then play with Zoom and Pan effects to align the image so the top ring in the two layers sit well exactly on each other. Then merge the two head layers to get something like this: 18-Make sure the head highlight layer is on top of head layer then merge both, Don't merge them with body layer (which is already off)...! Then add new layer and draw a white ellipse with 4 pixels width on the top ring of head layer, align or re-shape it if it needs using Move Selected Pixels tool to sit exactly on the edges like this: 19-Use Gradient tool with Transparency Mode (Linear Refl.) to add some gradient effect to the ellipse then merge it with head layer: 20-Use Bulge effect( find it in: Effect>Distort>Bulge) to add some curvature to right and left side of the cylinder shape in head layer: -For right side: And for left side just change (1) to (-1) as shown below: 21-In this step we will use Quadrilateral reshape Plugin (Effects > Quad. Reshape) and this Plugin has no values to play with, so it all depends on you to make a cone shape to the object in the head layer. In the image below, it shows how you can move the 2 knobs in the bottom corners toward the center of the canvas leaving some space in between the two knobs. Any way you can shape the image as you like but turn on the body layer first to shape the head to something that matches the vase body. 22-Select the head shape with Rectangle Select tool and size it down to make the bottom ellipse same size as the top ellipse in the body layer: 23-Now let’s do the base, which is very similar to the head. -Turn off body and head layers temporarily. -Add new layer name it base fill it with transparent white 40 -New layer highlight, draw the white rectangles, and give them some transparent gradient -Apply Shape 3D with the values shown: For base layer: And for the Base Highlight layer do the same as the above settings , except change to: Half Cylinder Map and switch off the light. - New layer for the white ellipse and apply the Transparent gradient for the bottom ring this time. - Merge all 3 layers for the base (base, base highlight and ellipse layers) - Use Bulge to add some curvature to the sides: - Turn on body and head layers, then use the Quadrilateral Reshape Plugin to create the cone shape for the base layer, this time is up-side down: - Select the base shape with rectangle selection and reshape/resize it to sit fit in the vase base: 24-Turn the body layer to black and white, use Curves and/or Brightness/Contrast effects under Adjustments to give the 3 elements similar effects, put head on top of all then body then base and merge the 3 layers. 25-Add new layer and draw these 3 curves or as you like, using Line/Curve tool with width about 10 - 15 pixels: 26-Gaussian Blur the 3 lines with an amount of 27 to 30: 27-Select vase layer and use Magic Wand with low Tolerance (15 to 20) to select the outside around the vase, then switch to other layer (with the blurred curved lines) and hit Delete on the keyboard to cut the extra pieces from the lines. - Then add a good background or additional effects. To change the color use Sepia effect then Hue/Saturation to get a final glassy vase:

Mini tuto: I started with the idea of @Ishi With more time and work the result could be better. It's also important how the face takes the light on the original picture. Originale picture Model Gradient layer Smoke layer (secondary color : transparent) Final image You could add some dark areas in the gradient layer to make some parts darker.

Hello MJW! "I finally found time to complete my changes to the CodeLab implementation of Normal Map Plus." Thank-you for taking time to work on this! "The goal was to fix the edge-line artifacts when the zoom level doesn't show the entire image" I've tried to reproduce that zoom-in glitch with your new version & have been unable to trigger it. You seem to have succeeded in your goal to eliminate that bug. "but I'm also interested in whether by some chance it fixes the crash." I can also confirm that your new version does not crash on first calling the effect (that Net Framework 4.7 issue). Interestingly, as well as correcting the artifacts on zoom bug, you've also managed to fix another issue NormalMapPlus had that was possibly related. Upon using NormalMapPlus previously there were slight but noticeable horizontal artifacts over the finished normal image. Old version & the artifact lines are most noticeable around the outer edge, I've circled some. Your new version has no such artifacts. Old version produced a noticeably fuzzier image, probably due to those artifact lines. I've highlighted an area to compare but you can see it over the whole image when compared to the new version image below. New version is overall sharper looking. I also noticed the normal produced is slightly to the left of the one produced by the old version, I remember you mentioning something about a pixel difference in positioning in an earlier post. Here 's the image I tested with (left) plus the normal made with the old version of NormalMapPlus (middle) & your New Update (right). Your new update produces a sharper, tidier normal. "I made quite a few changes, and I haven't had time to do a thorough test, so nothing is guaranteed." It did catch me out that updated NormalMapPlus was no longer located in the Effects - Stylize section but at the bottom of the Effects pull down. I use this plugin all the time so will test it further as well as in game & report back any significant findings but so far it looks like a serious improvement. Thank-you kindly for great work on this! Prensa

@lynxster4, I feel more relaxed now. Art has always helped me cope. Thank you so much @Seerose. Like you & love colour even if my art can be very dark at times. This new one again is colourful. I've working in the garden & there is so much going on even if it is supposed to be winter here. This one is called In the Spring. The black flower outlines are a font, the waves are Gradients Galore & Inner Shadow. Much layers & blurring.

I've said this before.... it's good to have you back MadJik!

@BlastWave The battle continues........... Fell for the trap. Red squadron of F-20 Tigersharks did their job drawing your front line to the battlefield. And then - out of nowhere - My Blue team of Horten 229s appear - (have not been seen in aerial combat since their design back in 44. Any chance against the upgraded 21st century version is impossible. While your naval fighter wing attempts to evade my 229s - the red squadron moves on to continue their attack knowing there is a carrier out there somewhere. Better hope they don't spot it and call out my green squadron. LOL

@LionsDragon! OMG!!! Impressive. I see you make good use of the tuts. Your own variations are superb. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much, Prensa, for your feedback, and especially for your clear illustrations and explanations. I wouldn't have been able to figure out what was going on without your previous comment. I'm not completely certain what caused the "blurring:" artifacts, but like you, I presume it was related to the edge-line artifacts. The one-pixel shift corrects a small problem with the old version, where the derivative was computed for the pixel to the left of where it should be. Now the derivative is centered on the pixel.

Great job on the resurrection of this tut Pixey! It always has been one of my favorites.

Maybe this will help? <data name="SettingsDialog.UI.DisplayName" xml:space="preserve"> <value>Интерфейс</value> <data name="SettingsDialog.UI.Overscroll.Description" xml:space="preserve"> <value>Прокрутка за пределами изображения</value> <data name="SettingsDialog.UI.SmoothMouseInput.Description" xml:space="preserve"> <value>Сглаживание ввода мышью</value> </data> <data name="SettingsDialog.UI.SmoothMouseInput.Footnote" xml:space="preserve"> <value>Отключите это, если вы видите большие вертикальные и горизонтальные артефакты при рисовании.</value> </data>

Fabulous! Thank you for bringing this tutorial back go life Pixey.

Hi @mackenzieh - A PDF will get attached shortly. Meanwhile you should be able to download here: Edit: EER added a PDF.

That is so pretty . I actually downloaded some flower font the other day, but have not yet tried it out .

@barbieq25! WOW!!! The colors really compliment each other. I love it. Thank you so much.

Added PDF link

Rainbow twist Colors Effect Plugin What's this? This effect is an (r)evolution of the RainbowRadial.cs provided with the CodeLab. This is quite similar to the Radial Colors http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?showtopic=7181 How does it works? The effect uses the formulas based on sinusoid curves to define and mix in a rainbow twist the three basic color Red, Green, Blue. The User interface This plugin is added to the menu Effects, submenu Texture. ...Brightness / Contrast: affect the colors ...Radius: Set the radius of the twist. ...Origine: X/Y offset of the center. ...Color mode: Choose between 4 modes -Rainbow S -Rainbow T -Sweet Candy -level of Grey Download the DLL Plugin RainbowTwist.dll Here is the DLL The MadJik's All plugins package is available ! http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?showtopic=7186 How to install Close Paint.net Classic version of Paint.net Unzip and (re)place the DLL in your Effect folder usually: C:/Program Files/Paint.NET/Effects Microsoft Store version of Paint.net Unzip and (re)place the DLL in your Effect folder usually: /My Documents/paint.net App Files/Effects/ You have to adapt for your language My Documents Examples Sweet Candy Using blur + layers blend mode Enjoy the colors!

Thanks, null55. I'm glad to hear it doesn't crash, even though we don't know what change avoids the bug. If you want to make a non-CodeLab version, it would be very easy to do.

New update: more simple interface, more coloration choice.

After replacing all my Photobucket pictures I noticed I never posted an example of my shape. Thanks again to @toe_head2001, @TechnoRobbo, @Red ochre, @Ego Eram Reputo AKA The Dwarf Horde for making this amazing plugin Great tool for practicing everything

The updated CodeLab version does not crash for me. Because the crash in the original code is caused by a bug in the JIT compiler even a slight change to the Render method may avoid the problem.

I just tried the link in the first post - and it is working. @Maximilian thanks for making the DLL available - but I think that we should leave Martin's link in place while it is working.

I finally found time to complete my changes to the CodeLab implementation of Normal Map Plus. The goal was to fix the edge-line artifacts when the zoom level doesn't show the entire image, but I'm also interested in whether by some chance it fixes the crash. My previous version now crashes on my system, though I made no changes to it since when it worked. Presumably that's due to a Windows update on my computer. So far, my new version doesn't crash for me. Perhaps some change I made happens to avoid the problem (or perhaps not). I made quite a few changes, and I haven't had time to do a thorough test, so nothing is guaranteed. For the DLL and the source code, please see the thread : NormalMapPlus (CodeLab Implementation)

@Seerose thank you! All the tuts and support here have really helped me step up my game.

Someone's making steady progress along the path of artistry development, which is a very positive achievement in itself And I'm always glad to be of help whenever I can help in any way Coffee and cookies underway!!

I believe this user is being surprised by the anti-aliased selection. I'm not able to get angles like that without using an ellipse. I studied it because I pay close attention to pixel-editing bugs in paint.net and thought this might be interesting. Doesn't seem related to the zooming though. I did find this, however: use the lasso tool to scribble a munged-up selection in a tiny area (with antialiased selection enabled).. try to keep it between 1x1 and 3x3. Scribble for several seconds, and then cut and paste. It may take several tries, but eventually you can get this exception: System.AggregateException: One or more errors occurred. ---> System.ArgumentOutOfRangeException: must be non-negative Parameter name: width:Int32=-25 --- End of inner exception stack trace --- at PaintDotNet.Diagnostics.ValidationExtensions.ThrowValidationException(Validation validation) in D:\src\pdn\paintdotnet\src\Base\Diagnostics\ValidationExtensions.cs:line 955 at PaintDotNet.Rendering.SizeInt32..ctor(Int32 width, Int32 height) in D:\src\pdn\paintdotnet\src\Base\Rendering\SizeInt32.cs:line 129 at PaintDotNet.Actions.PasteAction.PerformActionImpl() in D:\src\pdn\paintdotnet\src\PaintDotNet\Actions\PasteAction.cs:line 356 ... While zoomed in, you can see that cutting and pasting anti-aliased selections cutting through pixels from an opaque image will result in semi-transparent pixels. It seems like copying and pasting opaque content should round-trip to an opaque result. Sorry to stack so many topics in one thread, don't know if you can stand it.