I've never been happy with the C# Code Syntax Highlighter here on this site, so this tutorial has been moved here: How to Write an Effect Plugin (Part 1 of 4 - Simple) This tutorial contains an overview of how Paint.NET works with effects and covers using CodeLab to create a simple effect that does not require any settable user controls. If you have questions about the tutorial, you can post them here in this thread and I will address them.