Paint.NET License: Use and Redistribution Rules

This article provides an overview of the licensing terms governing official Paint.NET software binaries. It covers the transition of the application from an open-source project to proprietary freeware, the permissions granted for both personal and commercial use, and the strict restrictions regarding the redistribution and modification of the software.

The Governing License

Official Paint.NET binaries are distributed under a proprietary, closed-source freeware End User License Agreement (EULA) owned by dotPDN LLC (Rick Brewster). While Paint.NET was originally released under the open-source MIT License in its early versions, licensing terms changed permanently starting with version 3.5 in late 2009. The modern software is not open-source, and its binaries are governed by dotPDN LLC's custom freeware terms.

Usage Rights: Personal and Commercial

Under the official EULA, the classic desktop version of Paint.NET is free of charge for nearly all end-user environments. Users are permitted to install and run the software for:

  • Personal use: Unlimited home and hobbyist installations.
  • Commercial use: Deployment across business, corporate, and enterprise environments without purchasing separate commercial licenses.
  • Educational and government use: Free deployment in schools, universities, non-profit organizations, and public sector agencies.

Redistribution Restrictions

While using the software is free, redistributing the official binaries is heavily restricted. The EULA strictly prohibits:

  • Public Mirroring and Hosting: Third-party websites may not host or redistribute Paint.NET installation packages without explicit written permission from dotPDN LLC. Distributing the software via unauthorized download portals is forbidden.
  • Bundling: The installer cannot be bundled with third-party software, toolbars, adware, or other commercial products.
  • Selling: Charging fees for the free classic binary or distributing it on paid physical or digital media is prohibited.
  • Reverse Engineering and Modification: Users may not decompile, reverse engineer, modify, or create derivative works from the compiled binaries.

Internal and Enterprise Deployment

System administrators are generally permitted to distribute Paint.NET internally across an organization's network (such as via Group Policy, SCCM, or Intune) using automated or silent deployment methods, provided the software is distributed internally and not made publicly accessible to outside parties.

Microsoft Store Edition

Paint.NET is also distributed through the Microsoft Store as a paid application. This release functions under the standard Microsoft Store Terms of Sale and services agreements. Purchasing this edition provides automatic updates, easier deployment across modern Windows devices, and serves as a direct financial contribution to support the software's ongoing development.