Pinta, the user-friendly image editing application for Linux, has released its beta version 3.1, packed with exciting new features and performance enhancements. This release aims to attract a broader audience to the application, which draws inspiration from Paint.NET.
One of the significant updates includes the introduction of a new axonometric grid feature in the View > Canvas Grid dialog, useful for creating isometric art by maintaining correct perspective. Additionally, the Lasso Select tool now offers a Polygon Selection mode, allowing users to create selections by clicking and connecting points. This new mode is paired with the classic ‘Freeform’ mode, enabling various selection styles.
Users can now visually confirm their selection area thanks to highlighted bounds on the rulers when using selection tools. This confirmation facilitates accuracy in positioning and sizing selections.
A new context menu appears when right-clicking on a layer, providing quick access to actions such as deleting, duplicating, or merging layers. Furthermore, tooltips over buttons now display keyboard shortcuts, helping users to memorize essential commands effortlessly.
Additional highlights in Pinta 3.1 Beta include:
- A Cells effect to add unique visual elements.
- The ability to control random seed values for effects.
- Enhanced text tool functionality with Ctrl + Backspace for word deletion.
- Introduction of a Radius Percentage parameter for the Twist effect.
For the first time, Pinta 3.1 Beta also offers a native Windows on ARM installer.
For those interested in testing the beta version, Windows and macOS builds can be downloaded from the project’s GitHub releases page. Users on Ubuntu can access the new version via the Pinta Snap package in the beta channel by executing:
sudo snap install pinta --betaThis latest update reflects Pinta’s commitment to improving user experience and expanding its feature set, making it a formidable choice for image editing on Linux desktops. For a complete list of changes, check the change-log.