IrfanPaint

People who are familiarized with the IrfanView software package and use it for handling various image files, might also require a built-in image editing module. IrfanPaint addresses this problem and provides users with a basic “Paint” style panel that can be enabled in the main interface of IrfanView. It will allow them to perform basic image editing tasks, with classic tools such as pen, brush, eraser or line.

The application presents itself as a floating panel that can be enabled as a plug-in from the “Edit” menu  of the IrfanView image viewer. Users will find a handful of predefined features for editing images, which are represented through well designed buttons.

One will be able to access classical image editing tools such as: pointer, brush, pen, eraser, stamp, fill bucket, etc. Aiming at increasing the user-friendliness and handling efficiency, the panel offers pen / brush width and tolerance customization straight from its interface, where people can enter the required values.

Although not as advanced as the painting tools offered by other image editing software packages, this plug-in does compensate its basic features with flawless operation and ease-of-use. People will be able to easily open the preferred images and add specific pen / brush strokes, custom objects or perform image operations such as rotating.

Access to a small settings module is provided and one will be able to customize the characteristics of the brush and pen tools: line style, end cap, joints, pattern, orientation, width, etc. By offering this set of customization options, the plug-in demonstrates that it can also address intermediate users, who require that extra edge when it comes to fine-tuning their painting tools.

Considering its overall ease-of-use and the decent set of image editing tools offered, IrfanPaint can be considered a valid choice for basic image painting. It addresses those who wish to adjust their images without resorting to complex image processing packages. Providing a small set of classic painting tools, it also offers more in-depth customization for the pen and brush tools, allowing intermediate users to tailor the editing process to their requirements.