Pinta
Drop-in replacementFreeSmall free editor for cropping, drawing, text and quick fixes. The nearest thing to the 2D side of Paint 3D.
Your files: Opens PNG and JPEG files saved by Paint 3D. No 3D support.
Does Paint 3D run on Linux?
Verdict: No
No. Paint 3D never existed for Linux, and Microsoft has retired it on Windows too. It was removed from the Microsoft Store in November 2024, so there is nothing left to move across.
Paint 3D was a Windows Store app that Microsoft deprecated in 2024 and pulled from the Store on 4 November 2024. Copies already installed still open, but there is no download any more, and there was never a Mac or Linux version. Microsoft lists it among its deprecated Windows features.
It tried to be two things at once, which is why replacing it takes two apps. For the 2D half, cropping, drawing, adding text and the magic select cut-out, Pinta is the closest small free editor on Linux and behaves much like classic Paint with a few extras. GIMP handles the same jobs with more control if you want it.
For the 3D half, placing models, painting on them and spinning them around, Blender is the free Linux answer. It is a serious 3D program and it is much bigger than Paint 3D was, so expect to follow a beginner tutorial rather than to poke at it.
Your files are mostly fine. Paint 3D saved ordinary PNG and JPEG images, which open anywhere. Its 3D projects were .glb files, and Blender imports those.
What to use instead of Paint 3D
Blender
Different way of workingFreeFree 3D program that covers the modelling and painting side. Far more capable than Paint 3D and far more to learn.
Your files: Imports .glb and .obj 3D files exported from Paint 3D.
GIMP
Close matchFreeFree image editor with layers and selection tools, for when Pinta runs out of road.
Your files: Opens PNG, JPEG and .psd files.
This doesn't have to stop you
One stubborn program doesn't have to decide the whole question. You can keep Windows on the same PC and restart into it only when you need Paint 3D. Everything else you do can move.
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