ContactPinta

ContactPinta is an open-source digital painting application designed primarily for Linux users, though it is also available on other platforms such as Windows and macOS. Developed as a fork of the popular GIMP Paint Daemon (GPD), ContactPinta aims to provide a lightweight, intuitive, and user-friendly alternative for digital artists and illustrators. The software emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, offering essential tools for sketching, painting, and image editing without overwhelming users with complex features.

One of ContactPinta’s key strengths is its seamless integration with the GIMP ecosystem, allowing users to leverage GIMP’s powerful plugins and scripts. This compatibility extends to brush engines, making it possible to use high-quality brushes developed for GIMP. The application supports a wide range of file formats, including PNG, JPEG, and its native format, which ensures flexibility for both beginners and experienced artists.

ContactPinta features a customizable interface with a focus on performance, ensuring smooth operation even on lower-end hardware. It includes essential tools such as brushes, layers, and basic editing functions, along with advanced options like pressure sensitivity for tablet users. The software also supports Wacom tablets and other pressure-sensitive input devices, enhancing the natural feel of digital painting.

While ContactPinta is not as feature-rich as some commercial alternatives, it excels in simplicity and accessibility. It is particularly well-suited for artists who prefer a minimalist approach or those transitioning from traditional media to digital tools. The project is actively maintained by a community of developers and enthusiasts, with regular updates addressing bugs and improving functionality.

ContactPinta is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), making it freely available for download and modification. It is available through its official website and major Linux distributions, as well as via package managers like Flatpak and Snap. The software’s growing user base continues to contribute to its development, ensuring ongoing improvements and support for digital artists.