This update fixes some bugs across the app and should further soothe the screen blanking and visual artifacts on systems with buggy MPO (multiplane overlay) support.

Change Log

Changes since 5.1.1:

• Improved (reduced) CPU and GPU usage of the canvas, which leaves more CPU time for things like input processing. This was done by enabling VSync while also utilizing the DXGI Frame Latency Waitable Handle to minimize latency.
• Fixed some visual issues, such as screen blanking and flickering, for some systems that have buggy MPO (multiplane overlay) support.
• Fixed a hang while making changes to the Transparency Checkerboard Brightness setting when certain legacy plugins are installed.
• Fixed a crash in the Levels adjustment UI if it was canceled or closed too quickly.
• Added a /diagnostics command-line parameter that shows the diagnostics info without having to start up the whole app.
• Added convenience constructors to most of Direct2D’s built-in effects (for GPU effect plugin authors).
• Added a PrimitiveBlendEffect for GPU effect plugins. This wraps ID2D1BlendTransform which is normally only available for use within the transform graph of a custom effect.
• Added ability for plugins to work with CMYK (PixelFormats.Cmyk32/64 and ColorCmyk32/64 structs)
• Updated the DDS FileType Plus plugin to v1.12.12.0 (thanks @null54!)

Download and Install

This build is available via the built-in updater as long as you have opted-in to pre-release updates. From within Settings -> Updates, enable “Also check for pre-release (beta) versions of paint.net” and then click on the Check Now button. You can also use the links below to download an offline installer or portable ZIP.

You can also download the installer here (for any supported CPU and OS), which is also where you can find downloads for offline installers, portable ZIPs, and deployable MSIs.