Paint.NET is a popular free image and photo editing software for Windows. It comes with powerful tools to rotate, spin, and transform selections on the canvas. Here is a step-by-step guide on using these tools effectively.
Table of Contents
Rotating Selections
To rotate a selection in Paint.NET:
- Make a selection using any of the selection tools like Rectangle Select, Lasso, etc. The selection will have a moving dashed outline.
- Go to Layers > Rotate/Zoom or press Ctrl+Shift+Z to open the Rotate/Zoom window.
- Use the Angle slider or enter a value manually to rotate your selection. Select clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
- You can also click and drag the rotation handle of the selection to rotate it manually.
- The center of rotation can be moved by clicking and dragging the circular rotation point.
Tip: Hold Shift while rotating to constrain the angle to 15 degree increments.
Spinning Selections
To spin a selection freely along the X, Y and Z axis:
- Make a selection as above.
- Go to Layers > Rotate/Zoom or press Ctrl+Shift+Z.
- Click and drag the circular Roll/Rotate handle to spin your selection in 3D space.
- Use the sliders to control precise degree of rotation along each axis.
- You can move the center of rotation outside or even off the canvas for dramatic spins.
Tip: The current angle of rotation is visible in the status bar at the bottom while spinning.
Moving Rotated Selections
- Once you have rotated a selection to the desired angle, you can move it by clicking inside the selection with the Move Selected Pixels tool selected.
- This will change the cursor to a hand icon that will let you move the rotated selection.
Other Transformations
Along with rotating and spinning selections, Paint.NET also allows:
- Panning (sliding) selections
- Zooming selections in and out
- Flipping selections horizontally or vertically
Undoing Transformations
Every transform action is recorded in the History panel on the right. You can undo and redo transformations from there.
Some tips for effective use of selection transformations:
- Work on a separate layer copy for non-destructive edits
- Use the grid for precision (View > Grid)
- Transform multiple layers together
- Rotate and scale text by converting it to a raster layer first
With these tools, you can rotate, spin, flip, pan or zoom selections and layers in Paint.NET easily. This allows creating interesting compositions and edits. Proper use of undo history ensures non-destructive work.
About the Author
I have over 5 years of experience in using Paint.NET for photo and image editing. I am passionate about learning and teaching photo manipulation techniques using this excellent free software. Some of my skills are:
- Photo retouching and restoration
- Creating photo collages and textures
- Drawing and illustrations
- Applying artistic filters and effects
In addition to image editing, I also work on graphic design projects involving logos, brochures, social media posts, advertisements etc. I have expertise in using other design software like GIMP, Inkscape and Scribus.
I run my own YouTube channel where I post weekly tutorials on using Paint.NET for photo and image editing. I also write beginner-friendly articles on my blog.
Hope this article helped you learn how to transform selections in Paint.NET! Let me know if you have any other questions.
