Pinta 2.x vs Pinta 3.x: What Changed and How to Go Back to the Classic GTK3 Version

If you’ve been using Linux graphics tools for a while, you’ve probably rotated between Gimp, Inkscape, DarkTable, RawTherapee—and at some point, landed on Pinta as that lightweight, no-nonsense drawing and editing tool. For many users, Pinta has always been the closest thing to Paint.NET on Linux: simple, fast, and predictable.

But with the arrival of Pinta 3.x, things have changed—and not everyone is happy about it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

The main differences between Pinta 2.x and 3.x
Why some users prefer the older GTK3-based version
How to completely remove Pinta 3.x (Snap)
How to install the classic Pinta 2.x using the correct Snap channel

Why Pinta Still Matters in 2026

Pinta fills a very specific role in the Linux ecosystem. It’s not trying to replace professional tools—it’s about speed, simplicity, and getting things done quickly.

Some reasons it’s still widely used:

Extremely lightweight
Fast startup time
Clean and familiar interface
Enough features for everyday edits

That’s exactly why changes in newer versions stand out so much.

Pinta 2.x Main Features (GTK3 Classic)

Pinta 2.x is the version most users got used to—and in many cases, still prefer.

What Defines It

This version is built on GTK3 and keeps the classic Pinta experience intact. The UI is simple, efficient, and doesn’t get in your way.

Key Features

Familiar toolbar and layout
Basic drawing tools (brush, pencil, shapes)
Layer support that’s easy to understand
Image adjustments like brightness and contrast
Built-in effects such as blur and sharpen
Fast performance even on low-end systems

Why It Still Feels Better

Pinta 2.x is predictable. You open it, edit your image, and close it—no friction, no surprises. It’s especially good for quick edits, screenshots, and annotations.

Pinta 3.x Main Features (Modern GTK4 Version)

Pinta 3.x introduces a more modern foundation, moving away from GTK3 to newer technologies.

What Changed

The biggest shift is the move to GTK4, which brings a refreshed UI and better support for modern Linux environments.

Improvements

Improved HiDPI scaling
More modern interface design
Better compatibility with newer desktop environments
Updated libraries and backend components

Trade-offs

Even though it’s technically better, many users notice:

A different (sometimes unfamiliar) layout
Slightly heavier performance
Small workflow changes that slow things down
Snap behavior that may feel less predictable

It’s a forward-looking release—but not everyone enjoys the transition.

Real-World Difference Between 2.x and 3.x

In daily use, the difference is less about features and more about experience.

Pinta 2.x feels instant and natural. It’s ideal when you just want to edit something quickly without thinking.

Pinta 3.x feels more polished visually, especially on modern displays, but may interrupt your привыч workflow if you’re used to the old interface.

Why You Might Want to Downgrade

You should consider going back to Pinta 2.x if:

You prefer the classic GTK3 interface
You want maximum speed and responsiveness
You use older hardware
You rely on a familiar workflow

Personally, I still use 2.x for quick edits—it simply gets out of the way.

How to Remove Pinta 3.x (Snap)

If you installed the latest version via Snap, removing it is straightforward:

sudo snap remove pinta

How to Install Pinta 2.x (GTK3 via Snap)

This is the important part: Pinta 2.x is still available via a dedicated Snap channel.

Install the GTK3 Version

sudo snap install pinta --channel=gtk3/stable

This installs the classic Pinta 2.x experience.

Default Installation (Pinta 3.x)

If you simply run:

sudo snap install pinta

You’ll get the latest version, which is Pinta 3.x (GTK4-based).

Optional: Prevent Automatic Updates

If you want to stay on Pinta 2.x and avoid being upgraded automatically:

sudo snap refresh --hold pinta

My Take: Which Version Should You Use?

After using both versions, the choice comes down to your workflow.

If you want modern UI and better scaling on high-resolution displays, Pinta 3.x makes sense.

If you value speed, simplicity, and muscle memory, Pinta 2.x (GTK3) is still the better choice.

Final Thoughts

Pinta continues to be one of the most practical image editors on Linux. It’s not overloaded with features—it focuses on doing simple things well.

While Pinta 3.x moves the project forward technically, Pinta 2.x remains the version many users actually enjoy using.

And thanks to Snap channels, you don’t have to choose—you can run exactly the version that fits your workflow.