How to open a .pdn file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .pdn file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands Paint.NET. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .pdn file is a Paint.NET Image File. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads Paint.NET yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .pdn file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .pdn. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with Paint.NET or GIMP (with plugin).
On Mac, use No native option; convert to PNG/PSD first.
On Linux, try GIMP (with plugin) or pypdn (Python).
Still stuck? Convert the .pdn to png, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .pdn files

Windows

Paint.NET
GIMP (with plugin)

macOS

No native option; convert to PNG/PSD first

Linux

GIMP (with plugin)
pypdn (Python)

Before you open it: Safe. A .pdn file is layered image data; it does not execute.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .pdn file?

Almost always because no installed app understands Paint.NET. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .pdn file without Paint.NET?

Options are thin: a GIMP import plugin or the pypdn Python library. The reliable path is asking for a PNG or PSD export, or installing the free Paint.NET on Windows.

How do I convert .pdn to PNG or JPG?

Open the file in Paint.NET and use Save As with PNG (keeps transparency) or JPEG. Layers flatten automatically in those formats.