Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add curved text?

See Curved Text for detailed instructions.

Does this app support layers? How do I create them?

Yes, Paint S supports layers, which are referred to as Objects. Whenever you draw a shape, add text, or paste an image, a new object (layer) is created automatically. You do not need to create layers manually.

How do I open a specific page of a PDF file?

Paint S opens the first page of a PDF and converts it to an image. To edit a different page, open the PDF in macOS Preview, select the desired page, and choose Edit > Copy. Then, switch to Paint S and choose File > New from Clipboard.

How do I export a vector SVG?

Choose SVG in the save panel's format menu. Lines, shapes, and text stay as editable vectors for design apps like Figma, Illustrator, and Inkscape. See Export as SVG.

How do I export a vector PDF?

Choose PDF in the save panel's format menu, then select Vector. Lines, shapes, and gradients are written as real PDF drawing commands, so they stay sharp at any zoom or print size, and plain text is written as real PDF text that you can select and search. See Export as PDF.

How do I add and use a custom gradient?

See Choose a Gradient.

How do I fill or stroke an object with a pattern?

See Pattern.

The Free version includes basic drawing and editing tools but has limitations:

  • Watermark: Images larger than 500 pixels in either dimension are saved with a watermark. At 800 pixels or more, a centered image watermark is added, and at 1000 pixels or more it also remains visible on the canvas while you edit. Documents saved in the native Paint Document format are never watermarked.
  • SVG export: Exporting SVG files requires the full-featured version (SVG can't carry a watermark, so it's gated separately from image size). In the free version, SVG stays listed in the format menu, but selecting it opens an upgrade prompt and the export is canceled.
  • PDF export: Exporting PDF files requires the full-featured version, for the same reason. In the free version, PDF stays listed in the format menu, but selecting it opens an upgrade prompt and the export is canceled.
  • Maximum image size: The Free version can open and edit images up to 2000 × 2000 pixels. When you open an image that exceeds the limit, the app offers to resize it. If you previously purchased the full-featured version, this limit is raised to 2500 pixels.
  • Copying large images: You can only copy images larger than 1000 pixels and paste them into other apps with the full-featured version.
  • Advanced features require the full-featured version, including curved text, reflections, filters and effects, color adjustment, straighten, background removal, exporting selected objects as an image, and autosave.

Upgrading removes the watermark and unlocks these limits and features.

The upgrade is an in-app purchase. Once purchased, your existing app automatically unlocks all full-featured capabilities. A separate app is not downloaded.

Why are some menu commands greyed out?

Many commands (like filters or transformations) require an active selection. Select an object or an area of the canvas first, and the relevant commands will become available.

How do I restore my purchase?

If the full-featured features are missing after a reinstall or on a new Mac, first choose Restore Purchase from the app menu.

If the issue persists, delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store. Your purchase should restore automatically.

If the issue still remains, choose Help > Feedback issues to generate a report and email it to support@trybestapps.com.

Tips

Ensure you are signed in to the App Store with the same Apple ID used for the original purchase.

How do I change the app language?

You can change the language for specific apps in your macOS System Settings. See Apple Support.

Tips

If the app is open, you may need to quit and reopen it to see the change.

How do I change the number of recent files shown?

Adjust this in your macOS System Settings. See Apple Support.

How do I keep the Color Picker open?

See Keep the Color Picker Open.

How do I apply effects to a specific part of an image?

  1. Use a Selection Tool to highlight the desired area.
  2. Choose Object > Apply Effect from the menu bar, or right-click the selection and choose Apply Effect.

Info

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at:
support@trybestapps.com