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Yes—Tux Paint is a genuinely free, standalone drawing program designed primarily for children about ages 3 to 12. It works offline, includes large child-friendly controls, brushes, stamps, templates, Magic effects, text tools, printing, and simple slideshow and animated-GIF features. The official program has no advertising, in-app purchases, networking, or user tracking, according to the project.
As of August 18, 2026, the official project lists Tux Paint 0.9.35 as the current release. Windows users should note that the current 64-bit build is 0.9.35-3, while iOS requires special caution: the available iOS app is an unofficial, older port and is not equivalent to the official desktop or Android versions.
What is Tux Paint?
Tux Paint is a child-oriented drawing application developed by the volunteer community associated with the Tux4Kids project. It is a real desktop and mobile program—not an online drawing platform or a free trial—and is distributed as free software under the GNU GPL version 2.
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The interface is intentionally simpler than professional graphics software. Children can choose a brush, select a color, draw on a large canvas, add stamps or special effects, and save their work without navigating layers, panels, accounts, or cloud services. Tux, the Linux penguin, provides sounds and visual feedback throughout the program.
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- Easy to use and Durable: The LCD writing tablet for kids is easy to use, just use the stylus to write, draw, scribble, doodle anything you want. Press the erase button to clear the screen in one second. Or press the lock key to save the screen contents. Our magic reusable drawing tablet is built in a button battery.
- Safe & Portable Toddler Travel Toys: Great for quiet, take-along entertainment. It’s an easy way to color on the go without lugging a bunch of stuff in the car or to a restaurant or church.
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The project describes Tux Paint as suitable for preschool through approximately K–6, or roughly ages 3–12. That is a design target rather than a strict age limit. A preschooler may still need help using a mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, or keyboard, while an older child may eventually want more advanced painting or editing tools.
Is Tux Paint really free?
The official Tux Paint program is free of charge and open source. It is not an ad-supported application disguised as free software, and the official project says the program contains no advertising, in-app purchases, networking, or user tracking. Schools and families can install it on multiple computers without buying a per-device license.
The optional Tux Paint Stamps collection is distributed separately and adds roughly 233 MB to the base installation on supported desktop systems. Third-party ports and repackaged downloads should not automatically be assumed to have the same licensing, privacy, or advertising properties as the official program.
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What can children do in Tux Paint?
Drawing and coloring tools
The core tools include paintbrushes, animated and directional brushes, multiple colors, lines, shapes, an eraser, a fill tool, text, labels, undo, redo, save, open, and print controls. Brush size, spacing, rotation, and other options appear as part of the main workflow, so children do not need to learn a conventional professional editor first.
Stamps
Stamps are pre-made images that children can place on the canvas. Depending on the stamp, it may be possible to resize, rotate, mirror, flip, or recolor it. Some stamps provide sounds or descriptive audio, making them useful for both free play and guided classroom activities.
The optional full stamp collection adds approximately 233 MB. Installing the base program first and adding the collection later is sensible on devices with limited storage.
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Starters let a child draw over or around an existing picture, such as a coloring-book outline. Templates provide a starting image or background. These features allow an adult to create structured activities—for example, finishing a scene, labeling parts of a picture, or illustrating a story—without taking away the child’s control.
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- EASY TO USE: Writing tablet doodle board creates lines as writing and drawing on paper, the different thickness based on how hard you push with stylus, nails, or any hard thing. Emptying the screen content in one second by press earse button, acheive time-saving and convenient using. Click lock key of doodle board to save the content.
- PORTABLE AND DURABLE: Drawing tablets for kids is made of durable plastic, plus round corner design, anti-fall and anti-shock, no need to worry kids drop it. The drawing tablet weights only 150 grams, easy to carry, place in school bags, handbags, travel bags.
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Magic effects
The Magic tools provide effects that behave differently from ordinary brushes. Tux Paint 0.9.35 added Hearts, Sparkles, and Stars, which create trails of shapes as a child clicks and drags. Other Magic tools can distort, decorate, or transform parts of a drawing.
The project also mentions glitch art as one possible use, although Tux Paint is primarily intended for accessible children’s drawing rather than experimental image editing.
Text and labels
Version 0.9.35 added clipboard text pasting into the Text and Label tools, automatic word wrapping for long text, and support for loading user-installed fonts from additional locations. These additions make Tux Paint useful for simple posters, greeting cards, captions, and illustrated classroom assignments.
Slideshows and animated GIFs
Tux Paint can turn several saved drawings into a simple frame sequence:
- Open the drawing browser.
- Select two or more saved drawings.
- Arrange them in playback order.
- Set the playback speed.
- Play the sequence as a slideshow or animation.
- Export it as an animated GIF.
This is useful for showing a story in stages or creating a basic animation. It is not a replacement for a full animation editor with a timeline, layers, sound editing, or keyframe controls.
Accessibility and input options
Project documentation identifies options including an on-screen keyboard for text entry, keyboard and joystick or gamepad pointer control, larger interface elements, monophonic sound, international character input, and multilingual support. Availability and behavior depend on the platform and configuration, so these should be tested on the specific installation rather than assumed to be enabled by default.
Supported devices and requirements
| Platform | Support and requirements | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 8, 10, and 11 | The current 64-bit Windows build is 0.9.35-3; 32-bit and ARM64-compatible options are listed separately. |
| macOS | macOS 10.10 Yosemite or later | macOS may display an unidentified-developer warning for downloads outside the App Store. |
| Android | Android 5 or later | The official Android app is available through Google Play and F-Droid. |
| Linux | Distribution packages, Flatpak, Snap, or source | Package versions can vary by distribution. |
| ChromeOS | Android-capable Chromebooks may run the Android app | There is no native ChromeOS version. |
| Haiku and OpenBSD | Supported packages may be available | Some packages may lag behind the current release. |
| iOS | Unofficial third-party port | Based on older Tux Paint 0.9.31; availability and behavior vary by territory and device. |
The official requirements page lists an approximately 22 MB base installation for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus about 233 MB for the full stamps collection. It also lists very low legacy CPU requirements, but current operating-system compatibility is more important than those historical processor figures.
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Not every platform necessarily receives the same release at the same time. The official download page notes that some BSD packages may remain on 0.9.34 while selected platforms provide 0.9.35. Check the package offered for your operating system instead of assuming that all editions are identical.
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- Stamps Stay Secure: Each stamp features a built-in magnet that securely attaches to the drawing board, helping prevent rolling, dropping, or getting lost. Stamps stay within easy reach, ready for creative play anytime
- Easy to Erase: The enlarged eraser glides smoothly across the screen, allowing kids to clear drawings with less effort and quickly return to doodling, shape stamping, or early writing practice with minimal assistance
- Safe for Kids: Made from high-quality BPA-free HIPS plastic, this drawing board features rounded edges and a curved pen tip for added safety. Thoughtfully designed details help support safer everyday play and give parents added peace of mind
- Ideal Gift for Preschoolers: This drawing board encourages toddlers to express creativity through doodling while practicing letters and numbers. More than just a toy, it supports early learning and makes a great gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions
How to download and install Tux Paint
Windows
- Open the official Windows download page.
- Choose the appropriate architecture: 64-bit x86_64, ARM64-compatible where appropriate, or 32-bit i686 for older systems.
- Download and run the
.exeinstaller. - Optionally install the separate stamps package.
- Launch Tux Paint from the Start menu or installation folder.
The current Windows page identifies the 64-bit 0.9.35-3 installer as dated February 11, 2026. A portable ZIP edition is also available for users who do not want a system-wide installation.
For managed Windows deployment, the installer supports:
/SILENT
/VERYSILENTThese options can help administrators install or remove Tux Paint without interactive dialogs. Schools still need to test permissions, user profiles, printer access, storage paths, and configuration policies.
macOS
- Download the macOS package from the official download page.
- Open or install it according to the package instructions.
- If macOS blocks it as coming from an unidentified developer, verify that the file came from the official Tux Paint site and follow Apple’s documented process for approving a trusted downloaded application.
Do not disable macOS security indiscriminately or approve an application from an unverified source.
Android
- Install the official Android version from Google Play or F-Droid.
- Confirm that the device runs Android 5 or later.
- On a Chromebook, verify that Android apps are supported.
If the app appears in a narrow phone-sized window on a Chromebook, change the window setting from Phone to Tablet where that option is available. The exact setting depends on the ChromeOS version and device.
Linux
Use your distribution’s normal package manager first. Distribution packages, Flatpak, and Snap are generally easier than compiling from source because they manage dependencies for you. Source compilation is mainly useful for advanced users or systems without a suitable package.
The official project provides packages and documentation for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, openSUSE, Slackware, and other systems. Start at the official download page.
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One of the most important details for parents and teachers is that Tux Paint’s internal saved-drawing workflow is separate from exporting a normal image file.
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- ABSOLUTELY SAFETY TOYS FOR KIDS -- The battery compartment is secured with a screw. Our kids are not easy access button battery. Safety for kids. There may be scratches on the screen when opening the package, which is caused by transportation, just press the erase button and the screen will be clear
- EDUCATIONAL LEARNING TOYS WHILE PLAYING: Offers enough space for graffiti and easy viewing, free child’s imagination, provide better preschool or homeschool learning experience!
- ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS KIDS: The case of drawing board for kids is made of durable plastic, add round corner design which has good shock resistance and drops resistance. The colorful etch a sketch weights only 150 grams and has only 1/ 3 inches thickness, suitable for airplane toys, car activities, travel games accessories.
- MESS FREE COLORING FOR KIDS: The doodle baord toys creates colorful lines of different thickness, based on how hard you push with stylus, nails, or any hard thing. Press erase button, emptying the screen content takes only one second. Also can use lock key to save the content. It is recommended to use under light, the line will be brighter.
Save an editable drawing
- Choose Save.
- If the drawing already exists, choose whether to overwrite it or save a new version.
- Use Open later to continue editing it in Tux Paint.
The keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+S.
Export a copy
- Open the Open screen.
- Select the saved drawing.
- Choose Export.
- Find the exported copy in the system’s Pictures folder, according to the quick-start guide.
Use Ctrl+O to open drawings and Ctrl+P to print. Press Esc to quit. Exact file locations and shortcut behavior can vary on mobile builds, so check the platform-specific documentation.
Export important work and back it up outside Tux Paint. Deleting a saved drawing through the Open screen may move it to the Trash or Recycle Bin on supported desktop systems, but that should not be treated as a complete backup strategy.
Parent and teacher controls
Tux Paint includes a separate configuration program and command-line or configuration-file options. The documentation covers changing behavior, controlling sound and interface settings, managing stamps and starters, and preparing installations for home or school use. Because paths and controls differ by operating system, use the project’s configuration documentation rather than assuming there is one universal menu path.
Practical classroom preparation may include:
- Turning down or disabling sound effects when a lab needs to remain quiet.
- Preinstalling stamps, starters, and templates for a specific lesson.
- Using the portable Windows edition where students lack administrator rights.
- Deploying the Windows installer silently across multiple computers.
- Choosing a known location for student work and exports.
- Testing printer permissions and file access before the class begins.
- Exporting and backing up finished work outside the application.
The GPL license permits broad installation and redistribution under its terms, but technical customization may still require an administrator or someone familiar with the operating system.
Is Tux Paint safe and private for children?
The official project’s 0.9.35 announcement says that Tux Paint does not use networking, advertising, in-app purchases, or user tracking. For families and schools, that means the official desktop program avoids accounts, online feeds, and ad-supported distractions.
That is a meaningful privacy advantage, but it is not a blanket security guarantee. The claim applies to the Tux Paint program described by the project—not automatically to every third-party download, fork, repackaged installer, or mobile port. The Google Play listing also contains a developer-provided data-safety declaration for the official Android app; app-store declarations can change over time.
Download from the official project or a reputable distribution repository, keep the operating system updated, and treat the unofficial iOS app separately.
Known issues and limitations
First launch may be slow
The first launch for a particular user may take a minute or more while the font system creates a cache. Tux Paint may remain interactive and show a waiting animation. Later launches should be faster.
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- Environmental and Economical: The built-in battery of the drawing pad has 6 months lifespan, provides 100,000 times writing and drawing on the writing tablet, can be replaced and for cycle use, without charging or plugging in power. Say goodbye to traditional painting on paper, avoid waste of paper and pencils, avoid children scribbling on the walls at home, no more mess at home!
- Easy to Use: The drawing tablet uses pressure-sensitive technology, and creates colorful lines of different thickness, based on how hard you push with stylus, nails, or any hard thing, just like writing and drawing on paper. Press erase button to clear the screen with one key, just a second, convenient and time-saving! Click the lock key to lock, which can effectively prevent accidental clearing, and you can erase the pattern after unlocking.
- Lightweight and Portable: The case of drawing board for kids is made of durable plastic, lightweight and easy to carry, easy to place in school bags, handbags, travel bags. Suitable for multiple occasions: living room, car, plane, restaurant, outdoor places. The writing tablet is waterproof and anti-fall, no need to worry about accidental dropping and liquid pouring on the screen.
- Best Toys Gifts for Kids: The LCD writing tablet can be used as a doodle board, doodle pad, kid’s drawing pad, writing board, toddler drawing board, drawing tablet, graphic aids, graphic tablet, magic children's board, light drawing board for kids and so on. It is a perfect gift choice for kids of all age groups for back to school, birthday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Children's day! It can be an educational toy for preschoolers. It can be a travel toy for long drives and road trips.
Windows 7 is not supported by current releases
Windows 7 support ended with Tux Paint 0.9.34. A machine that must remain on Windows 7 needs an older release such as 0.9.33, with the security and maintenance limitations that come from using old software.
Chromebook window sizing
The Android app may appear in a phone-sized window on a Chromebook. Change the preset from Phone to Tablet where available.
Android features may differ
The project’s known-issues documentation has noted that some newer Magic tools were missing from the Android version, with the issue under investigation as of May 4, 2025. Do not assume that every desktop feature is present in every mobile build.
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The project identifies the iOS port as unofficial and based on Tux Paint 0.9.31, dated July 20, 2023. Availability may vary by country. The project also warns that the iOS app is not free and contains in-app advertising. An Apple Pencil issue may cause the end of a stroke to connect to its beginning.
It is not a photo editor or professional art package
Tux Paint is optimized for immediate, playful drawing. It is not a replacement for Krita, a vector editor, a photo editor, or a collaborative whiteboard. It does not target users who need layers, non-destructive editing, advanced brush engines, sophisticated selections, cloud synchronization, or real-time collaboration.
Tux Paint compared with alternatives
| Choose | When it makes sense | What you give up or gain |
|---|---|---|
| Tux Paint | Young children, offline use, Linux, school labs, simple drawing | Free, open source, child-focused, but limited for advanced art |
| Krita | Older children, teens, and adults learning digital painting | Far more powerful, but much more complex and less preschool-friendly |
| Families wanting a paid, highly playful children’s art experience | Commercial and platform-dependent rather than GPL software | |
| Canva | Posters, invitations, presentations, templates, and collaboration | Cloud- and account-oriented rather than offline and standalone |
| Adobe Fresco | Older users with supported tablets and styluses | More sophisticated touch painting, but less suitable for very young users or Linux |
Basic system paint applications may be easier to find, but they generally lack Tux Paint’s stamps, starters, Magic tools, child-oriented interface, classroom configuration, and playful feedback.
Who should choose Tux Paint?
Choose Tux Paint if your priority is a no-cost, offline, open-source drawing environment for young children; a simple program for a Linux computer; a low-distraction family art tool; or software that can be installed across a school lab without per-seat licensing.
Look elsewhere if the child needs layers, professional painting tools, photo manipulation, vector design, cloud backup, real-time collaboration, advanced stylus support, or an official polished iPad experience.
Optional accessories such as a basic USB mouse, protective keyboard cover, printer, USB drive, or drawing tablet may help in a particular home or classroom, but none is required. Tux Paint is designed to work with ordinary mouse, keyboard, and touch input.
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