Tux Paint - Free Drawing Fun for Kids
A Delightful Image Editor: Introducing Tux Paint
Are you searching for a captivating image program for your children, or perhaps to reconnect with your own creativity? Tux Paint proves to be an excellent addition to any family’s computer, functioning seamlessly across Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.
Installation and Initial Setup
The installation process is remarkably swift and uncomplicated, guiding you through nine distinct installation windows. Upon completion, it’s advisable to launch Tux Paint Config. This ensures optimal settings before you begin using Tux Paint.
When Tux Paint Config opens, you’ll initially encounter the “About Tab”. At the bottom, you'll find options for applying changes to the “Current User” or “All Users”, resetting the configuration, selecting default settings, and exiting the Config tool.
Configuring Video and Sound
Within the “Video/Sound Tab”, select the screen display size that best fits your needs. Keep in mind that the Tux Paint window cannot be resized while the program is running. You can also rotate screen dimensions, enable or disable a screensaver, control sound effects, and choose an alternate color palette.
Mouse and Keyboard Customization
The “Mouse/Keyboard Tab” allows you to personalize your experience. Decide whether to utilize “Fancy Cursor Shapes”, hide the cursor, activate or deactivate keyboard shortcuts, and customize mouse behavior within Tux Paint.
Simplification Options
In the “Simplification Tab”, you can configure settings related to Tux Paint Stamps, text casing, Magic Controls, and the option to disable the “Quit Button” and “Escape Key” for a more focused experience.
Language and Font Settings
The “Language Tab” enables you to choose your preferred display language, manage Stamp Mirroring, and specify how Tux Paint interacts with your system’s fonts.
Printing Preferences
The “Printing Tab” area provides options to modify printing settings within Tux Paint, tailoring them to your specific requirements.
Saving and Auto-Save Features
The “Saving Tab” offers valuable choices for managing image saves, preventing accidental overwrites. You can also configure Tux Paint to start with a blank canvas, use a custom save directory, disable the “Quit Button”, and enable automatic picture saving upon program exit – a particularly useful feature!
Data Directory Options
The “Data Tab” allows you to disable the “Lockfile” to run multiple instances of Tux Paint and specify an alternate data directory.
Having completed the configuration within Tux Paint Config, you can now exit the tool (it doesn’t automatically restart). Before launching Tux Paint, consider installing the Stamps to unlock additional functionality.
Installing the Stamps
The Stamp installation process mirrors the main program’s, consisting of nine installation windows. The Stamps will be installed within the Tux Paint folder in Program Files. Note that Stamps can be added at any time, but installing them beforehand streamlines the initial setup.
You’ll have the opportunity to select the specific stamps you wish to install for Tux Paint.
Shortcuts for the Stamps will also be added to your Start Menu’s Tux Paint folder, ensuring easy access and organization.
Tux Paint in Use
Once the Stamps are installed (if desired), the Main Window will appear, offering intuitive access to all features and a world of creative possibilities. Remember that the window size cannot be altered while Tux Paint is running; adjustments require accessing Tux Paint Config.
Here’s an example of an image enhanced using Tux Paint – a testament to the program’s fun and engaging capabilities!
Conclusion
Tux Paint is a fantastic program for children (and adults!) to enjoy countless hours of creative expression. It’s a highly recommended addition to any family computer.
Links
Download Tux Paint & Tux Paint Stamps
System Requirements
- Works On: Windows 95 - Vista, Linux, and Mac OS X +
- Installed On: Windows Vista (32 bit), Service Pack 2