Fade Edge

Fade Edge is a plugin specially designed for Paint.net, which gives you the possibility to apply an effect to images or selected objects to make their edges look like they're fading.
It features two customization settings that can be easily configured not only by skilled Paint.net users, but also by those planning to learn it.

How to set up and access

In order to get this tool up and running, it's necessary to copy the downloaded DLL file to the "Effects" folder in Paint.net's installed directory, relaunch the application is it was already running prior to this step, as well as start Fade Edge from the "Photo" submenu in the "Effects" menu. It's marked with a small icon that looks like the piece of a puzzle, which indicates all external extensions in this graphic editing utility.

Apply and personalize fade effects

After loading the photograph in the main window, you can bring up the small panel of the plugin to apply the edge filter while adjusting its width and power. This can be done by moving two sliders, entering the numerical value, or by clicking on two buttons to increase or decrease this number. Any setting can be reverted to default with the click of a button.
The photo effects can be previewed during the adjustment. This way, you're not forced to commit changes just to be able to check results and eventually undo the actions or remove the last created layer if you're not pleased with the outcome.

Evaluation and conclusion

We haven't experienced any compatibility issues with the most recent edition of Paint.net in our evaluation. Although Fade Edge hasn't been updated for a long time, it integrated successfully and didn't cause any stability problems. Photos with filters were quickly rendered during previews.