Hexagonal Grid

Hexagonal Grid is an easy-to-use application specifically designed for Paint.net, which enables users to create and configure hexagonal grids. It features seemingly simple options that can actually lead to the development of complex graphical projects.

Easy integration with Paint.net

In order to get this extension up and running, you can copy the downloaded DLL file to the "Effects" folder of the image editor's installed location. This also works if you have a portable copy of Paint.net at hand.
The application must be relaunched if it was already running prior to this step. The new add-on should become accessible from the "Effects" menu, accompanied by a small icon resembling the piece of a puzzle, which marks all external extensions.

Configure hexagonal grid settings

Once you've loaded a picture into the main window, you can bring up the extension's configuration panel to apply the hexagonal grid and tinker with settings related to the size , brush and anti-aliased mode, along with the draw mode (left, up, center, right, down).
The size can be set by moving a slider, entering a numerical value, or clicking on two arrow buttons to increase or decrease this value. Meanwhile, the brush width can be selected from a drop-down list.
Worth mentioning is that image modifications can be viewed in real time. Therefore, it's not necessary to commit changes just to be able to view results and undo your action or remove the last created layout if you're not satisfied with the outcome.

Evaluation and conclusion

We haven't experienced any compatibility issues with the latest edition of Paint.net in our tests, as the plugin smoothly integrated with the application. It didn't cause it to hang, crash or indicate errors.
To sum it up, Hexagonal Grid provides Paint.net users with a straightforward method and endless possibilities to design hexagonal grids.