About IOPaint
IOPaint is a free and open-source tool that takes the hassle out of image editing by allowing users to easily perform inpainting and outpainting. I decided to give this tool a spin to see if it lives up to its promises of precision and ease of use. The experience was surprisingly pleasant, and I found that it does a solid job at removing unwanted elements from images. Using stable diffusion techniques, I could effortlessly erase distractions from my photos, be it an unwanted trash can or a random person photobombing a picturesque landscape. The tool's interface is quite straightforward, which is a breath of fresh air for someone like me who often finds complex editing software overwhelming.
One standout feature I appreciated was the ability to replace content while maintaining the original image's aesthetic. I tested this by erasing an ugly power line running through a beautiful sunset shot, and I was genuinely impressed with how naturally the tool filled in the gaps. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While the tool performs admirably with simpler edits, I found that more complicated tasks can sometimes lead to odd artefacts or a less-than-perfect match with the surrounding pixels. It's a bit hit or miss, and if you're looking for pixel-perfect precision, you might need to resort to traditional editing software for the final touches.
When it comes to pricing, you can’t beat free. IOPaint doesn’t have any paid tiers, which is fantastic for anyone on a budget, but it also means that ongoing support and updates might not be as consistent as with paid options. I can see this being a fantastic resource for hobbyists, amateur photographers, or even professional designers looking for a handy tool to quickly whip up edits without shelling out for expensive software. However, professionals with high standards might find the limitations a bit frustrating.
In my experience, IOPaint is perfect for those who need a quick fix for their images without diving deep into the intricacies of photo editing. If you're someone who needs extensive control and perfect precision, you might want to consider other options. But for anyone looking to do basic edits quickly and without a steep learning curve, IOPaint is a worthy candidate to keep in your toolkit.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
I recently dived into the world of IOPaint, a free and open-source tool for image editing that focuses on inpainting and outpainting. As a technology journalist, I have seen my fair share of photo editing software, and I was curious to see how this one would stack up. What caught my attention straight away was the ease of use; I thought I would need a degree in graphic design to navigate it, but I was pleasantly surprised. The interface is user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners and handy for more experienced users who want to make quick edits.
I decided to test IOPaint by working on a few of my photos. One of my favourite shots included a beautiful sunset, but there was an ugly power line cutting across the horizon. With IOPaint’s inpainting feature, I was able to select the power line and let the tool work its magic. The result was impressive—the area was filled in seamlessly, and it didn’t look like a patchwork quilt. I could easily see how this tool would be invaluable for amateur photographers looking to improve their holiday snaps without getting bogged down in complicated software.
However, it wasn't all perfect. I found that when I pushed the limits with more complex images, the results could be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes, the fills weren’t as tidy as I would have liked, leading to some strange artefacts appearing. For anyone who’s a perfectionist, this could be a source of frustration. Additionally, while the lack of cost is a huge advantage, it does come with the trade-off of limited support. If you run into issues, you're pretty much on your own.
In terms of competition, IOPaint holds its own against tools like GIMP and Adobe Photoshop, particularly for users looking for something that doesn’t require a subscription. However, for professionals who need more advanced features and support, those premium tools might be worth the investment.
Overall, IOPaint is perfect for anyone who needs a straightforward solution for quick edits and doesn’t want to spend a fortune. It’s particularly well-suited for casual photographers, hobbyists, and anyone looking to dabble in digital art without the commitment. If you’re aiming for perfection and need extensive features, you might want to explore other options, but for quick fixes and a bit of fun, IOPaint is a tool worth trying.
Getting started with IOPaint
With IOPaint, you can easily remove unwanted elements from your images and enhance your photos using AI inpainting and outpainting techniques. This guide will help you get up and running in just a few minutes.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first inpainting task
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
Most beginners overlook the "Preview" feature before finalising their edits. Use it to see how your changes will look without committing, allowing you to make adjustments if needed.
Common mistake to avoid
Avoid selecting too large an area for inpainting, as this can lead to unnatural results. Start small and gradually increase your selection for better precision.
The Verdict
IOPaint is a solid pick for casual users and hobbyists looking for a free, no-fuss image editing tool. If you need quick edits without deep functionality, it’s perfect for you. However, professionals requiring precision and extensive features might want to look elsewhere.
Best For
- Amateur photographers wanting to enhance their photos without extensive editing knowledge.
- Graphic designers seeking a quick way to remove distractions from mock-ups.
- Social media managers needing to polish images for online posts.
- Hobbyists who want to experiment with digital art and photo manipulation.
- Users on a budget who need a reliable tool without the cost of premium software.
At a Glance
IOPaint is a free, open-source tool that simplifies inpainting and outpainting, allowing users to effortlessly remove unwanted elements from images while maintaining their integrity. Ideal for amateurs and hobbyists, it provides a user-friendly interface and surprisingly effective results, though it may struggle with more complex edits.
Strengths
- +The fact that IOPaint is completely free is a massive win, making it accessible to anyone from students to seasoned professionals without the fear of monthly subscriptions.
- +The user interface is refreshingly simple, allowing even those with minimal experience in photo editing to jump right in and start making edits without a steep learning curve.
- +IOPaint's inpainting and outpainting capabilities are quite impressive, as I found it easy to remove unwanted objects while keeping the surrounding area looking natural and untouched.
- +The use of stable diffusion techniques ensures that the content replacement feels cohesive, which is a big plus when it comes to preserving the overall aesthetic of the image.
- +The open-source nature of IOPaint means that it has a community behind it, which can lead to continuous improvements and new features being added over time.
Limitations
- -While IOPaint performs well for simple edits, it can struggle with more complex images, sometimes resulting in artefacts or mismatched textures that require further manual correction.
- -The lack of ongoing support or dedicated customer service can be a downside, as users might find themselves facing issues without a clear path to resolution.
- -Being a web-based tool means that you need a stable internet connection to use it, which might be a limitation for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.
- -The tool may not have the extensive features of premium editing software, which could leave serious professionals wanting more in terms of functionality and control over their edits.
Use Cases
- -Amateur photographers who want to clean up their holiday snaps by removing stray tourists or distractions from their photos.
- -Graphic designers looking for a quick way to edit out elements in mock-ups without spending too much time on manual edits.
- -Social media managers needing to polish images for posts by removing logos or watermarks quickly.
- -Hobbyists creating digital art who want to experiment with removing parts of an image to see how it affects the overall composition.
- -Anyone wanting to restore old family photos by removing damage or unwanted elements without diving into complex software.
