TL;DR
Tux Paint is a free, open-source drawing program designed for children roughly ages 3–12, offering a simple interface, sound effects, and a mascot that guides users. It runs on a wide range of platforms and, as of Nov. 20, 2025, an unofficial older version is available for Apple iOS devices.
What happened
Tux Paint, a drawing program aimed at young children, remains available across multiple operating systems and is distributed at no cost. The application emphasizes simplicity: children start with a blank canvas and a set of intuitive tools, accompanied by sound effects and a cartoon mascot that offers guidance. The project is developed by volunteers and released under the GNU General Public License, and the site highlights that it contains no advertisements. Current platform support includes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (and Android-capable ChromeOS devices), Haiku, and other systems; the project page also lists an unofficial, slightly older build for Apple iOS devices as of November 20, 2025. The site notes that because Tux Paint is free and unrestricted, schools can deploy it without waiting on procurement or budget approvals. The program attracts not only children but some adults using it for nostalgia and for creating special-effect or "glitch" art.
Why it matters
- Provides a zero-cost creative tool schools can deploy immediately, without procurement delays.
- Targets early computer literacy with an interface designed for very young users (preschool to elementary).
- Open-source licensing (GNU GPL) allows reuse, inspection, and volunteer contribution to development.
- Multi-platform availability increases access across diverse hardware and classroom environments.
Key facts
- Intended primary audience: children approximately ages 3–12 (preschool through K–6).
- Designed with an easy-to-use interface, sound effects, and a guiding cartoon mascot.
- Free to download and free of advertisements.
- Distributed under the GNU General Public License and developed by volunteers worldwide.
- Runs on Windows (8 and later listed on the site), Android (5.0 Lollipop and later), macOS (site lists 10.9 and also references 10.10 in different places), Linux, Haiku, and other platforms.
- Available for Chromebooks that support Android apps.
- An unofficial, slightly older iOS build was made available on Nov. 20, 2025 (see project iOS download page).
- Adults sometimes use the app for nostalgia or to experiment with special-effect and "glitch" art.
What to watch next
- Potential release of an official, fully up-to-date iOS version: not confirmed in the source
- Future compatibility updates for the latest macOS and Windows releases: not confirmed in the source
- New feature additions or official packaging for additional platforms (e.g., expanded Chromebook support): not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Open source: Software whose source code is made available for inspection, modification, and distribution by anyone under specified licensing terms.
- GNU General Public License (GPL): A widely used free software license that allows users to run, study, share, and modify the software, requiring derivative works to use the same license.
- Mascot: A character used in a user interface to provide guidance, encouragement, or a friendly presence for users, often aimed at children.
- Android: A mobile operating system developed by Google, used on a wide range of phones, tablets, and some Chromebooks.
- Chromebook: A laptop or tablet that runs ChromeOS, often capable of running Android apps on supported models.
Reader FAQ
Is Tux Paint free to use?
Yes. The program is free of charge and free of advertisements.
What ages is Tux Paint meant for?
The project targets children roughly ages 3 to 12, for preschool and K–6 use.
Is there an iOS version?
An unofficial, slightly older iOS build was made available on Nov. 20, 2025 according to the project page.
Can schools use Tux Paint without procurement or budget approvals?
The site states schools can use it immediately because it is free and not restricted.
Who develops Tux Paint?
It is developed by volunteers around the world and released under the GNU GPL.
Breakfast By Arantxa View more from the gallery or other screenshots. Tux Paint is a free, award-winning drawing program for children ages 3 to 12 (for example, preschool and K-6)….
Sources
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