WP Plugin Wp Paint
Test report

WP Paint - WordPress Image Editor

Wp Paint, a plugin by ZetaMatic, was released on 2019-08-02 and has since enjoyed over 6 000+ active installations. The plugin serves as a browser-based HTML5 image editor for WordPress media images and offers an intuitive user interface similar to many desktop photo editors. This makes it easy for users to edit images directly within WordPress without having to resort to external platforms. One of Wp Paint's unique features is the ability in the Pro version to allow non-admin users to edit images if they have the necessary permissions. The plugin's target audience includes both occasional and advanced users looking for an efficient image editing solution within WordPress. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 81 reviews in the official WordPress Plugin Directory, the plugin enjoys a good reputation. The next section will take a closer look at the specific features of Wp Paint.

"This plugin is great, it makes image editing in WordPress child’s play."

Features - Scope of functionality

The WordPress plugin WP Paint offers a wealth of features that enable users to edit images directly within the WordPress dashboard. In addition to the intuitive user interface reminiscent of desktop photo editors, WP Paint excels in allowing images to be enhanced with various effects. Particularly noteworthy is the support for working with layers, which enables detailed editing and adjustment of image compositions. This sets WP Paint apart from simple image editing plugins and gives advanced users more control and creative freedom.

"This plugin makes it very easy to edit images directly in the WordPress dashboard."

Free-Features - Free available features

• Image editor with intuitive desktop-like user interface - Provides a user-friendly environment for image editing.
• Ability to manage layers - Allows working with different image layers.
• Flip, rotate or scale images - Flexibility in adjusting images.
• Add custom text to images - Enables adding text for personalized designs.
• Crop images - Function to remove unwanted parts of images.
• Apply blur effects to images - Enables creative effects through blurring.
• Convert images to grayscale - Provides the option to make images monochromatic.
• Change image hue - Adjust the color tones in images.
• Adjust image brightness and contrast - Improve image quality by adjusting lighting.
• Add shapes over images - Allows adding graphic elements.

Pro-Features - Advanced functions of the Pro version

• Stickers - Add cool stickers to images to make them more interesting and attractive.
• Watermarks - Add watermarks to images to protect them from copying.
• Clone tool - Copy pixel areas from one place to another within an image.
• Revisions - Easy access to older image revisions and the ability to revert to any revision.
• Search and insert images - Link to a Pixabay account to search for and add images.
• Access for non-admin users - Allows non-administrators access to the WP Paint Pro Editor.

"The Pro version offers many useful features that make editing even easier."

License & Value - Evaluation of costs and functionalities

WP Paint is free to use in its basic version, making it accessible to a wide user base. For users who need additional features, the Pro version offers a range of advanced tools available for a fee. The Pro version's value for money is generally rated positively by users, with the extended editing features and access to Pixabay highlighted as particularly beneficial. However, some users point out the limitations of the free version, which makes weighing the purchase of the Pro version necessary.

"The Pro version is, however, far superior to the free version."

Technical Details - Insights into the system architecture

WP Paint is developed as a browser-based HTML5 image editor, which means image editing takes place directly in the WordPress dashboard without the need for additional server processes or dependencies on external applications. The editor uses common HTML5 and JavaScript technologies to ensure a seamless and responsive user experience. Special care was taken with the user interface to make the image editing functions as accessible as possible. WP Paint does not store edited images in the file system; instead, changes are made in a temporary storage environment before the final files are integrated into the WordPress media library. Developers may be particularly interested in how WP Paint handles access and permission management, especially the implementation of permissions for non-admin users in the Pro version. The use of revision controls that allow reverting to previous image states could also be of interest to technically inclined users.

System Requirements - Compatibility check

WP Paint requires at least PHP version 7.4 or higher and a WordPress installation of version 4.5 or higher. The plugin has been tested up to WordPress version 5.8.12, demonstrating broad compatibility with current WordPress versions. The current plugin version number is 0.5.3, with the last update occurring in 2022-01. For smooth operation, it is recommended to regularly check system requirements and keep the WordPress installation up to date.

"The basic version covers the fundamental requirements well, but the current development pace leaves much to be desired."

Quality - Good design, but limitations on Retina devices

The quality of the WP Paint plugin is evident in its usability and the extensive features it offers. Users praise the intuitive interface, reminiscent of familiar desktop editors, and the ability to easily edit images within WordPress. However, there are reports from users dissatisfied with image quality on Retina devices. Images are sometimes reduced to a lower resolution than desired, which can impair visual presentation. Saving large files can also negatively impact performance, especially when editing speed is affected.

"Useless plugin - images are reduced to less than 800 pixels in height, resulting in very poor image quality for Retina devices."

Support - Experiences and accessibility

Support for the WordPress plugin WP Paint receives mixed reviews. Some users report quick and helpful responses from support, indicating generally good accessibility. These positive experiences suggest that the developer is actively interested in improving the plugin and assists users in solving their problems. One user highlights: "Support was quick to respond and helped me resolve the issue that was related to browser settings."

However, there are also reports indicating that support for the Pro version has been discontinued, which causes frustration for some users. This could mean that support may be less reliable in the future and particularly affect long-term users.

Multiple contact options are available for support. Users can contact via the official WordPress Plugin Directory or reach out directly to the developer.

"Sadly I have to change my review. I’m sorry to see the developer discontinued support."

Rating - User opinions and reviews

The WordPress plugin WP Paint has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 81 reviews in the official Plugin Directory. This indicates predominantly positive user feedback. Most reviews highlight the ease of use and the useful image editing features.

Some users are enthusiastic about the ability to edit images directly in the WordPress dashboard. But as with many plugins, there are also critical voices. Some users complain about compatibility with newer WordPress versions or express dissatisfaction with image quality on Retina displays.

"A really great plugin that's easy to use and offers excellent features."

"Unfortunately doesn't work with the latest WP version, shame."

"Very useful and greatly eases image editing."

Criticism - Issues and suggestions for improvement

WP Paint faces not only positive feedback in the WordPress community but also several criticisms. A frequently mentioned problem is poor image quality, especially on high-resolution Retina devices. Users report that images are sometimes disproportionately reduced and lose quality as a result.

There are also complaints about misleading representation of the free version's capabilities. The description lacks clear information on limitations, which leads to disappointment when users encounter restricted features. Another issue lies in the user interface, which some describe as cumbersome, making adding simple image elements more difficult than necessary.

Technical support for the plugin also appears to need improvement. Cases have been documented where the developer discontinued support, posing challenges for long-term users, especially when new WordPress versions are released.

"Useless plugin, images are reduced to less than 800 pixels in height, resulting in very poor image quality for Retina devices."

Despite the criticisms mentioned, WP Paint offers some unique features that allow non-admin users to access and edit images within WordPress. Addressing the challenges with image scaling, the user interface, and support could make the plugin more attractive to a broader user base.

Conclusion - Final thoughts on WP Paint

WP Paint, developed by ZetaMatic, offers a convenient solution for image editing directly within the WordPress dashboard. It provides many features in both the free and Pro versions that are comparable to desktop photo editors. While the plugin is praised for its intuitive interface and wide range of editing options, there are limitations, particularly regarding image quality on Retina devices and the restrictions of the free version. Criticism of technical support indicates that ZetaMatic could improve support to better meet users' needs. Overall, WP Paint is a valuable resource for WordPress users seeking a simple, integrated way to edit images, though the Pro version may be worthwhile for users who need advanced features.