FAQ

What does "NPS" stand for?

"NPS" stands for "Nookkin's Paint Shop", which was the original name of the program. It was later renamed to "NPS" for brevity. The official name of the program is "NPS Image Editor", though it's normal to refer to it as "NPS" as long as there is no ambiguity with other entities such as the National Park Service to which NPS Image Editor has no relation.

What are the system requirements of NPS Image Editor?

NPS Image Editor requires a Windows PC running Windows XP or greater ¹ – Windows Vista and above is preferred, including Windows 8. The Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or 3.5 is required in order for NPS to run (it is included by default on Windows Vista and higher). If the PC can comfortably run the operating system, NPS should comfortably run as well. NPS fully supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems and will take advantage of the benefits of a 64-bit system if running on one.

Will there be a Mac or Linux version?

I have been planning to include Mac and Linux as supported platforms via the Mono framework, but I eventually decided against it due to complexity – it has been hard enough to finish NPS for Windows as it is. Additionally, the results of using Mono were less than satisfactory on those platforms. Perhaps someday in the future NPS will run on Mac and Linux, but for now, don't hold your breath. ²

What are "Standalone" releases?

A "standalone" release is identical to the normal NPS release but is configured to run from a single folder without installation. This allows you to run NPS Image Editor from a flash drive, or from your desktop if you do not have administrator privileges. "Uninstallation" is as simple as deleting the folder. Due to their inherently more complex configuration, standalone releases are not recommended for novice users.

Why are you offering NPS for free? Will this always be the case?

I believe that some of the best things in life are free – software included. That being said, my main goal with NPS is to provide a high-quality piece of software for as many users as possible, and making it free makes achieving that goal easier. Another advantage of keeping the software free is simplicity: I don't need to worry about piracy, license enforcement, or extra installer complexity.

I plan to keep NPS Image Editor a free piece of software throughout its lifetime. At most, I may offer paid support or enhancements at some nebulous point in the future, but the main application will always remain free.

Is NPS ad-supported?

No – ads detract from the value and elegance of an application. As previously stated, my goal is to produce high-quality free software, not make money.

I feel bad not paying – can I donate?

Yes, and your donation will certainly be appreciated! Working on NPS costs me time (and in some cases money), so donations will help offset these costs. You can go here to make a secure donation via PayPal. Keep in mind that donations are 100% voluntary and are not necessary in order to use the program.

How can I help you with NPS?

Recommend the software to others. Get the name "NPS" out there. (Just don't spam others, please.)
Write a review of NPS on your blog or in a video. Be sure to send me a link when you're done!
Test the software and file meaningful bug reports.
Provide constructive criticism and suggest features you would like to see. That's how future versions of NPS are made better.
Create extensions! NPS 3 allows you to create filters, file handlers, import/export handlers, add-ins, color palettes, color schemes, and more to expand its functionality. I provide free code templates with all of the hard work done, which you can customize to your needs and even submit to me for inclusion with future versions of NPS. (NPS 2 also supports the creation of filters which are compatible with NPS 3 in legacy mode.)
Use NPS as part of your daily life. It's not just an image editor. Several people I know find the standalone NPS color picker to be very useful when writing HTML pages, for example, even if they do not use NPS itself for image editing.

Can I redistribute NPS?

You may distribute NPS within your circle of friends, family, and coworkers. Likewise you are encouraged to link to either the NPS website or official Facebook page to spread the word!

You may not host NPS on a publicly-accessible website or include it on software anthologies without my explicit permission. It goes without saying that you may not make money from distributing NPS.

Why is the installer blocked as an unrecognized program?

NPS Image Editor is not signed, because code-signing certificates cost significant amounts of money (at least $100 per year), and since I make no money from NPS, there is currently no incentive for me to pay. I will sign the installer and all executables once I get a code-signing certificate for a paid application or when NPS gains enough popularity to justify the investment. For now, you will need to allow the unsigned program to run; scan it with your anti-virus tool if you don't trust it.

Will there be a Windows Store version of NPS for Windows 8?

Possibly, but I can't promise it. The Windows 8 Store platform is substantially different when it comes to graphics processing, and thus NPS will need to be rewritten more or less from scratch. The desktop won't go away any time soon.

Where can I download older versions of NPS?

I have removed links to older versions of NPS and Nookkin's Paint Shop from the site due to lack of demand, but if you are in need of a particular version, just contact me.

Footnotes:

¹ NPS technically requires a system that can run the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, so Windows 98, ME, and 2000 are supported at least in theory. However, I do not have the time to test these configurations, so you're on your own.

² I can provide a Mono-optimized build on request, but you're on your own when it comes to getting it to run. The stock NPS build will most likely not run on Mono as-is.