To load and save images a simple thumbnail display is used, so no knowledge of the file system structure is required. (It defaults to 800圆00 mode, but can run at larger sizes and in portrait or landscape mode, as well.) The canvas is a fixed size, so there is no need to worry about 'pixels' or 'inches' when making a new picture.The entire program fits on a screen as small as 640x480, and can be displayed full-screen, to mask the computer's underlying 'desktop' interface. The drawing tools are made available on the canvas and are easily accessible. To begin, children are presented with a blank canvas and a variety of tools to help them be creative. It has an easy-to-use interface that is combined with fun sound effects, and an encouraging cartoon mascot called Tux, who appears at the bottom of the screen to give tips, hints and information to guide children as they use the application.
It is used in schools around the world as a computer literacy drawing activity. Tux Paint for Mac is a free, award-winning drawing application aimed at children ages 3 to 12.
