What it does
Kenney Shape turns pixel artwork into extruded 3D models. It combines shape and colour painting, per-pixel depth and mesh, voxel or image export in a free Windows and Linux tool.
Paint with the left mouse button, erase with the right and pick an existing colour and shape with the middle button. Depth editing uses similar controls; the number keys 1 to 8 select depth levels. You can also load a palette from a PNG image, within the 16-colour limit.
Choose an export format and optionally optimise the model. Material colours require no texture, Atlas packs colour swatches into an image, and Unwrapped produces a texture laid out for further editing. VOX export converts non-square shapes into square voxels. GIF output creates a turntable with adjustable size, background and frame rate.
The canvas is limited to 64 by 64 pixels, and extrusion gives the front and back the same appearance. These constraints favour small stylised props and icons with depth. OBJ, FBX, DAE, glTF, STL and VOX are available for different destinations.
The creator made the final release free, with optional payment on itch.io. It requires a mouse and runs on Windows or Linux; only Ubuntu is tested for Linux compatibility. The final update fixes a front/back texture-export issue, and the creator has ended further updates.
Strengths
- Drawing, depth assignment and export stay within a small focused tool.
- Texture export offers material colours, a swatch atlas or an unwrapped image.
- A configurable GIF turntable provides a quick visual handoff.
Watch out for
- Artwork is limited to 64 by 64 pixels and 16 colours.
- Extrusion gives the two sides the same appearance.
- The creator has labelled this release as the final update.
Best for
- Small extruded props made from pixel artwork
- Voxel or turntable versions of a compact silhouette
Sources
- Kenney Shape | Current Distribution, Formats and Design Limits (Oct 28, 2026)
- Kenney Shape | Creator's Final Free Release Announcement (Oct 28, 2026)
- Kenney Shape | Drawing, Depth, Texture and Output Controls (Oct 28, 2026)
- Terms of Service · Kenney (Oct 28, 2026)