What it does
Marmoset Hexels is a grid-based drawing app for geometric illustration, pixel art and animation. Its canvas can mix vector cells with pixel layers, making it useful for isometric scenes and game artwork. Windows and Mac downloads offer a 14-day trial, followed by a paid licence available through Steam.
Let the grid define the forms
Hexels paints into geometric cells such as triangles, hexagons and custom polygons. Isometric grids and guides help construct buildings or scenery, while pixel layers add details that do not fit the larger cells. Palettes keep track of colours and gradients.
Rasterization controls govern alignment, pixel scale and antialiasing. The canvas previews those choices at the intended output resolution. SVG and layered PSD support further illustration work; sprite sheets suit game animation.
The timeline can animate layer transforms, effects and motion curves or run a frame-by-frame sequence. Custom grids and an endless canvas also support repeating geometric patterns.
To try it, download the matching desktop installer and sign in. The evaluation is fully featured but ends after 14 days; it is not ongoing free access.
Strengths
- Vector cells and pixel layers share one canvas
- Rasterization preview makes output alignment visible
- Custom grids support geometric repeats
Watch out for
- The free evaluation expires after 14 days
Best for
- Isometric game scenes
- Geometric illustration with pixel-level finishing
Sources
- Hexels drawing, rasterization and trial access (Oct 27, 2026)
- Marmoset-published Hexels Steam page (Oct 27, 2026)