Kenney Shape, Tool for Generating Extruded 3D Models from 2D Pixel Art, Is Now Free

Kenney has released the final update for Kenney Shape and made the pixel-art-to-extruded-3D tool free. It supports per-pixel depth editing and multiple 3D and voxel exports, with limits on canvas size

Kenney has made the pixel art creation tool Kenney Shape free. This is the final release, and it fixes an issue in which the front and back faces of models were not handled correctly when exporting using a color map or UV unwrapping. Since the tool was previously a paid download, it is now easier to experiment with simple pixel-based 3D work or create rough drafts for small game assets.

How Depth Is Defined from a 2D Image

The workflow begins by drawing shapes and colors on a 2D canvas, followed by assigning depth to each pixel. It also includes features that automatically generate depth based on lightness, color index, or noise. In other words, it is less a tool that automatically turns a finished image into a 3D object and more an editor for creating extruded models by designing pixel-level forms and depth together.

Export Options and Workflow Limitations

Results can be exported in formats including OBJ, FBX, DAE, glTF, VOX, and STL, while VOX files can be continued in voxel software such as MagicaVoxel, VoxEdit, and Goxel. On the other hand, the canvas is limited to a maximum size of 64×64, with up to 16 colors, and because the structure extrudes pixels, the model’s two-sided form becomes identical. It is better suited to icon-like props, simple objects, and starting points for voxel work than to complex asymmetrical characters.

Distribution for Windows and Linux

The official distribution page provides versions for Windows and Linux. The usage examples for 3D files include various game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot, while final optimization and further processing of exported models can be handled in separate production tools.

Source: Kenney’s free-release announcement · Kenney Shape official feature guide · Original article