Kenney Shape, the Pixel-Art-to-3D Tool, Is Now Free Forever

Kenney has made Kenney Shape, its tool for turning pixel art into 3D models, free for everyone, and says the October 2026 update will be its last. The tool was previously sold, and the change was announced in a developer devlog on October 15. The software is available for Windows and Linux.

What was announced

Kenney Shape lets you draw a pixel-art object, set a depth for each pixel, and extrude the result into a 3D model. According to 80.lv, the tool handles UV mapping automatically, and the models are built for game use and can be refined by hand. The tool is made by Kenney Vleugels (KenneyNL), who published the change as a devlog titled "Kenney Shape is now free, forever!"

The same post explains the reasoning. The developer says the move "gives me time to continue with other projects and create new software," which is why this release is being presented as the final planned update. That update fixes a bug where the front and back of models did not export correctly with colormap or unwrapping options.

There is one inconsistency on the download page. It is now marked free, but the download button still reads "Name your own price," which conflicts with the announcement.

Key details

• Developer: Kenney Vleugels (KenneyNL)
• Platforms: Windows and Linux. The Linux build was tested only on Ubuntu, and the tool needs a mouse.
• Price/License: Free to use and keep permanently, per the announcement and 80.lv
• Output formats: 3D models as OBJ, FBX, DAE, glTF, STL and VOX; voxel files for MagicaVoxel-style tools; bitmap and vector images
• Engine support: 3D models are described as working with Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot and Blender
• Limits: Art is capped at 64x64 pixels and 16 colors, and extruded models look the same from both sides
• Release date: Devlog dated October 15, 2026; 80.lv coverage on October 16
• Missing or unconfirmed: The previous price, macOS support, and whether the "Name your own price" option is still offered

What it means for developers

• A free blockout tool. Turning simple pixel art into a usable 3D prop takes minutes, which helps prototypes, game jams and small teams with limited art budgets.
• Confirm the terms first. The announcement says free, but the store page still shows "Name your own price." Check the current terms before using it in a commercial project.
• Treat it as a fixed download. With no further updates planned, keep a copy of the installer and of any exports your pipeline depends on.
• Work within the limits. The 64x64 and 16-color caps keep assets small and consistent, which suits stylized, low-poly and retro-looking games.
• Test engine import early. Coverage lists support for Unity, Unreal, Godot and Blender, but not specific versions, so test glTF or FBX import in your engine before building a pipeline around the tool.

Sources

• 80.lv: Kenney Shape Tool for Generating Extruded 3D Models From 2D Pixel Art Is Now Free
• Kenney devlog: Kenney Shape is now free, forever!
• Kenney Shape on itch.io

Cover image: © Kenney.