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KenShape

KenShape is a free, open-source 2D illustration and vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It provides tools for drawing shapes, paths, text, and images to create digital artwork, diagrams, logos, icons, etc. Key features include Bezier curves, gradients, shape tools, text on path, Boolean operations, etc.

What is KenShape?

KenShape is a feature-rich, free and open-source vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It can be used to create a wide variety of 2D graphics and artwork ranging from simple shapes and icons to complex illustrations and technical diagrams.

Some of the key features of KenShape include:

  • Tools for drawing basic shapes (rectangle, ellipse, polygon, etc), freehand paths using bezier curves and straight lines, paint brush for freehand drawing
  • Gradient and pattern fills for coloring shapes and paths
  • Powerful text on path tool for adding text to shapes and curves
  • Boolean operations like union, difference, intersection, etc for combining different shapes
  • Grouping and layering for easier organization and manipulation
  • Import/export to common vector graphic formats like SVG, PDF, EPS, etc
  • Scripting and plugin support for advanced customization

An intuitive user interface with customizable workspaces, keyboard shortcuts for faster workflows, and helpful widgets like grids, snap-to guides further simplify creation of 2D graphics. The open-source nature of KenShape allows extending its native capabilities via community-driven plugins and scripts.

Overall, KenShape is an excellent, free alternative to premium tools like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Affinity Designer catering to hobbyists, students, designers, engineers, and graphics enthusiasts looking for a capable vector drawing program without the high cost.

The Best KenShape Alternatives

Top Apps like KenShape

Blender, Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, 3D-Coat, Natron, MagicaCSG, K-3D are some alternatives to KenShape.

Blender

Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline. Blender is well suited to individuals and small studios who benefit from its unified pipeline and responsive development...

Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya is a highly extensible and customizable 3D computer animation software application used primarily for creating interactive 3D applications, including video games, animated films, TV series, and visual effects. Since its initial release in 1998, Maya has become an industry-standard tool in the 3D community because of its comprehensive feature...

ZBrush

ZBrush is a professional digital sculpting and painting software developed by Pixologic. It specializes in creating high-resolution 3D models with millions of polygons for applications like film, animation, video games, toy production, fine art, collectible creation, illustration, and design.Some key features and capabilities of ZBrush include:Intuitive brush-based workflow...

3D-Coat

3D-Coat is a 3D sculpting and painting software optimized for concept art, illustration, and digital sculpting. It uses a voxel-based workflow which allows for more natural and organic shaping than traditional polygon modeling. Some key features of 3D-Coat include:An intuitive sculpting interface with a variety of customizable brushes for...

Natron

Natron is an open-source compositing software used primarily for motion graphics and visual effects creation. Its node-based workflow allows users to connect different image processing operations, building up complex effects chains. Natron is an extremely powerful tool, comparable to commercial packages like Nuke or Fusion.Some key features of Natron...

MagicaCSG

MagicaCSG is a feature-rich yet easy-to-use 3D modeling application designed specifically for constructive solid geometry (CSG). It enables users to create complex 3D models by combining and manipulating basic shapes such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, prisms and more using boolean operations like union, difference, and intersection.Some key features of...

K-3D

K-3D is a free, open source 3D modeling and animation program for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It features tools for high-quality 3D modeling, texturing, animation, and rendering. K-3D is designed to be easy for beginners to learn, while still providing advanced tools for experienced users.Some key features...