Pixelmash 2026.2 has been released and is now available to download! This update transforms how you light your pixel art with a massively upgraded Auto Shade effect, expands your output options with image sequence exports, and adds several highly-requested workflow improvements like layer nudging and expanded undo history.

For this release we've completely rebuilt the Auto Shade layer effect, which now feels magical in its ability to light a 2D sprite as if it were an actual 3D object. We've upgraded the core algorithms and introduced a brand-new cylindrical shading mode to give your art immediate volume and depth. You now also have total control over how the lighting interacts with your artwork thanks to new blend mode support and an adjustable amount slider, making it easier than ever to dial in the perfect atmosphere.

To keep your creative process smooth and precise, we’ve packed in several handy workflow updates. You can now nudge layers exactly one pixel at a time using Shift + arrow keys, and holding Shift will also constrain angle adjustments when tweaking your layer effects. Getting custom effect setups into your project is easier too, thanks to new drag-and-drop support for importing .pmfx layer effect files. On top of that, we've added the option to export your animations as an image sequence, bumped the undo limit up to 50 steps to give you more freedom to experiment, and knocked out a variety of bug fixes.

WATCH THE VIDEO: youtu.be/Uh8_BfCYCpk
DOWNLOAD PIXELMASH 2026.2: nevercenter.com/pixelmash/download
BUY/UPGRADE: nevercenter.com/pixelmash

New in 2026.2:

• Vastly improved Auto Shade layer effect, including upgraded algorithms, a new cylindrical shading mode, support for blend modes, and an amount slider
• Added ability to nudge layers by one pixel with Shift + arrow keys
• Added constraints to layer effect angle adjustments when holding Shift
• Added option to export animation as image sequence
• Added drag-and-drop support for importing .pmfx layer effect files
• Increased undo level to 50
• Various bug fixes

This update is FREE for everyone who purchased Pixelmash from nevercenter.com within the last year; simply download the new version from the Pixelmash webpage. If you need to purchase an upgrade to your license, want to check if you need to, or generally check on the details of your license, you can do so at nevercenter.com/upgrade.



We love to hear from you! Let us know what you think and what you're working on with Pixelmash—send us an email at pixelmash@nevercenter.com, or reach out via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube. And now, also join us on the Pixelmash User Forms on Discord! We want to hear your thoughts so we can keep updating with your requests, and we love to see what you are creating!

Best,
Nevercenter