Introduction

Sprite stacking is a simple techique that allows you to get 3D models by making a stack of 2D images. Each image is offset by 1 pixel and represents a horizontal slice of a 3D model.

The basics

I will show you how to draw an empty box using three different techniques.

Using 3D view

1. Hold shift to draw lines.
2. Use mouse wheel to go up and down the stack
3. Notice that I offset higher blocks by 1 pixel when going up

Using 2D (top down) view

1. Press TAB to switch from 3D to 2D view.
2. Hold shift to draw lines.
3. Use mouse wheel to go up and down the stack
4. Don't offset pixels. Just draw them on top of the bottom slice.

Using extrude tool

1. Hold shift to draw lines.
2. Use mouse wheel to go up and down the stack
3. Use extrude tool to duplicate pixels up.

Bonus video, drawing a simple house

Hotkeys