Anime character layering
Original character Nori. Drag Nori, hide the name, or move the book.
Sample layers you can click, hide, and drag. Your own image is split in the editor.
Visual novel sprites
Split visual novel art into sprites and backgrounds
Visual novel sprite layers are character images separated from the scene and split into a base plus changeable parts, such as outfits and accessories, so the engine can show different combinations over a separate background.
For VN developers using Ren’Py, TyranoBuilder, or Unity who have scene art or character art as flat images and need sprites and clean backgrounds.
Last updated
Drop an image to split it into layers
Separate the subject, text, and background, then move or resize any layer.
How it works
- 1. Upload a flat image. A poster, product shot, or AI picture.
- 2. Split into layers. Subject, text, and background come apart.
- 3. Edit and export. Move, recolor, or download PSD and PNG.
Free preview: 1 split per day at 1K, no sign-up. A full 2K split is 5 credits.
How it works
1
Upload a scene or character image
Use the full-resolution art at your game’s target size or larger.
2
Split
The character, props, and background come back as separate layers.
3
Export PNGs
Use the background plate as a scene and the character layer as a sprite.
4
Define layered images in your engine
In Ren’Py, combine the base and outfit PNGs with a layeredimage statement.
Character off the scene
Separate the character from a CG or key art and get the empty background as its own plate.
Outfit layers
Large outfit pieces separate so you can recolor or replace them for variants.
Engine-ready PNGs
The PNG ZIP keeps the canvas size, so sprites line up when layered in the engine.
Getting a clean background from a CG
Many small VN teams have event CGs or key art with characters already in them, but need the empty location for other scenes. The split rebuilds the area behind the characters, so hiding them leaves a usable background plate. Check edges near hair and hands, where the fill can be soft.
For scenes that need depth movement, see parallax layers from an image.
Expressions are still drawn
Expression sets, such as smile, angry, and surprised, are new drawings, not something hidden in the original image. Split the neutral sprite to get the base, then paint expression overlays on top of the face area in your art app.
For costume variants, Recolor and Replace work on outfit layers; see paper doll layers.
When not to use it
- It does not create new expressions or poses.
- Backgrounds rebuilt behind large characters are an AI fill and need checking.
- It does not write engine code; you define layered images yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with Ren’Py layeredimage?
Yes. Export the PNG ZIP; each layer keeps the canvas size and position, which is what layeredimage expects.
Can I separate two characters standing together?
Yes, they usually come back as separate figures when they do not overlap heavily.
Can I use the background plates commercially?
Yes, for art you own or are licensed to use.
What does it cost?
One free 1K preview split per day without an account, watermarked and not exportable. A full 2K split is 5 credits and includes both the PSD and the PNG ZIP, whatever the layer count. Credits come back automatically when a split fails. The 100-credit Starter pack is a one-time payment, not a subscription.
Is Image Layered free?
Yes — you can split one image per day at 1K without an account to preview the layers. Full-resolution 2K layers and PSD/PNG ZIP export use 5 credits per split.
What file do I get?
A layered Photoshop PSD where every element is its own named, transparent layer at its original position, or a ZIP of transparent PNGs plus a composite.
What images work best?
Posters, product shots, social graphics, characters and AI-generated images with clear subjects. Very busy photos can merge small details into one layer.
What happens if a split fails?
Credits are refunded automatically when a split fails or times out.
Are my images private?
Uploads are used only to create your layers and are not shown publicly or used for training.
Can I use the layers commercially?
Yes, you can use exported layers from your own images in commercial work.