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.
VTuber model prep
Prepare flat VTuber art for rigging
VTuber model prep is turning a single character illustration into a layered file that a rigger can animate, with the body, hair, face, and outfit separated and hidden areas painted.
For new VTubers on a budget and for riggers who receive flat art: get a layered starting point in minutes, see what still needs cutting, and send a clear brief to your artist.
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 the model illustration
Use the front view at full resolution. A plain background separates faster and cleaner.
2
Split and inspect
Solo hair, face, body, outfit, and accessories. List what merged.
3
Hand the PSD to your rigger or artist
They finish eyes, mouth shapes, and hair strands, then rig in Live2D Cubism.
4
Reuse the layers on stream
Export the PNG ZIP for overlays, a starting-soon screen, or a parallax background.
Cheaper prototypes
Test a rig idea on a separated stack before paying for a full professional parts split.
Clear brief for artists
Show your artist exactly which parts are already separated and which still need cutting.
Stream assets too
The same split gives a cut-out for overlays, a clean background plate, and pieces for emotes.
What a VTuber rig needs that a split does not give
A tracked model needs separate eyes that blink, a mouth that opens with several shapes, brows, front hair that sways independently, and often a separate body angle layer. These are small, overlapping parts, and they are drawn or cut by hand. Image Layered does the large separation and the background plate, which is where a lot of cleanup time goes when you start from a single flat image.
Use the result as a prototype: split, cut the face parts quickly, and do a rough rig to see whether the design works on camera. When you commission the final model, give the artist the split so they know which parts already exist.
Beyond the model: stream graphics from the same art
The character cut-out works for a Twitch or YouTube overlay, a starting-soon screen, or a channel banner. The rebuilt background plate can become a scene behind the model. For depth effects, see parallax layers from an image.
Need to change the outfit color for a seasonal stream? Select the outfit layer and use Recolor for 3 credits, or open the PSD in PhotoCraft.
When not to use it
- It does not create a Live2D model, VTube Studio file, or face-tracking setup.
- Expression parts (eyes, mouth shapes, brows) must be drawn or cut by hand.
- Only use art you own or are licensed to modify.
Frequently asked questions
Can I become a VTuber with just this tool?
Not on its own. You still need parts cutting for the face and a rig in Live2D Cubism or a similar app. This tool shortens the separation step.
Is it worth it for a 3D VTuber?
No. 3D models are built in VRoid or Blender. This tool is for 2D art.
Can I use the layers commercially?
Yes for your own art or art you are licensed to use. Exported layers are yours.
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.