Split an Image Into Layers with AI
VdoBloom Layer Split is an AI tool that separates one flat image into editable layers. Upload a photo, poster, product shot or screenshot and you get back a full-frame background layer plus each person, object and text block as its own transparent PNG cut-out with a real alpha channel. Most images come back as 4 to 12 layers.
Is it free? New accounts get 10 free credits, and one split costs 16 credits however many layers it returns, so the first run needs a small credit top-up. One-time credit packs never expire (300 credits for $19.50 covers 18 splits), and monthly plans are also available. If a split fails, the credits are refunded automatically.
It is made for designers who receive flattened artwork and need to move, recolor or replace parts of it, marketers reworking an ad into new sizes, sellers swapping a product into a new scene, and video editors who want parallax or motion on separate layers. The PNGs open directly in Photoshop, GIMP, Canva, Figma and any video editor.
Examples
A node-canvas screenshot split into a background and separate element layers
How it works
- 1
Upload one image
Add a JPEG, PNG or WebP up to 30 MB. Posters, product shots, busy scenes and UI screenshots split well.
- 2
Optionally name the pieces
Leave the box empty to split automatically, or list what you want separated, such as "the person, the headline text, the product, the background" (up to 500 characters).
- 3
Split into layers
The AI analyses the picture and returns the background plus every separated element as transparent PNGs.
- 4
Download the layers
Preview each layer, download one at a time, or save them all. Layer 0 is always the full background, numbered so they stack back in order.
Why use this tool
Background as its own layer
The first layer is always the full-frame background, so you keep the original scene to build on while the subjects sit on separate layers above it.
Real transparency on every cut-out
People, objects and text blocks are delivered as RGBA PNGs with true alpha edges, ready to drop onto any canvas or timeline.
Text separated from artwork
Headlines and text blocks come out as their own layers, which makes it practical to localize or rewrite a poster without redrawing it.
One price per split
A run costs 16 credits whether it returns four layers or twelve, so busy images cost no more than simple ones.
Guided or automatic
Run it hands-off, or describe the parts you care about to steer which elements become separate layers.
Saved to your history
Every split is recorded in My Creations, so you can come back to the layers later instead of re-running the image.
What do you get back from a layer split?
The number of layers depends on how many distinct elements the AI finds in the picture. A typical poster or ad returns something like this:
| Layer | What it contains | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 0 | The full-frame background of the original image | PNG |
| People | Each person or character as a separate cut-out | PNG with transparency |
| Objects and products | Each product, prop or graphic element | PNG with transparency |
| Text blocks | Headlines, captions and other lettering | PNG with transparency |
How much does it cost to split an image into layers?
Layer Split is priced per run, not per layer. It runs on the Seedream 5 Flash layer decomposition model, and every run is 16 credits.
| Job | Splits | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| One poster or ad | 1 | 16 |
| A five-image campaign set | 5 | 80 |
| Everything a 300-credit Lite pack covers | 18 | 288 |
Read more: Credit packs and plans · How AI credits work
Layer Split vs background remover vs Photoshop masking
These tools overlap, but each fits a different job. A background remover keeps one subject and throws the rest away. Manual masking gives full control but takes time per element. Layer Split separates every element in one pass and keeps the full-frame background as its own layer.
| Need | Background Remover | Layer Split | Manual masking |
|---|---|---|---|
| One subject on a transparent background | Best fit (1–2 credits) | Works | Slow |
| Every element as its own layer | No | Yes, in one run | Yes, one at a time |
| Background kept as its own layer | No | Yes | Needs manual work |
| Pixel-perfect edges on hair or fine detail | HD mode is tuned for it | Good, may need touch-up | Full control |
Read more: AI Background Remover
What can you do with image layers?
Once a flat image is in layers, edits that used to mean redrawing become drag-and-drop.
- Resize an ad for new placements by moving the product and headline on the existing background
- Rework a poster by moving, restyling or replacing its text layers
- Swap a product, person or prop while keeping the original scene
- Animate layers separately for parallax, slide-ins or motion graphics in a video editor
- Recolor or restyle one element without affecting the rest
- Build stickers, overlays and cut-out assets from a single photo
How to use the layers in Photoshop, Canva and Figma
Download all layers, then open the background (layer 0) as your base document, which sets the full canvas size. Place the numbered cut-outs above it. Cut-outs are cropped to the element they contain, so position each one over its spot in the scene, using the original image at reduced opacity as a guide if it helps.
In Photoshop, drag the PNG files onto the open background document and each arrives as its own layer. In Canva or Figma, upload the PNGs and arrange them on a canvas the size of the background. In video editors, put each layer on its own track to animate them separately.
Tips for cleaner layers
The input decides most of the quality.
- Use the largest, sharpest version of the image you have; compressed screenshots give rougher edges.
- Images with clearly separated subjects split more reliably than tightly overlapping crowds.
- If an element you need was merged with another, re-run with a description that names it explicitly.
- Check fine hair and transparent objects at full size and touch up edges if the layer will be printed large.
- The same image can split a little differently on another run, so keep the version you like.
Limits to know before you split
Layer Split is one focused step in a design workflow, with a few boundaries.
- Output is a set of PNG files, not a single layered PSD file; you assemble them in your editor.
- You cannot set an exact number of layers; the AI decides based on the image.
- One image per run, with no batch upload.
- Text layers are pixels, not live editable type; retype text in your editor if you need to change it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I split an image into layers with AI?
Open Layer Split on VdoBloom, upload a JPEG, PNG or WebP up to 30 MB, optionally describe which parts to separate, and run the split. You get a background layer plus each person, object and text block as a transparent PNG to download.
Can AI convert an image to layers for Photoshop (PSD)?
Layer Split gives you the layers as separate PNG files with transparency: a full-frame background plus a cut-out for each element. Drag them onto the background in one Photoshop document to build a layered file. It does not export a single PSD file directly.
Is there a free tool to separate an image into layers?
Every VdoBloom account starts with 10 free credits. A layer split costs 16 credits, so you need a small credit pack for your first split. One-time packs never expire, so leftover credits stay available for later runs or other tools.
How many layers will I get?
It depends on the image. Most splits return 4 to 12 layers: one background plus one layer per detected person, object or text block. You pay 16 credits per run regardless of the count.
Does it separate text from the background?
Yes. Headlines and other text blocks are separated into their own transparent layers, which is useful when you want to reposition, restyle or replace the lettering on a poster or ad.
What is the difference between Layer Split and a background remover?
A background remover keeps one subject on transparency and discards the rest. Layer Split keeps everything, separating each element into its own PNG and giving you the background as a clean layer too.
Can I choose which objects get separated?
Yes. Type a short description of the pieces you want, such as "the woman, the coffee cup, the logo, the background". Leave it empty and the AI separates elements automatically.
What file types can I upload?
JPEG, PNG and WebP files up to 30 MB. All layers come back as PNG, with transparency on every cut-out layer.
What size are the layers?
The background layer covers the full frame of your image. Each cut-out is cropped to the element it contains, so you place it over its spot on the background in your editor.
What if the split fails?
If no layers come back or the run errors, the 16 credits are refunded automatically and nothing is charged for that attempt.