How to turn a PNG or JPG into a layered PSD
Updated · 5 min read
Short answer
A PNG or JPG stores a single layer of pixels, so saving it as PSD still gives you one layer. To get a PSD where text, subject, and background move independently, the image has to be split first: cut out elements and rebuild the background by hand in Photoshop, or let Delayer split it into layers automatically and export the PSD.
Why does “Save as PSD” still give you one layer?
PNG, JPG, and WebP are bitmaps. They store the color of every pixel, but nothing about which pixels are text, which are the product, and which are background. Renaming the file to .psd or using “Save As PSD” only changes the container. Open it and the Layers panel still shows a single layer.
Real layering solves two problems: finding which pixels belong to each element (the cut-out), and deciding what should appear underneath once an element moves (the background fill). Skip the second step and moving the subject leaves a hole behind.
Manual vs. automatic layering
| Step | Photoshop by hand | Delayer |
|---|---|---|
| Select elements | Cut out each one with selection tools or the pen | Splits text, subject, decor, and background automatically, or the elements you name |
| Fill the background | Content-Aware Fill and Clone Stamp, one patch at a time | Fills the area behind the subject as part of the split |
| Text | Cut-out pixels; changing copy means re-typesetting | Also pixels, but you can hide the old text and write new text in place |
| Best for | Pixel-perfect work when you have time | Getting usable layers fast, then refining where needed |
The two are not exclusive. A common workflow is to split and export the PSD in Delayer, then polish a few edges in Photoshop—far quicker than starting from a flat image.
Converting an image to a layered PSD in Delayer
Upload the image
Open the workspace and drop in a PNG, JPG, or WebP up to 30MB. Each image becomes its own document.
Split into layers
Select the image and click “Split layers” (拆分图层) in the toolbar. Choose Auto to split by what is in the picture, or name the parts you want separated, like “bottle, price tag, headline”. The button shows the credit cost before you start.
Check the layers
When the job finishes, double-click the document to open the full-screen editor. The Layers panel lists every layer. Hide the subject to see how the background was filled.
Export PSD
Click “Export PSD” (导出 PSD) in the top-right corner. The file opens directly in Photoshop or Photopea.
What is inside the exported PSD?
- Each layer is a separate pixel layer with transparency, named as it is on the canvas.
- Layer order matches the canvas, with the background at the bottom.
- Layer opacity is kept; hidden layers are kept too, just switched off.
- Text layers are pixels, not Photoshop type layers. New text written in Delayer is exported as pixels as well.
- Need a single element? Select its layer and use “Export layer PNG” (导出此层 PNG) to get a transparent PNG.
Which images split well?
Images with clear edges and good contrast between subject and background work best: product shots, campaign posters, social graphics, and most AI-generated images.
FAQ
Can I open the PSD outside Photoshop?
Yes. PSD is a widely supported format. It opens in Photoshop and Photopea, and most design tools that read PSD files will show the layers.
How many credits does a split cost?
The cost is shown on the Split layers button before you submit. Failed jobs are refunded automatically.
Can I convert several images at once?
You can upload several images at once. Each is split separately, the jobs queue up, and progress shows in the jobs panel.