PSD Image Converter
How to Export PSD Layers as Separate Images in .NET

How to Export PSD Layers as Separate Images in .NET

Sometimes you need all elements of a design as separate files—icons, assets, overlays, etc. Aspose.PSD for .NET lets you automate the extraction of every PSD layer as a separate image for UI, web, or print workflows.

Real-World Problem

Manually exporting each layer in Photoshop is tedious and not scriptable. Developers need to automate asset extraction from multi-layered PSDs.

Solution Overview

Loop through all layers, check if each is visible, and save each one as a PNG or JPEG using Aspose.PSD’s high-level API.

Prerequisites

  1. Visual Studio 2019 or later
  2. .NET 6.0 or later (or .NET Framework 4.6.2+)
  3. Aspose.PSD for .NET from NuGet
  4. PSD file(s) with multiple layers
PM> Install-Package Aspose.PSD

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Load the PSD File 

using Aspose.PSD;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd;
using Aspose.PSD.ImageOptions;

string inputFile = "./input/complex.psd";
string outputDir = "./output_layers";
Directory.CreateDirectory(outputDir);

var loadOptions = new PsdLoadOptions() { LoadEffectsResource = true };
PsdImage image = (PsdImage)Image.Load(inputFile, loadOptions);

Step 2: Loop Through and Export Visible Layers 

for (int i = 0; i < image.Layers.Length; i++)
{
    var layer = image.Layers[i];
    if (!layer.IsVisible) continue; // Export only visible layers

    string outPath = Path.Combine(outputDir, $"layer_{i}_{layer.DisplayName}.png");
    layer.Save(outPath, new PngOptions { ColorType = PngColorType.TruecolorWithAlpha });
}
image.Dispose();

Use Cases and Applications

  • Extract individual icons, buttons, or assets for UI/web
  • Prepare print elements as separate files
  • Automate asset delivery for development teams

Common Challenges and Solutions

Wrong assets or hidden layers exported: Always check IsVisible before saving.

Naming conflicts: Use unique layer names and indices in output paths.

Best Practices

  • Review all outputs after batch export
  • Backup the original PSD
  • Automate for multi-file or multi-project workflows

FAQ

Q: Can I export only certain types of layers (e.g., text or shape)? A: Yes—filter by layer type in your loop before saving.

Q: Can I set output format for each layer? A: Yes—choose PNG, JPEG, or other supported formats per asset.

Conclusion

Aspose.PSD for .NET makes PSD layer extraction and export simple, scalable, and robust for every workflow. For more advanced scripting, see the Aspose.PSD for .NET API Reference .

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