How to Import an Image into Photoshop as a Layer (3 Ways)

How to import an image into Photoshop as a layer

To add one image as a new Photoshop layer, drag the image onto an open document or choose File > Place Embedded. To import several PNG files at once, use File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack, or run the Open-Layers-in-Photoshop.jsx script included in every AI Image Layers export.

This guide covers the fastest method for each situation, then explains how to bring a separated AI Image Layers export into a Photoshop-ready layer stack.

Method 1: drag an image into an open Photoshop document

Use this method when you need to add one logo, photo, or transparent PNG to a document that is already open.

1. Open the destination document in Photoshop.
2. Drag the image file from Finder or File Explorer onto the canvas.
3. Resize or position the placed image, then press Enter or click the checkmark to confirm.
4. Rename the new layer in the Layers panel if needed.

Photoshop places the file above the selected layer. A placed image is usually a Smart Object, so you can resize it again without repeatedly degrading the source pixels.

Method 2: use File > Place Embedded

Use File > Place Embedded when you want the image stored inside the Photoshop document rather than linked to a separate file on disk.

1. Open the Photoshop document.
2. Choose File > Place Embedded.
3. Select an image and click Place.
4. Adjust its size and position, then press Enter.

Choose Place Linked instead when the same source image is shared across multiple Photoshop documents and you want updates to the source file to flow through. For a portable handoff, embedded files are usually simpler.

Method 3: import multiple PNG files as Photoshop layers

Use this method for a folder of images, such as a Layer ZIP downloaded from AI Image Layers.

1. Unzip the downloaded file.
2. In Photoshop, choose File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack.
3. Select Browse, choose the PNG files inside the layers folder, then click OK.
4. Photoshop creates one document with each PNG on its own layer.

All AI Image Layers PNG exports keep the original canvas dimensions. That means they align when imported as a stack; you can then mask, hide, move, recolor, or refine each result independently.

One-click import for AI Image Layers exports

Every Layer ZIP now includes Open-Layers-in-Photoshop.jsx, a Photoshop import script. It opens every PNG in the layers folder in filename order and creates a new Photoshop document with one layer per file.

1. Unzip the Layer ZIP without moving the script away from its layers folder.
2. In Photoshop desktop, choose File > Scripts > Browse.
3. Select Open-Layers-in-Photoshop.jsx from the unzipped folder.
4. Photoshop opens a new layered document; save it as a PSD when you are ready.

If your Photoshop installation does not allow legacy JSX scripts, use Load Files into Stack above instead. Both methods keep the exported PNG layers separate.

Turn a flat image into a Photoshop-ready layer stack

AI Image Layers separates one finished JPG, PNG, or WebP into multiple transparent PNG files. Preview the proposed background, subject, text-like marks, props, shadows, and lighting passes before downloading. The export is designed for a practical Photoshop handoff: every useful file keeps the original canvas size, and the manifest records the layer order.

The current download is a Layer ZIP, not a native .psd. You can use the included import script or Photoshop's Load Files into Stack command to create a layered document.

Worked handoff: product image to Photoshop stack

The product example above represents a common handoff: one approved campaign PNG is separated into a clean scene, isolated product, and supporting visual passes. After loading the exported files into Photoshop, keep every layer at the original canvas size, place the clean scene at the bottom, and keep the product above it. The product can then move without shifting the approved background.

This is a curated workflow example, not a guarantee of identical output for every upload. Inspect the preview for edge quality and hidden background gaps before downloading. If you only need to add one existing image to Photoshop, use drag and drop or Place Embedded; use the separator when the starting image is flat and several visible parts need independent editing.

What remains editable after import

• Position, scale, opacity, masks, and blend treatment of each PNG layer.
• The relationship between a subject, background, props, and lighting passes.
• New Photoshop adjustments added after import.

Rasterized text does not become a live font layer, and hidden source pixels cannot always be reconstructed perfectly. Clear subjects and graphic compositions usually produce a more useful result than dense photography, hair, smoke, glass, or heavy overlap.

Layer ZIP versus native PSD

A native PSD can contain editable type, adjustment layers, smart objects, and application-specific metadata. A Layer ZIP is intentionally portable: it can move between Photoshop, Photopea, Affinity Photo, Figma, Canva, and other tools that accept transparent PNG files.

If you specifically require a generated .psd file with editable type, smart objects, or adjustment layers already built in, the current product is not yet the right exporter. If you need inspectable image parts for a Photoshop workflow, previewing the layer stack first avoids paying for an unusable result.

Troubleshooting image imports

Why did my image open in a new document instead of a layer?

Opening an image with File > Open creates a separate document. Return to the destination document and use drag and drop, Place Embedded, or Load Files into Stack instead.

Why do imported PNG layers not line up?

The files must use the same canvas dimensions. AI Image Layers exports every PNG at the source canvas size specifically so they align in Photoshop. Do not crop individual layer files before importing them.

Can Photoshop make rasterized text editable?

No. Text-like regions in a flattened image remain pixels. Replace them with a fresh Photoshop type layer when you need editable copy.

Related image-layer workflows

• Split a flat PNG into transparent layers
• Separate a Midjourney image into layers
• Separate a ChatGPT-generated image into layers
• Try Qwen Image Layered online

Frequently asked questions

Does the Layer ZIP open directly as a PSD?

No. Unzip the files, then either run the included Open-Layers-in-Photoshop.jsx script or use File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack to create a Photoshop document with separate layers.

Can Photoshop edit the text automatically?

No. Text-like regions remain raster images. Replace them with a new type layer when editable typography is required.

Do I pay before inspecting the result?

No. The product is designed around previewing the proposed layers before using a paid download.