Qwen-Image-Layered: Towards Inherent Editability via Layer Decomposition
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Abstract (arXiv)
Recent visual generative models often struggle with consistency during image editing due to the entangled nature of raster images, where all visual content is fused into a single canvas. In contrast, professional design tools employ layered representations, allowing isolated edits while preserving consistency. Motivated by this, we propose Qwen-Image-Layered, an end-to-end diffusion model that decomposes a single RGB image into multiple semantically disentangled RGBA layers, enabling inherent editability, where each RGBA layer can be independently manipulated without affecting other content. To support variable-length decomposition, we introduce three key components: (1) an RGBA-VAE to unify the latent representations of RGB and RGBA images; (2) a VLD-MMDiT (Variable Layers Decomposition MMDiT) architecture capable of decomposing a variable number of image layers; and (3) a Multi-stage Training strategy to adapt a pretrained image generation model into a multilayer image decomposer. Furthermore, to address the scarcity of high-quality multilayer training images, we build a pipeline to extract and annotate multilayer images from Photoshop documents (PSD). Experiments demonstrate that our method significantly surpasses existing approaches in decomposition quality and establishes a new paradigm for consistent image editing. Our code and models are released on hrefhttps://github.com/QwenLM/Qwen-Image-Layeredhttps://github.com/QwenLM/Qwen-Image-Layered
Key facts. Cited by 34 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 44 of its 50 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 17 Dec 2025.
Builds on
44 of 50 references.
References · 44
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32 more
- 2022DiffEdit: Diffusion-based semantic image editing with mask guidancecited by 647
- 2023MagicBrush: A Manually Annotated Dataset for Instruction-Guided Image Editingcited by 624
- 2025Step1X-Edit: A Practical Framework for General Image Editingcited by 429
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- 2024Transparent Image Layer Diffusion using Latent Transparencycited by 114
- 2020Self-Supervised Scene De-occlusioncited by 96
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- 2021Deep Automatic Natural Image Mattingcited by 59
- 2025SeedEdit 3.0: Fast and High-Quality Generative Image Editingcited by 53
- 2021Unsupervised Layered Image Decomposition into Object Prototypescited by 50
- 2024MULAN: A Multi Layer Annotated Dataset for Controllable Text-to-Image Generationcited by 38
- 2023Text2Layer: Layered Image Generation using Latent Diffusion Modelcited by 37
- 2025ART: Anonymous Region Transformer for Variable Multi-Layer Transparent Image Generationcited by 37
- 2024Generative Image Layer Decomposition with Visual Effectscited by 34
- 2023Matting Anythingcited by 31
- 2023LIME: Localized Image Editing via Attention Regularization in Diffusion Modelscited by 27
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Citing papers per year: 2026: 34.
34 papers.
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- 2026Wan-Image: Pushing the Boundaries of Generative Visual Intelligencecited by 16
- 2026GenClaw: Code-Driven Agentic Image Generationcited by 11
- 2026DesignAsCode: Bridging Structural Editability and Visual Fidelity in Graphic Design Generationcited by 5
- 2026LaDe: Unified Multi-Layered Graphic Media Generation and Decompositioncited by 5
- 2026Visual Generation in the New Era: An Evolution from Atomic Mapping to Agentic World Modelingcited by 5
- 2026MiLDEdit: Reasoning-Based Multi-Layer Design Document Editingcited by 3
- 2026See-through: Single-image Layer Decomposition for Anime Characterscited by 3
- 2026AmodalSVG: Amodal Image Vectorization via Semantic Layer Peelingcited by 3
- 2026Workflow-Aware Structured Layer Decomposition for Illustration Productioncited by 1
- 2026TransText: Alpha-as-RGB Representation for Transparent Text Animationcited by 1
- 2026MeshReGen: A Unified 3D Geometry Regeneration Frameworkcited by 1
- 2026RevealLayer: Disentangling Hidden and Visible Layers via Occlusion-Aware Image Decompositioncited by 1
22 more
- 2026LiWi: Layering in the Wildcited by 1
- 2026Does Synthetic Layered Design Data Benefit Layered Design Decomposition?cited by 1
- 2026From Plans to Pixels: Learning to Plan and Orchestrate for Open-Ended Image Editingcited by 1
- 2026MRT: Masked Region Transformer for Layered Image Generation and Editing at Scalecited by 1
- 2026Stable-Layers: Fine-Tuning Image Layer Decomposition Models with VLM-Scored Reinforcement Learningcited by 1
- 2026ReDesign: Recovering Editable Design Structures from Images via Agentic Decompositioncited by 1
- 2026Bunraku: Turning a Single Illustration into an Editable Live2D Charactercited by 1
- 2026Detect Anything in Graphic Design: Element-Level Rewards for Autoregressive Detectioncited by 1
- 2026A Unified and Controllable Framework for Layered Image Generation with Visual Effectscited by 0
- 2026ExpressEdit: Fast Editing of Stylized Facial Expressions with Diffusion Models in Photoshopcited by 0
- 2026DiffuSAM: Diffusion Guided Zero-Shot Object Grounding for Remote Sensing Imagerycited by 0
- 2026LimeCross: Context-Conditioned Layered Image Editing with Structural Consistencycited by 0
- 2026HiLo-Token: Input-Adaptive High-Low Frequency Token Compression for Efficient Image Editingcited by 0
- 2026Vera: A Layered Diffusion Model for Content-Preserving Video Editingcited by 0
- 2026LILAC: Layer-Wise Independent LoRAs and Cascaded Conditioning for Multi-Concept Customization of Diffusion Modelscited by 0
- 2026Explicit Layer Modeling for Video Object Insertion and Video Layer Decompositioncited by 0
- 2026UniWorld-Design: From Pixel Generation to Layer-Native Designcited by 0
- 2026RenderMatte: Exact-Alpha Rendering and Group-Relative Alignment for Image Mattingcited by 0
- 2026Mise-en-Sc`ene: Implicit Layout Emergence in Diffusion Transformers for Human-AI Design Co-Creationcited by 0
- 2026PixelART: Image-to-Layer Decomposition without Latents or Text-to-Image Pretrainingcited by 0
- 2026IntrinSync: Joint Intrinsic Decomposition and Reciprocal Renderingcited by 0
- 2026LayerCanvas: Infographic Generation in AI Learning Assistants via Hybrid Layer-Set Diffusioncited by 0
- 2026LayerCanvas: Infographic Generation in AI Learning Assistants via Hybrid Layer-Set Diffusion13 Oct 2026
- 2026IntrinSync: Joint Intrinsic Decomposition and Reciprocal Rendering8 Oct 2026
- 2026PixelART: Image-to-Layer Decomposition without Latents or Text-to-Image Pretraining19 Sep 2026
- 2026Detect Anything in Graphic Design: Element-Level Rewards for Autoregressive Detection7 Sep 2026
- 2026Mise-en-Sc`ene: Implicit Layout Emergence in Diffusion Transformers for Human-AI Design Co-Creation19 Aug 2026
- 2026RenderMatte: Exact-Alpha Rendering and Group-Relative Alignment for Image Matting9 Aug 2026
- 2026UniWorld-Design: From Pixel Generation to Layer-Native Design4 Aug 2026
- 2026Bunraku: Turning a Single Illustration into an Editable Live2D Character29 Jul 2026
- 2026Explicit Layer Modeling for Video Object Insertion and Video Layer Decomposition28 Jul 2026
- 2026ReDesign: Recovering Editable Design Structures from Images via Agentic Decomposition28 Jul 2026
- 2026LILAC: Layer-Wise Independent LoRAs and Cascaded Conditioning for Multi-Concept Customization of Diffusion Models6 Jul 2026
- 2026Vera: A Layered Diffusion Model for Content-Preserving Video Editing22 Jun 2026
22 more
- 2026HiLo-Token: Input-Adaptive High-Low Frequency Token Compression for Efficient Image Editing11 Jun 2026
- 2026Stable-Layers: Fine-Tuning Image Layer Decomposition Models with VLM-Scored Reinforcement Learning28 May 2026
- 2026GenClaw: Code-Driven Agentic Image Generation28 May 2026
- 2026MRT: Masked Region Transformer for Layered Image Generation and Editing at Scale26 May 2026
- 2026From Plans to Pixels: Learning to Plan and Orchestrate for Open-Ended Image Editing14 May 2026
- 2026Does Synthetic Layered Design Data Benefit Layered Design Decomposition?14 May 2026
- 2026LiWi: Layering in the Wild14 May 2026
- 2026RevealLayer: Disentangling Hidden and Visible Layers via Occlusion-Aware Image Decomposition12 May 2026
- 2026LimeCross: Context-Conditioned Layered Image Editing with Structural Consistency11 May 2026
- 2026Visual Generation in the New Era: An Evolution from Atomic Mapping to Agentic World Modeling30 Apr 2026
- 2026MeshReGen: A Unified 3D Geometry Regeneration Framework30 Apr 2026
- 2026Wan-Image: Pushing the Boundaries of Generative Visual Intelligence21 Apr 2026
- 2026DiffuSAM: Diffusion Guided Zero-Shot Object Grounding for Remote Sensing Imagery20 Apr 2026
- 2026AmodalSVG: Amodal Image Vectorization via Semantic Layer Peeling13 Apr 2026
- 2026ExpressEdit: Fast Editing of Stylized Facial Expressions with Diffusion Models in Photoshop3 Apr 2026
- 2026LaDe: Unified Multi-Layered Graphic Media Generation and Decomposition18 Mar 2026
- 2026TransText: Alpha-as-RGB Representation for Transparent Text Animation18 Mar 2026
- 2026Workflow-Aware Structured Layer Decomposition for Illustration Production16 Mar 2026
- 2026DesignAsCode: Bridging Structural Editability and Visual Fidelity in Graphic Design Generation6 Feb 2026
- 2026See-through: Single-image Layer Decomposition for Anime Characters3 Feb 2026
- 2026A Unified and Controllable Framework for Layered Image Generation with Visual Effects21 Jan 2026
- 2026MiLDEdit: Reasoning-Based Multi-Layer Design Document Editing8 Jan 2026
- 2026Wan-Image: Pushing the Boundaries of Generative Visual Intelligencecited by 16
- 2026LaDe: Unified Multi-Layered Graphic Media Generation and Decompositioncited by 5
- 2026MRT: Masked Region Transformer for Layered Image Generation and Editing at Scalecited by 1
- 2026ExpressEdit: Fast Editing of Stylized Facial Expressions with Diffusion Models in Photoshopcited by 0
- 2026DiffuSAM: Diffusion Guided Zero-Shot Object Grounding for Remote Sensing Imagerycited by 0
- 2026Vera: A Layered Diffusion Model for Content-Preserving Video Editingcited by 0
- 2026LILAC: Layer-Wise Independent LoRAs and Cascaded Conditioning for Multi-Concept Customization of Diffusion Modelscited by 0
- 2026Mise-en-Sc`ene: Implicit Layout Emergence in Diffusion Transformers for Human-AI Design Co-Creationcited by 0
- 2026LayerCanvas: Infographic Generation in AI Learning Assistants via Hybrid Layer-Set Diffusioncited by 0
- 2026LayerCanvas: Infographic Generation in AI Learning Assistants via Hybrid Layer-Set Diffusion13 Oct 2026
- 2026Mise-en-Sc`ene: Implicit Layout Emergence in Diffusion Transformers for Human-AI Design Co-Creation19 Aug 2026
- 2026LILAC: Layer-Wise Independent LoRAs and Cascaded Conditioning for Multi-Concept Customization of Diffusion Models6 Jul 2026
- 2026Vera: A Layered Diffusion Model for Content-Preserving Video Editing22 Jun 2026
- 2026MRT: Masked Region Transformer for Layered Image Generation and Editing at Scale26 May 2026
- 2026Wan-Image: Pushing the Boundaries of Generative Visual Intelligence21 Apr 2026
- 2026DiffuSAM: Diffusion Guided Zero-Shot Object Grounding for Remote Sensing Imagery20 Apr 2026
- 2026ExpressEdit: Fast Editing of Stylized Facial Expressions with Diffusion Models in Photoshop3 Apr 2026
- 2026LaDe: Unified Multi-Layered Graphic Media Generation and Decomposition18 Mar 2026
- 2026GenClaw: Code-Driven Agentic Image Generationcited by 11
- 2026GenClaw: Code-Driven Agentic Image Generation28 May 2026
- 2026DesignAsCode: Bridging Structural Editability and Visual Fidelity in Graphic Design Generationcited by 5
- 2026MiLDEdit: Reasoning-Based Multi-Layer Design Document Editingcited by 3
- 2026See-through: Single-image Layer Decomposition for Anime Characterscited by 3
- 2026AmodalSVG: Amodal Image Vectorization via Semantic Layer Peelingcited by 3
- 2026Workflow-Aware Structured Layer Decomposition for Illustration Productioncited by 1
- 2026TransText: Alpha-as-RGB Representation for Transparent Text Animationcited by 1
- 2026MeshReGen: A Unified 3D Geometry Regeneration Frameworkcited by 1
- 2026RevealLayer: Disentangling Hidden and Visible Layers via Occlusion-Aware Image Decompositioncited by 1
- 2026LiWi: Layering in the Wildcited by 1
- 2026Does Synthetic Layered Design Data Benefit Layered Design Decomposition?cited by 1
- 2026From Plans to Pixels: Learning to Plan and Orchestrate for Open-Ended Image Editingcited by 1
- 2026ReDesign: Recovering Editable Design Structures from Images via Agentic Decompositioncited by 1
12 most cited of 21 All 21 (JSON)
- 2026IntrinSync: Joint Intrinsic Decomposition and Reciprocal Rendering8 Oct 2026
- 2026PixelART: Image-to-Layer Decomposition without Latents or Text-to-Image Pretraining19 Sep 2026
- 2026Detect Anything in Graphic Design: Element-Level Rewards for Autoregressive Detection7 Sep 2026
- 2026RenderMatte: Exact-Alpha Rendering and Group-Relative Alignment for Image Matting9 Aug 2026
- 2026UniWorld-Design: From Pixel Generation to Layer-Native Design4 Aug 2026
- 2026Bunraku: Turning a Single Illustration into an Editable Live2D Character29 Jul 2026
- 2026Explicit Layer Modeling for Video Object Insertion and Video Layer Decomposition28 Jul 2026
- 2026ReDesign: Recovering Editable Design Structures from Images via Agentic Decomposition28 Jul 2026
- 2026From Plans to Pixels: Learning to Plan and Orchestrate for Open-Ended Image Editing14 May 2026
- 2026Does Synthetic Layered Design Data Benefit Layered Design Decomposition?14 May 2026
- 2026LiWi: Layering in the Wild14 May 2026
- 2026RevealLayer: Disentangling Hidden and Visible Layers via Occlusion-Aware Image Decomposition12 May 2026
12 newest of 21 All 21 (JSON)
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