How to Prepare Your PSD File for Live2D Rigging

Essential tips for creating a rig-ready PSD file. Layer separation, naming conventions, underdraw requirements, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why PSD Preparation Matters

The quality of your Live2D rig is only as good as the artwork it is built on. A properly prepared PSD file can mean the difference between a smooth, expressive model and one plagued by visual artifacts, clipping issues, and stiff movement. When the layer structure is correct from the start, the rigger can focus on making your character look alive rather than spending hours fixing layer problems.

This guide covers everything you need to know about preparing a rig-ready PSD file, from resolution and canvas size to layer separation, naming conventions, underdraw techniques, and common mistakes. Whether you are an illustrator preparing your own art or an artist working on a commission for a client, following these rules will save time and produce a better result. For a full overview of AnimArts services, visit our services page.

Canvas Size and Resolution

Live2D models need enough pixel density to look crisp when rendered on screen, especially at full-screen zoom. The recommended minimum canvas size is 4000 by 4000 pixels at 72 DPI. Larger canvases (up to 8192 by 8192) are fine and give additional headroom, but going smaller than 4000 pixels on either axis can result in blurry textures once the model is exported.

Work at full resolution throughout the entire illustration process. Never upscale a smaller image to meet the minimum requirement -- upscaling introduces blur that cannot be fixed later.

Layer Count and Organization

A typical rig-ready PSD contains between 40 and 80 layers depending on the complexity of the character. Simpler designs may get away with fewer, while characters with elaborate outfits, multiple accessories, and detailed hair can exceed 100 layers. Every distinct moveable part must be on its own layer.

Head and Face Layers

The face is the most important region because it carries the bulk of the expression work. You should separate the following into individual layers:

• Face base: The skin of the face, neck, and ears without any features drawn on top.
• Eyebrows: Left and right eyebrows on separate layers. Include a raised, neutral, and furrowed variant if possible.
• Eyes: Each eye needs at minimum an upper eyelid, lower eyelid, iris, pupil, eye white, and highlight layer. Left and right eyes should each be in their own group.
• Mouth: Upper lip, lower lip, mouth interior (dark fill), tongue, and teeth each on separate layers.
• Nose: A standalone nose layer, even if it is just a simple dot or line.
• Blush and face effects: Any blush marks, freckles, scars, or face paint should be separate from the skin layer.

Hair Layers

Hair is the second most critical region for movement. Separate your hair into logical groups:

• Front bangs: Split into two or three clump layers for independent sway.
• Side hair: Left and right side sections on separate layers.
• Back hair: One or more layers depending on length and style.
• Ahoge or antenna: Any standalone strand on its own layer.

The more hair layers you provide, the more natural the physics simulation will look when the head moves.

Body and Clothing Layers

Separate the body skin from every clothing piece. Jackets, shirts, ties, belts, skirts, and accessories should each be their own layer. If the character has an outfit toggle, every piece of the alternate outfit must be included as well.

Underdraw Requirements

Underdraw is the hidden artwork that extends beneath overlapping parts. When a character turns their head, areas that were previously hidden become visible. Without underdraw, the model will show gaps or seams during movement.

Key underdraw rules:

• The face base layer should extend under the hair on all sides by at least 50 to 100 pixels.
• The neck should extend under the chin and jaw.
• The body skin should extend under clothing layers.
• Each hair layer should extend slightly under adjacent hair layers.
• Ears should extend under the hair if they are partially covered.

Think of it this way: if you hide the layer above, the layer below should still look complete in the area where they overlap.

Naming Conventions

Clear layer naming saves the rigger significant time. Use descriptive English names that identify both the part and the side. Good examples:

• L_Eye_Upper_Eyelid, R_Eye_Iris, L_Eyebrow
• Hair_Front_Bangs_01, Hair_Side_L, Hair_Back
• Mouth_Upper_Lip, Mouth_Teeth, Mouth_Tongue
• Body_Skin, Jacket, Shirt, Tie

Avoid generic names like "Layer 1" or "copy of layer 3." Group related layers into folders (e.g., a "Left Eye" folder containing all left-eye sublayers).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After rigging hundreds of models at AnimArts, these are the errors we encounter most frequently:

Merged or Flattened Layers

Never merge layers that need to move independently. If the eyebrows are merged into the face skin, they cannot be animated separately. Always keep every moveable part on its own layer.

Missing Underdraw

Gaps under hair, behind ears, and beneath clothing are the most common source of visual artifacts. Check every overlap zone before delivering the PSD.

Low Resolution or Upscaled Art

Starting at a small canvas size and upscaling later results in mushy textures. Always work at 4000 pixels or above from the start.

Effects Baked into Layers

Glow, shadow, and color-adjustment effects applied as layer styles can behave unpredictably in Live2D. Rasterize any layer effects before exporting the PSD, or provide the effects on separate layers.

Asymmetric Eye Components

Both eyes should have the same set of sublayers. If the left eye has a highlight layer but the right eye does not, the rigger cannot create matching animations for both sides.

Checklist Before Sending Your PSD

Run through this checklist before you submit your file:

• Canvas is at least 4000 by 4000 pixels.
• All layers are properly separated and named.
• Underdraw is present wherever parts overlap.
• No merged layers that should move independently.
• Layer effects are rasterized or on separate layers.
• File is saved in PSD format (not JPEG, PNG, or CLIP STUDIO native format).
• Color mode is RGB (not CMYK).

What Happens After You Submit

Once your PSD is ready, you can submit it alongside your commission request. Our team reviews the file, flags any issues, and provides feedback before rigging begins. A well-prepared file typically moves straight into production without delays.

To see how much your commission will cost based on complexity, check our pricing page or read the complete pricing guide. If you have questions about layer requirements for your specific design, contact us and we will be happy to advise. You can also browse our FAQ for answers to common questions about the commission process.