Seedream 5.0 Layers is a third-party image generation model from Bytedance, available on Runway. It splits a single image into separate, editable layers with state-of-the-art separation — for example, you can take a product photo and isolate the subject, background, and other elements into individual layers you can toggle, reposition, or transform independently.
This article covers how to access Seedream 5.0 Layers in Tool mode, prompt best practices, using the Runway layer editor, and more.
Spec Information
| Credit cost | 18 credits |
|---|---|
| Supported inputs | Image |
| Output format | PNG layers, transparent support |
| Modalities | Image to transparent layers |
Step 1 – Selecting Seedream 5.0 Layers
Seedream 5.0 Layers is available in Tool mode. To access it:
- From the left navigation bar, click Tool.
- Select the Image tab at the top of the generation panel.
- Click the model dropdown at the bottom of the panel and search Seedream 5.0 Layers.
Step 2 – Writing the prompt (optional)
Upload the image you want to split into layers. Once uploaded, you can generate right away without a prompt, or add one for more control.
The model automatically identifies and separates the contents of an image into distinct transparent layers, so prompts are optional. Add one when you need finer control over how layers are split, or when you're isolating smaller elements within the image.
When you do add a prompt, describe the specific elements you want separated so the model knows what to isolate onto its own layer.
Step 3 – Editing or downloading layers
Once the generation processes, the layer editor will appear in your session:
The editor lets you to make adjustments to each layer without leaving Runway. If you'd rather work in external editing software, see the Export layers dropdown in the Downloading Edits or Exporting Layers section.
Only the separation process (clicking Generate) uses credits, so you can download your edits as many times as you like at no extra cost.
Layer management
Select a layer
Click an element directly in the image editor, or choose it from the layer list on the right side of the screen.
Hide a layer
Click the eye icon next to a layer to hide it from view.
Reorder a layer
Use the up and down arrows to move a layer forward or backward in the stack. Layers at the top of the list sit in front of everything below them.
Editing layers
Move a layer
Select the layer, then click and drag it anywhere in the editor.
Resize a layer
Select the layer, then click and drag one of its resize handles to scale it up or down.
Rotate a layer
Select the layer, then click and drag the rotation handle left or right to change its orientation.
Downloading edits or exporting layers
Download edits
Click Download to save your edits to your computer. Any area showing a checkerboard pattern is transparent upon download.
Export layers
If you'd rather continue editing in photo editing software, bulk download the layers from your Recents folder instead:
- Click Recents in the left-hand navigation bar
- Click the first asset in the group
-
Hold
SHIFTand click the last asset to select everything in between - Click Actions, then click Download.
Example outputs
| Input image | Prompt | Layers |
|---|---|---|
| None | ||
| Grapefruit juice droplet |
Next steps
Once you've generated with Seedream 5.0 Layers, keep working with your output:
- Agent — If your image feels flat or is missing shadows after edits, ask Agent to add natural shadows.