How to Prepare Your PSD for Live2D Rigging

1. Why PSD preparation matters

A clean, well-organized PSD is the foundation of a good Live2D rigging for VTubers. Even the best rigger is limited by how the art is separated and layered. Preparing your file properly saves time, reduces correction costs, and gives you a smoother, more expressive VTuber model rigging commission.

This guide focuses on the art side. For pricing and tier details, see Live2D Art and Live2D Rigging.

2. Basic layering rules

Every studio has slightly different preferences, but these rules are widely accepted for Live2D:

• Head and face: Separate layers for face base, eyes (left/right), eyebrows, iris, highlights, and mouth parts.
• Hair: Split into front, side, and back pieces, plus additional strands or bangs that need independent motion.
• Body: Torso, neck, arms, and hands should be on their own layers or groups so they can rotate and bend.
• Outfit: Separate skirts, capes, jackets, ribbons, and accessories that may need to sway or move.
• Background: Keep background on a separate layer or in a different file if it is not part of the rig.

3. Clean cuts and overlap

Live2D relies on deformations and mesh warping. That means overlapping and extra paint beyond the visible area is very important: if an arm rotates, there should be enough artwork behind it to avoid gaps.

• Extend hair and clothing slightly under overlapping pieces.
• Avoid erasing edges perfectly flush; leave a bit of “underpainting” for safe deformation.
• Do not merge shadows and highlights across different moving parts if they need to bend separately.

4. Expressions and toggles

If you plan to use Normal or Detailed rigging tiers, or a VTuber debut art and rigging package, it helps to think about expressions early.

• Keep alternative expressions (angry, sad, smug, crying, etc.) as separate layers or groups.
• For toggles like glasses, masks, or headphones, keep the item on its own layer with clean edges.
• Use clear layer names so the rigger can map them quickly (e.g. EXP_happy, EXP_cry, TOGGLE_glasses).

5. Resolution and file organization

Resolution that is too small limits detail; resolution that is too large makes the file heavy and harder to work with.

• A common baseline is a canvas height around 2000–4000px for a full-body VTuber model (discuss with your rigger).
• Use folders or groups for logical sections: HEAD, HAIR, BODY, OUTFIT, ACCESSORIES.
• Remove unused sketches or extra layers from the final PSD (keep a backup file for your own archive).

6. Working with your artist and rigger

Ideally, your illustrator and rigger communicate at least once before finalizing the model. This is especially important if you are commissioning them from different people.

• Share the Live2D Rigging requirements with your artist.
• Ask your rigger if they have a PSD template or sample file they prefer.
• For complex models, consider a short paid consultation so everyone agrees on scope and structure.

7. Quick checklist before sending your PSD

• Layers are separated according to movement (face, hair, body, outfit, accessories).
• There is enough overlap behind joints and under clothing pieces.
• Expressions and toggles are on their own layers or groups.
• Layer names are readable and grouped logically.
• The canvas size is reasonable and consistent.

If you are not sure your PSD is ready, you can mention this when you contact us – we can perform a quick check and let you know if additional adjustments are needed.

From PSD to VTuber model

Once your PSD is ready, you can proceed with a Live2D rigging commission. Check the Live2D Rigging page and the Live2D Rigging Commission Guide for details, or explore bundle packages that combine art, rigging, and overlays for a full VTuber debut. When you are ready, go to Contact & Closing and send us your files and brief.