Creative Tool
LayerType
A free, browser-based YouTube thumbnail maker with AI-powered background removal. Create professional "text-behind-subject" effects in seconds—no Photoshop needed.
The Idea
Professional YouTube thumbnails shouldn't require expensive software. LayerType brings Photoshop-level effects to your browser—for free.
About
LayerType is a browser-based thumbnail creator that uses AI to automatically remove backgrounds from your images. The signature feature is the "text-behind-subject" effect—where text appears to be layered behind your subject, giving thumbnails that professional, eye-catching look that drives clicks.
Everything runs locally in your browser. After a one-time ~40MB model download, all processing happens on your device—no uploads, no waiting, complete privacy. It's specifically designed for content creators who want professional results without the Photoshop learning curve.
🎯 AI-Powered Subject Extraction
The core magic is powered by RMBG-1.4, a state-of-the-art background removal model:
- • Automatically separates subject from background with high precision
- • Smart edge refinement with feathering, trimming, and defringing options
- • Works entirely offline after initial model download (~40MB one-time)
- • Remove backgrounds from additional images too—not just your main subject
Features
Text Layers
20+ YouTube-optimized fonts with full customization—size, color, stroke, shadow, rotation
Stickers & Shapes
Popular emojis (🔥 😱 🤯 💯 ⚡), arrows, circles, speech bubbles, stars, hearts
Additional Images
Add extra images with optional background removal—layer behind or in front of subject
Background Effects
Dim, blur, tint, brightness, contrast, and saturation adjustments
YouTube Ready
Export at 1280×720, high-quality PNG, with built-in YouTube preview mode
Productivity
Undo/Redo, keyboard shortcuts, drag-and-drop reordering, duplicate layers
The Magic Effect
The "Behind Subject" toggle is what makes LayerType special.
With one click, any text, sticker, or image can be placed behind your subject—creating that professional, multi-dimensional look you see on top YouTube channels. The AI precisely extracts your subject, and the layering system handles the rest. No manual masking required.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl+Z Undo Ctrl+Y Redo Ctrl+D Duplicate Delete Remove layer ↑↓←→ Nudge layers Why It Matters
- — Democratizing design — Professional thumbnail effects shouldn't require $20/month subscriptions or Photoshop expertise
- — Privacy first — Everything runs locally. Your images never leave your device
- — Tibetan font support — Includes Jomolhari for creators making Tibetan content—because our community deserves good tools too
- — Speed matters — Create thumbnails in minutes, not hours. More time creating content, less time in design software
Open Source
100% free and open source. Built with React and Transformers.js, hosted on GitHub Pages with zero running costs. Fork it, improve it, make it yours.