So - I have an image which is one layer, I would like to convert that image into, lets say 5 layers, so I can cut them out on my laser engraver and then place them on top of each other to give a 3d effect (Iam certain you are aware of what I want to do).

I don't have access to Photoshop (I am an too poor and don't do this enough to warrant paying).

Is there other software available?  Would it be photo editing software or drawing software (like Inkscape) and if so which is best.

Thank you for your help.

Paul

What kind of image do you want to convert? Any example available?

This is the kind of thing I want to make layers of

This is the result. I mean what kind of image do you want to start with?

No - this is the starting point - I want to turn the various parts into layers so I can cut them out.

Sorry for any confusion - this image is not a laser cut thing - it was generated as a picture by AI.  I want to turn it into a laser cut, multi layer thing because I think it would look nice.

Maybe you can convince the generator to produce only a limited number of colors without the 3d effect, lighting and soft shadows (negative prompts?); more like a woodcut.

Nope - it's a one shot deal - but thanks for trying.

Just in case - I wondered if anyone else had an idea if it was possible,  I'm not saying polygon is not correct but sometimes different people have different experiences and have different work arounds.

There are many examples of lasercut art with multiple layers. Google image search: laser cut mutiple layers art.

No automagical  conversion for pictures, but there are tricks & tips that can be discussed.

Maybe some settings in Trace Bitmap could get a more or less decent result. Fact is: it's a bitmap, and no way Inkscape can figure out the shape of that head for example (hidden parts of layers are lost data). When investigating the image a bit deeper, I even started finding impossibilities.

If you want to turn this into a nice shape, I would recommend you trace the parts by hand. Be liberal in how you shape it... make this your starting point and make it your own artwork.

Here's how I would set sail:

1. paste the bitmap in the bottom layer, lock that layer and decrease the opacity to 50% or something similar
2. Use the pen tool (bezier), maybe the spiro mode, maybe regular bezier mode - use triangle in, out or ellipse as shape...

With these tools you can draw the curves very nicely. For the face, I would just use "none" as shape.

Good luck