Layer does not require a subscription to get started. Some new accounts receive free Creative Units to explore the platform before committing to a paid plan if they sign up with a business email. This article explains exactly what you get, how to maximize your free credits, and what to expect when you are ready to buy.
What you get on the free plan
When you create a new Layer account, you may receive a starting allocation of free Creative Units automatically. The amount depends on the type of email you sign up with:
Email type | Free CUs granted | Examples |
Personal email | None | Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, and similar consumer email providers |
Professional / work email | 300 CUs | A company or studio email address at your own domain |
If you signed up with a personal email but also have a work email, you can add your work email to your account to unlock the additional 300 CU bonus. Allocations apply only to first-time Layer users on a given account.
What you can test with free units
Free plan users have access to all of Layer's core features. There are no feature-gated tiers that require a paid plan to unlock. This means you can use your free CUs to try any of the following:
2D image generation using any of Layer's available models, including GPT Image, Qwen, Gemini, and others.
Prompt Edit for modifying existing images using text instructions.
Video generation using models such as Kling and Veo, though these consume more CUs per generation than images.
Custom model training (LoRA) to test a trained style with your own images before committing to a subscription, though they may require various amounts of units to try.
3D generation, audio generation, and upscaling are all accessible on the free plan within your CU balance.
Workflows for building multi-step generation pipelines.
Some features are only accessible when applied to the correct model type. For example, Character Pose is available on the free plan but requires a character-type model to activate. If an option appears greyed out, check that you are using a compatible model type for that feature rather than assuming it requires a paid plan.
How to make the most of your free units
If you want to properly evaluate the platform before subscribing, here are some practical suggestions:
Start with 2D image generation. Single image generations at standard resolution typically cost 1 to 2 CUs, giving you a meaningful number of test generations on your initial CU allocation.
Use Layer's built-in templates. The home page includes ready-made templates for common gaming use cases, which are a fast way to see what the platform can do without needing to configure everything from scratch.
First-time purchase discount
If you are ready to buy but want a lower-risk entry point, Layer offers 50% off your first one-time Creative Unit pack for new users. This applies to one-time packs of 300, 500, or 2,000 units and is available directly inside the app. It does not apply to recurring subscriptions.
You can find this offer in the Subscriptions section of your workspace. It is available to first-time buyers only and will be displayed automatically if your account qualifies.
When your free units run out
Once your free CUs are used, you will need either a recurring subscription or a one-time CU pack to continue generating. You will not lose access to any models, trained styles, sessions, or workspace data when your balance reaches zero. Everything stays intact and becomes accessible again as soon as you add more CUs.
For a full breakdown of subscription options, pricing, and what each plan includes, see the Guide to Layer's Subscriptions and Pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
I signed up but my balance shows zero. What happened?
Free CUs are granted automatically to first-time users who sign up with their professional email addresses i.e. not with free email providers like Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc. Users who sign up with free email providers may explore Layer's options but will need to either sign up with a professional email address or make a purchase of Creative Units.
What counts as a professional email?
A professional email is any email address on a company or studio domain that is not a consumer provider. Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, and similar services are considered personal emails. An email at your company's own domain qualifies as professional.
Can I add my work email after already signing up with a personal email?
Yes. You can add a work email to your existing account to unlock the 300 CU bonus. This is available from your account settings. If you have done this and the bonus has not appeared, contact support and we will apply it manually.
Are there any features I cannot test on the free plan?
All core product features are available on the free plan. The only limitations are the CU balance itself and certain Enterprise-only features such as advanced SSO, audit trail exports, and custom billing arrangements, which are designed for large organisations and require a direct arrangement with the Layer team.
Do free CUs expire?
Free CUs do not expire on a monthly cycle the way subscription CUs do. They remain in your balance until used. However, if you have not used your account in an extended period, contact support if you notice your balance has changed unexpectedly.
Is there a traditional free trial with a time limit?
No. Layer does not use a time-limited free trial. Instead, you receive free Creative Units that let you explore the platform at your own pace, with no expiry pressure. When you run out of CUs, you simply choose a plan or purchase a one-time pack to continue.
I want to test a specific feature but my free CUs ran out. What are my options?
The first-time 50% discount on a one-time CU pack is the most cost-effective way to extend your testing. Alternatively, adding a work email to your account will unlock 300 CUs if you have not already done so. If you have specific questions about whether a feature is right for your use case before buying, reach out to support and we are happy to help.
Questions about whether Layer is a good fit before you subscribe? Reach out to our support team and we will help you find the right starting point.