Python PIL | Image.split() method

PIL is the Python Imaging Library which provides the python interpreter with image editing capabilities. Image.split() method is used to split the image into individual bands. This method returns a tuple of individual image bands from an image. Splitting an “RGB” image creates three new images each containing a copy of one of the original bands (red, green, blue).

Syntax: var = Image.Image.split(image_object) OR var = Image.Image.split(path_of_image) Return Value: It returns a tuple containing bands.

Code #1:

Python3

# importing Image class from PIL package
from PIL import Image

# opening a multiband image (RGB specifically)
im = Image.open(r"C:\Users\Admin\Pictures\network.png")

# split() method
# this will split the image in individual bands
# and return a tuple
im1 = Image.Image.split(im)

# showing each band
im1[0].show()
im1[1].show()
im1[2].show()

Output:

Code #2:

Python3

# importing Image class from PIL package
from PIL import Image

# opening a singleband image
im = Image.open(r"C:\Users\Admin\Pictures\singleband.png")

# split() method
# this will split the image in individual bands
# and return a tuple (of 1 element for singleband)
im1 = Image.Image.split(im)

# showing image
im1[0].show()

Output:

Images Used:

Python PIL | Image.split() method

Explore