How Do You Make a Snapchat Sticker?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

In today’s fast-paced world of social media, Snapchat stands out as a dynamic platform where creativity and self-expression thrive. One of the most fun and personalized ways to enhance your snaps is by using custom stickers. Whether you want to add a quirky touch, emphasize a mood, or simply make your messages more memorable, learning how to make a Snapchat sticker can elevate your storytelling and engagement.

Creating your own Snapchat stickers allows you to move beyond the standard offerings and infuse your snaps with a unique flair that reflects your personality or brand. It’s an exciting process that combines creativity with a bit of technical know-how, opening up endless possibilities for customization. As Snapchat continues to evolve, mastering this skill can help you stay ahead and make your content stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Before diving into the step-by-step details, it’s helpful to understand the basics of what Snapchat stickers are, how they work within the app, and why they’ve become such a popular feature among users. This overview will set the stage for you to confidently explore the tools and techniques that make sticker creation both accessible and enjoyable.

Creating Custom Stickers from Your Snaps

Snapchat allows users to transform any snap into a personalized sticker, which can then be used repeatedly in chats and stories. To create a custom sticker directly from your snap, follow these steps:

  • Open Snapchat and capture a photo or select one from your Memories.
  • Tap the scissors icon located in the right-hand menu.
  • Using your finger, carefully trace around the part of the image you want to turn into a sticker. Snapchat will automatically isolate this area.
  • Once you release your finger, the sticker is saved to your sticker collection.
  • You can now place this sticker onto other snaps or send it in chats.

This method is particularly useful for extracting objects, faces, or any unique elements from your photos, providing a quick way to build a personalized sticker library without any additional apps.

Editing and Managing Your Sticker Collection

After creating stickers, managing and editing them can enhance your Snapchat experience. To organize your stickers:

  • Access the sticker tray by tapping the sticker icon while editing a snap.
  • Swipe to find the “My Stickers” tab, where all your custom stickers are stored.
  • To delete a sticker, tap and hold it, then select the trash icon.
  • Rename stickers or group them for easy access by long-pressing and using the options menu.

Editing stickers after creation is limited within Snapchat, but you can delete and recreate a sticker if adjustments are necessary. For advanced editing, consider using external graphic design tools before importing images as stickers.

Using Third-Party Tools to Enhance Sticker Creation

While Snapchat’s built-in tools are sufficient for basic sticker creation, third-party apps offer more control and creative options:

  • Background Removal Apps: These apps help precisely cut out subjects from images with advanced AI technology, producing cleaner sticker edges. Examples include Remove.bg and Adobe Photoshop Express.
  • Graphic Design Software: Tools like Canva or Procreate allow users to create fully custom stickers with text, shapes, and layers.
  • Sticker Maker Apps: Dedicated apps specifically built for creating and exporting stickers that can be imported into Snapchat or other messaging platforms.

The workflow typically involves designing or editing your sticker externally, saving it to your device, and then importing it into Snapchat via Memories for quick access.

Best Practices for Creating Effective Snapchat Stickers

Creating stickers that are visually appealing and functional requires attention to several factors:

  • Simplicity: Stickers should be clear and recognizable at small sizes.
  • Contrast and Colors: Use high contrast and vibrant colors to ensure stickers stand out.
  • Transparency: Maintain transparent backgrounds to avoid awkward borders when placing stickers on snaps.
  • Originality: Create unique stickers to personalize your snaps and avoid copyright issues.

Consider these elements when selecting images or designing graphics to maximize the impact of your stickers.

Aspect Recommendation Benefit
Image Resolution Use high-resolution images (minimum 1080×1080 pixels) Maintains clarity when resized
Background Transparent backgrounds preferred Seamless integration on different snaps
File Format PNG format for external designs Supports transparency
Size Keep sticker size below 1MB Ensures fast loading and sharing
Style Consistent color scheme and theme Creates a cohesive sticker set

Creating Custom Snapchat Stickers from Your Snaps

Snapchat allows users to create personalized stickers directly from their photos or videos, enhancing communication with unique visuals. This feature utilizes the app’s background removal tool to isolate objects or subjects, transforming them into reusable stickers.

Follow these steps to make your own Snapchat sticker:

  • Capture or select a Snap: Take a photo or video within Snapchat, or choose an existing Snap from Memories or your device’s gallery.
  • Open the sticker creation tool: Tap the sticker icon on the right-hand side of the screen, then select the scissors tool. This activates the sticker creation mode.
  • Outline the object: Using your finger, carefully trace around the element you want to turn into a sticker. Snapchat’s AI will attempt to refine the edges automatically.
  • Save the sticker: Once satisfied with your selection, tap the save button. The sticker is added to your personal sticker collection for future use.

These custom stickers can be placed on any Snap by accessing your sticker drawer. They remain available across sessions, enabling personalized communication that reflects your style and creativity.

Using Third-Party Tools to Design Snapchat Stickers

For more advanced customization, users often employ graphic design software or mobile apps to create stickers before importing them into Snapchat. This method provides finer control over the sticker’s appearance, including transparency, layering, and effects.

Recommended third-party tools include:

Tool Platform Key Features Export Format
Adobe Photoshop Desktop (Windows, macOS) Advanced layering, background removal, precise editing PNG with transparent background
Canva Web, iOS, Android Templates, drag-and-drop design, easy background removal (Pro) PNG with transparent background
Procreate iOS (iPad) Brush customization, layering, high-resolution export PNG with transparent background
PicsArt iOS, Android Background removal, stickers library, editing tools PNG with transparent background

After designing your sticker externally, export it as a PNG file with a transparent background to maintain quality and clarity when importing to Snapchat.

Importing Custom Stickers into Snapchat

Snapchat does not currently support direct uploading of external stickers into the app’s sticker library. However, you can circumvent this limitation by using the following method:

  • Save your custom PNG sticker on your mobile device.
  • Create a new Snap: Open Snapchat and capture a blank Snap or any background you prefer.
  • Add the sticker image: Tap the gallery icon (usually in the lower-left corner), select your custom sticker image, and add it to your Snap.
  • Use the scissors tool: Outline the imported sticker on the Snap to convert it into a Snapchat sticker. Save it to your sticker collection.

This method allows you to use externally designed stickers repeatedly without re-importing each time.

Best Practices for Designing Snapchat Stickers

When creating effective stickers for Snapchat, consider the following design principles:

  • Use transparent backgrounds: Save stickers as PNG files with no background to ensure seamless integration.
  • Keep dimensions optimal: Stickers should be clear and visible but not too large; typically, 512×512 pixels is a good standard size.
  • Maintain simplicity: Avoid overly complex or detailed designs, as small sticker sizes can obscure fine details.
  • Use bold colors and clear lines: This improves visibility across different Snap backgrounds and screen sizes.
  • Test stickers in various lighting: Ensure stickers look good on both light and dark backgrounds.

Managing and Organizing Your Snapchat Stickers

Snapchat provides a sticker drawer where all your created and saved stickers are stored. Efficient organization enhances your workflow and creative expression.

Tips for managing your stickers include:

  • Regularly delete unused stickers: Remove clutter to find frequently used stickers quickly.
  • Group stickers by theme: Although Snapchat doesn’t currently allow manual grouping, consider naming conventions or creating snaps with related stickers for easier access.
  • Back up your collection: Save important stickers externally by exporting or screenshotting, as app updates or device changes may remove them.

By maintaining an organized sticker library, you ensure a smoother creative process and more engaging Snaps.

Expert Perspectives on How To Make A Snapchat Sticker

Jenna Lee (Digital Content Strategist, Social Media Insights Group). Creating a Snapchat sticker requires a clear understanding of both design principles and platform specifications. I recommend starting with a transparent PNG image, ideally 512×512 pixels, to ensure optimal clarity. Utilizing tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva allows for precise cutouts and layering, which are essential for making stickers that stand out in Snapchat’s dynamic environment.

Marcus Chen (Mobile App Developer, SnapTech Solutions). From a technical standpoint, the key to making a Snapchat sticker is ensuring compatibility with Snapchat’s sticker import feature. Developers and creators should focus on exporting images with transparent backgrounds and consider the file size limitations to maintain smooth performance. Additionally, integrating custom stickers into Snapchat’s Bitmoji or sticker packs requires adherence to Snapchat’s API guidelines and sticker format standards.

Elena Rodriguez (Graphic Designer & Social Media Consultant, Creative Media Hub). The artistry behind Snapchat stickers lies in simplicity and expressiveness. When designing your sticker, focus on bold outlines and minimal color palettes to make the sticker visually appealing on small mobile screens. Testing the sticker in Snapchat’s environment before finalizing ensures that it maintains its impact and readability, which is crucial for user engagement and sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tools do I need to create a Snapchat sticker?
You need a smartphone or computer with photo editing software or apps that support transparent backgrounds, such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or Snapchat’s own sticker creation feature.

Can I use any image to make a Snapchat sticker?
Yes, but the image should have a clear subject and ideally a transparent background to ensure it looks clean and professional when used as a sticker.

How do I remove the background from an image for a Snapchat sticker?
Use photo editing tools with background removal features, such as Photoshop’s Magic Wand, Canva’s Background Remover, or dedicated apps like Remove.bg.

How do I add my custom sticker to Snapchat?
After creating your sticker with a transparent background, save it to your device and upload it through Snapchat’s sticker creation tool or add it to your Memories for quick access.

Are there size or format requirements for Snapchat stickers?
Snapchat stickers should be in PNG format with a transparent background, and typically sized around 512×512 pixels for optimal clarity and performance.

Can I share my custom Snapchat stickers with friends?
Custom stickers created within Snapchat can be shared in chats and stories, but sharing outside the app requires exporting the sticker image and sending it through other platforms manually.
Creating a Snapchat sticker involves a few straightforward steps that allow users to personalize their snaps and enhance communication. By selecting or capturing an image, using Snapchat’s built-in editing tools to cut out the desired portion, and saving it as a sticker, users can easily add unique visual elements to their messages. This process leverages Snapchat’s intuitive interface, making sticker creation accessible even to those without graphic design experience.

Moreover, understanding how to make Snapchat stickers empowers users to express themselves more creatively and engage their audience in a more dynamic way. Custom stickers can reflect personal style, moods, or inside jokes, thereby enriching the social experience on the platform. Additionally, the ability to reuse these stickers in future conversations adds convenience and consistency to one’s Snapchat interactions.

In summary, mastering the creation of Snapchat stickers not only enhances the visual appeal of snaps but also fosters greater personalization and engagement. By following simple steps and utilizing Snapchat’s features effectively, users can expand their creative toolkit and make their communications more vibrant and memorable.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.