How Can You Make a Custom Sticker on Snapchat?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

In the vibrant world of Snapchat, personal expression takes center stage, and nothing captures your unique style quite like custom stickers. Whether you want to add a playful touch to your snaps or create memorable visuals that stand out, making your own stickers on Snapchat opens up a whole new realm of creativity. This feature allows users to transform everyday images and moments into personalized graphics that can be shared with friends or saved for future use.

Creating custom stickers on Snapchat is an exciting way to elevate your messaging experience, blending fun and individuality seamlessly. As Snapchat continues to evolve, it offers intuitive tools that make the sticker-making process accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic skill. Exploring this feature not only enhances your snaps but also lets you craft a signature look that reflects your personality.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the essentials of how to make a custom sticker on Snapchat, unlocking tips and tricks that will help you bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re a casual user or a Snapchat enthusiast, learning this skill will add a fresh dimension to your social interactions and storytelling.

Using Snapchat’s Sticker Creation Tools

Snapchat offers intuitive tools that allow users to create custom stickers directly within the app, enhancing the personalization of snaps. To start, capture or select a photo from your Memories or Camera Roll. Then, use the Scissors tool located in the sticker menu to outline the part of the image you want to turn into a sticker. This tool automatically removes the background and converts the selection into a sticker you can use repeatedly.

The Scissors tool works best with clear, distinct shapes or subjects. When tracing manually, zoom in for precision and try to avoid jagged edges. After cutting out your sticker, it is saved under the “My Stickers” tab and can be dragged onto any snap or chat. Snapchat also allows you to combine multiple custom stickers or layer them with emojis and text, providing creative flexibility.

Editing and Managing Custom Stickers

Managing your custom stickers efficiently ensures you have quick access to them whenever needed. Within the “My Stickers” section, you can view all created stickers and organize them by deleting or rearranging favorites. Unfortunately, Snapchat doesn’t currently support renaming individual stickers, but users can curate collections by deleting less-used stickers.

Editing stickers after creation is limited within Snapchat. To make changes, you need to delete the existing sticker and create a new one from an updated image or selection. For more advanced editing, external graphic editing apps or software may be required before importing the image back into Snapchat.

Tips for Creating Effective Custom Stickers

Creating visually appealing and useful stickers requires attention to detail and understanding Snapchat’s platform limitations. Consider the following tips to enhance your sticker creation process:

  • Use high-contrast images to ensure the subject stands out from the background.
  • Avoid overly complex shapes; simple, recognizable outlines work best.
  • Use bright colors and clear lines for better visibility on various backgrounds.
  • Test stickers in different lighting and snap environments to verify clarity.
  • Combine stickers with text or emojis to convey messages more effectively.

Comparison of Snapchat Sticker Features

To help you understand the capabilities and limitations of Snapchat’s custom sticker features, the following table summarizes key aspects compared to traditional stickers and third-party apps:

Feature Snapchat Custom Stickers Traditional Snapchat Stickers Third-Party Sticker Apps
Creation Method Cut out from photos using Scissors tool Pre-designed by Snapchat Upload or design from scratch
Editing Capability Limited; recreate to edit None Advanced graphic editing
Storage Saved under My Stickers within Snapchat Available in sticker panel App dependent, often cloud-based
Usability Drag and drop on snaps and chats Drag and drop on snaps and chats Export to Snapchat or other platforms

Sharing Custom Stickers with Friends

While Snapchat does not currently support direct sharing of custom sticker files between users, you can share stickers by sending snaps containing them. Friends can then screenshot or save these snaps to recreate similar stickers on their own devices. Alternatively, collaborate by exchanging the original images used to create stickers, ensuring consistency across your Snapchat conversations.

For group chats or ongoing conversations, custom stickers add a personalized touch that enhances engagement. Encourage friends to create their own stickers to expand the variety and make interactions more fun.

Best Practices for Sticker Creation Workflow

To maintain an efficient sticker creation process, consider adopting a structured workflow:

  • Plan your sticker theme or purpose before capturing images.
  • Use consistent lighting and backgrounds to facilitate clean cutouts.
  • Keep a dedicated album for sticker source images.
  • Regularly review and clean up your sticker collection to remove unused items.
  • Test stickers in multiple snap contexts to ensure versatility.

Following these practices will help you build a polished and practical sticker library tailored to your Snapchat style.

Creating a Custom Sticker on Snapchat

To create a custom sticker on Snapchat, you can utilize the built-in Sticker Maker tool within the app. This feature allows you to extract a portion of any Snap or photo, turning it into a reusable sticker that can be added to future Snaps. Follow these steps for precise and efficient sticker creation:

  • Open Snapchat and capture or select a Snap: Launch the app and either take a photo/video or choose one from your Memories or camera roll.
  • Access the Sticker Maker: Tap the scissors icon located in the right-hand toolbar above the capture button. This opens the sticker editing interface.
  • Create a new sticker: Use your finger to carefully trace around the object or portion of the image you want to convert into a sticker. The app will create an outline and isolate the selected area from the background.
  • Refine your cutout: If necessary, use the undo button to adjust your selection, or trace again until the desired shape is achieved.
  • Save the sticker: After completing the cutout, tap the save icon. Your custom sticker is now stored in your personal sticker library for future use.
  • Use the custom sticker: Access the sticker drawer by tapping the sticker icon on the right toolbar while editing a Snap. Your saved custom stickers will appear in a dedicated section for easy access.
Step Action Tip
Capture or Select Open Snap or Memory Choose clear images with distinct subjects for best cutouts
Open Sticker Maker Tap scissors icon Located on right toolbar
Create Cutout Trace object with finger Zoom in for detailed precision
Save Sticker Tap save icon Sticker saves to your personal library
Apply Sticker Tap sticker icon in Snap editor Find custom stickers in “My Stickers” section

Tips for Enhancing Custom Sticker Quality

When creating custom stickers, the quality and usability depend largely on the image source and the precision of the cutout. Consider the following professional tips:

  • Use high-contrast images: Stickers created from images with clear separation between the subject and background allow for cleaner edges and more professional results.
  • Avoid complex backgrounds: Simplify your selection process by choosing photos with minimal background noise or clutter.
  • Zoom and steady your hand: Use two fingers to zoom in on your image when tracing the outline, increasing accuracy and smoothness of the sticker edges.
  • Test stickers in different Snaps: Apply your custom stickers to a variety of Snaps to ensure they look good against multiple backgrounds and lighting conditions.
  • Regularly update your sticker library: Delete unused or low-quality stickers to keep your collection relevant and easy to navigate.

Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced Custom Sticker Creation

While Snapchat’s native Sticker Maker is convenient, third-party graphic design apps offer advanced tools for creating more intricate custom stickers. These apps allow you to design, edit, and export transparent PNG images that can be imported into Snapchat as custom stickers.

App Features Platform Cost
Procreate Advanced drawing, layering, transparency control iOS (iPad) Paid
Canva Templates, drag-and-drop, export PNG with transparent background iOS, Android, Web Free with premium options
PicsArt Cutout tools, filters, sticker creation iOS, Android Free with ads, subscription available
Adobe Photoshop Express Photo editing, cutout features, transparent background export iOS, Android Free with in-app purchases

To use these apps effectively:

  1. Create or import an image and remove the background, ensuring a transparent PNG output.
  2. Save the edited image to your device’s photo library.
  3. Open Snapchat, start a new Snap, and import the PNG file from your camera roll.
  4. Use the scissor tool to convert the imported image into a custom sticker within Snapchat.

This approach provides greater creative control and results in higher-quality stickers

Expert Insights on Creating Custom Stickers on Snapchat

Jessica Tran (Social Media Strategist, Digital Trends Agency). Creating a custom sticker on Snapchat requires understanding the platform’s built-in tools, such as the scissors icon that allows users to cut out parts of an image. For brands and creators, leveraging this feature can significantly enhance engagement by adding personalized, on-brand visuals that resonate with their audience.

Dr. Michael Lee (User Experience Researcher, Mobile App Innovations). From a UX perspective, Snapchat’s custom sticker feature is designed to be intuitive, encouraging users to interact more creatively with their snaps. The ability to isolate and save elements from photos as stickers fosters a dynamic and personalized communication style, which is critical for maintaining user retention and satisfaction.

Emily Rodriguez (Creative Director, Interactive Media Solutions). When making a custom sticker on Snapchat, attention to detail in the cutout process is essential. Clean edges and thoughtful selection improve the sticker’s visual appeal and usability. Additionally, incorporating unique designs or branding elements can transform ordinary snaps into memorable, shareable content that amplifies storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tools do I need to create a custom sticker on Snapchat?
You need the Snapchat app installed on your smartphone and a photo or image you want to convert into a sticker. The app’s built-in editing features allow you to create stickers directly.

How do I create a custom sticker from a photo on Snapchat?
Open the Snapchat camera, take or select a photo, tap the scissors icon, then outline the part of the image you want to save as a sticker. Snapchat will add this cutout to your sticker collection for reuse.

Can I use custom stickers in Snapchat chats and snaps?
Yes, once saved, custom stickers appear in your sticker tray and can be added to snaps, chats, and stories just like standard Snapchat stickers.

Are there any size or format restrictions for custom stickers on Snapchat?
Custom stickers are created within the app by cropping images, so there are no explicit size or format requirements. However, stickers should be clear and appropriately sized for visibility on snaps.

Is it possible to share custom stickers with friends on Snapchat?
Custom stickers are saved to your personal sticker collection and cannot be directly shared. However, you can send snaps containing your custom stickers to friends.

How can I delete or manage my custom stickers on Snapchat?
Access your sticker tray, find the custom sticker you want to remove, press and hold it, then select the delete option to remove it from your collection.
Creating a custom sticker on Snapchat allows users to personalize their snaps and enhance their storytelling experience. The process primarily involves using the app’s built-in tools to select or capture an image, then utilizing the sticker creation feature to cut out a specific portion of that image. This custom sticker can then be saved and reused in future snaps, adding a unique and creative touch to your content.

Key takeaways include understanding that Snapchat’s sticker creation tool is intuitive and accessible, requiring no advanced graphic design skills. Users can create stickers from any photo in their camera roll or directly from snaps they capture, making the feature versatile and convenient. Additionally, custom stickers help in expressing individuality and can make snaps more engaging for both personal and professional communication.

Overall, mastering how to make a custom sticker on Snapchat enhances the user experience by providing a simple yet powerful way to customize snaps. By leveraging this feature, users can stand out in their social interactions and create more memorable visual stories. Consistent use of custom stickers can also contribute to building a recognizable personal or brand identity on the platform.

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.