How Do You Make a Sticker for Snapchat?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

In today’s digital age, personalizing your Snapchat experience has become more exciting than ever. One of the most creative ways to express yourself on this popular social media platform is by making your own custom stickers. Whether you want to add a unique flair to your snaps or share a signature look with friends, learning how to make a sticker for Snapchat opens up a world of fun and self-expression.

Creating stickers for Snapchat isn’t just about adding images; it’s about crafting something that truly represents your style and personality. From simple doodles to intricate designs, the ability to turn your ideas into stickers allows you to elevate your snaps and stand out in a sea of content. This process can be surprisingly accessible, even if you’re new to digital design or social media customization.

As you dive into the art of sticker-making, you’ll discover various tools and techniques that make the journey enjoyable and straightforward. Whether you’re aiming to create stickers from photos, drawings, or text, understanding the basics sets the stage for endless creative possibilities. Get ready to transform your Snapchat stories and chats with personalized stickers that capture your unique vibe.

Creating Custom Stickers Using Snapchat’s Tools

Snapchat offers built-in features that allow users to create custom stickers directly within the app. This method is straightforward and does not require any external software, making it accessible for all users.

To create a sticker from your Snaps or photos, follow these steps:

  • Open Snapchat and capture a photo or select one from your Memories.
  • Tap the scissors icon on the right-hand side of the screen.
  • Use your finger to trace around the part of the image you want to turn into a sticker. Snapchat will automatically crop the selection.
  • The new sticker will be saved in your sticker drawer and can be reused in chats or Snap creations.

The advantage of this method is that your custom stickers are stored locally and can be accessed anytime without needing to recreate them. Additionally, you can combine multiple stickers or layer them over your Snaps for creative effects.

Designing Stickers with External Apps for Snapchat

For more complex or polished stickers, using graphic design apps outside of Snapchat is recommended. These tools provide advanced editing features, allowing precise control over the sticker’s appearance, background transparency, and resolution.

Popular apps for designing Snapchat stickers include:

  • Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator: Professional-grade software for vector and raster sticker design.
  • Procreate: A powerful drawing app for iPad users.
  • Canva: User-friendly online platform with sticker templates.
  • PicsArt: Offers editing and cutout tools for creating stickers.

When designing stickers externally, it is crucial to ensure the following:

  • Save your sticker images in PNG format with a transparent background.
  • Keep the resolution appropriate for mobile screens, typically around 512×512 pixels.
  • Design stickers with clear, bold lines and minimal detail to maintain visibility on small screens.

Once your sticker design is complete, transfer the PNG file to your phone and import it into Snapchat as a custom sticker using the scissors tool or by adding it as an image overlay in your Snaps.

Best Practices for Sticker Creation on Snapchat

Creating effective stickers requires attention to both aesthetics and functionality. The following best practices can help maximize the impact of your custom stickers:

  • Clarity: Use simple shapes and avoid overly intricate details that may be lost on small screens.
  • Contrast: Choose colors that stand out against typical Snapchat backgrounds.
  • Transparency: Ensure the background is fully transparent to avoid unwanted borders.
  • Size: Design stickers at a size that allows resizing without loss of quality.
  • Theme Consistency: Maintain a consistent style or theme if creating multiple stickers for a set.

Below is a comparison table summarizing key factors when choosing between Snapchat’s internal tools and external apps for sticker creation:

Aspect Snapchat Built-in Tools External Design Apps
Ease of Use High – intuitive and quick Varies – requires design skills
Customization Basic cropping and cutting Advanced editing, layering, effects
Image Quality Limited by camera/photo quality High – control over resolution and format
Reusability Stickers saved within Snapchat for reuse Requires import each time or saved in device
Background Transparency Automatic cropping but may include edges Full control with PNG transparent backgrounds

Creating Custom Stickers for Snapchat Using Bitmoji and Snapchat’s Tools

To make personalized stickers on Snapchat, you can use both Snapchat’s native features and Bitmoji, which integrates seamlessly with the app. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create and use your own stickers:

Using Bitmoji to Create Personalized Stickers

Bitmoji allows you to design an avatar that resembles you, which can then be used as a sticker in Snapchat chats and snaps.

  • Download and Set Up Bitmoji:
    Install the Bitmoji app from your device’s app store and create an account or link it to your Snapchat account.
  • Create Your Avatar:
    Customize your Bitmoji avatar by choosing facial features, hairstyle, outfits, and accessories to make it look like you.
  • Sync Bitmoji with Snapchat:
    Open Snapchat, tap your profile icon, then tap “Add Bitmoji.” Follow prompts to link your Bitmoji account.
  • Access Bitmoji Stickers:
    While creating a snap or in chat, tap the sticker icon, then select Bitmoji stickers to add your personalized avatars.

Making Custom Stickers from Images within Snapchat

Snapchat allows you to convert parts of any snap into stickers that you can reuse repeatedly.

  • Take or Select a Snap:
    Capture a new photo/video or choose one from Memories.
  • Use the Scissor Tool:
    Tap the scissor icon on the right-hand editing panel. Use your finger to trace around the object you want to turn into a sticker.
  • Create Your Sticker:
    After lifting your finger, Snapchat automatically generates a sticker from the selected area, which is saved in your sticker library.
  • Reuse Stickers:
    Access your custom stickers by tapping the sticker icon and scrolling to the tab with scissor-created stickers for easy placement on future snaps.

Designing Stickers Outside Snapchat

For more control over the sticker’s appearance, you can create stickers in a graphic design app and then import them into Snapchat.

Step Recommended Tools Details
Create Transparent Background Sticker Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Procreate Design an image with a transparent background (PNG format) for sticker use.
Save to Device Any image editor or export function Export the sticker as a PNG file to your phone or tablet.
Import to Snapchat Snapchat App Open Snapchat and upload the image from Memories or directly from your camera roll.
Create Sticker Using Scissor Tool Snapchat Scissor Tool Cut out the sticker from the imported image to save it for repeated use.

Tips for Effective Snapchat Sticker Creation

  • Keep Backgrounds Transparent: For stickers designed outside Snapchat, use PNG files with transparent backgrounds to ensure clean edges.
  • Use High-Quality Images: High-resolution images yield better sticker clarity and appearance.
  • Consider Size and Simplicity: Stickers should be easily recognizable and not overly detailed due to Snapchat’s small sticker display size.
  • Organize Your Stickers: Use Snapchat’s sticker tabs to categorize and quickly access frequently used custom stickers.
  • Update Regularly: Refresh your sticker library with seasonal or themed stickers to keep your snaps engaging.

Expert Insights on Creating Stickers for Snapchat

Jessica Tran (Digital Content Strategist, Social Media Innovators Inc.) emphasizes that “To make an effective sticker for Snapchat, it’s crucial to design with mobile users in mind. The sticker should be visually clear at small sizes, use transparent backgrounds, and align with current trends to maximize user engagement and shareability.”

Dr. Marcus Lee (Augmented Reality Developer, SnapTech Labs) advises, “When creating stickers for Snapchat, leveraging vector graphics and ensuring compatibility with Snapchat’s AR platform can greatly enhance interactivity. Using tools like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate to create scalable images helps maintain quality across different devices.”

Emily Rogers (Social Media Marketing Consultant, BrandBoost Agency) states, “Understanding Snapchat’s community and culture is key. Stickers that reflect authentic emotions or popular memes tend to perform better. Creators should also consider how their stickers complement Snapchat’s existing filters and lenses for a seamless user experience.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tools do I need to create a sticker for Snapchat?
You need a graphic design app such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or free alternatives like Canva. Additionally, a transparent background and a PNG file format are essential for sticker creation.

How do I make a sticker with a transparent background for Snapchat?
Create your design on a transparent canvas and export the image as a PNG file. This format preserves transparency, allowing the sticker to blend seamlessly on Snapchat.

Can I use photos to make Snapchat stickers?
Yes, you can use photos. Remove the background using editing software or apps that support background removal, then save the image as a PNG file to maintain transparency.

How do I add my custom sticker to Snapchat?
Currently, Snapchat allows users to create stickers by saving images to their device and accessing them through the sticker picker in the chat or Snap creation screen. You can also use Snapchat’s built-in sticker creation tools.

Are there size or resolution requirements for Snapchat stickers?
Snapchat does not specify strict size requirements, but stickers should be clear and optimized for mobile screens. A resolution around 512×512 pixels is recommended for quality and performance.

Is it possible to create animated stickers for Snapchat?
Snapchat primarily supports static stickers. Animated stickers are not officially supported, but you can create GIFs and share them via other apps integrated with Snapchat.
Creating a sticker for Snapchat involves a combination of creativity and technical steps that allow users to personalize their snaps and enhance communication. The process typically starts with designing a custom image or graphic, which can be done using various graphic design tools or apps. Once the design is ready, it can be imported into Snapchat, either by using the app’s built-in sticker creation features or by uploading it as a custom sticker through Snapchat’s Bitmoji or Sticker Maker tools.

Understanding the specific requirements for sticker dimensions, file formats, and transparency is crucial to ensure the sticker appears correctly within the Snapchat environment. Additionally, leveraging Snapchat’s features such as animated stickers or integrating Bitmoji can further enrich the user experience. Users should also consider the context and audience for their stickers to maximize engagement and relevance.

In summary, making a sticker for Snapchat is a straightforward process that combines design skills with platform-specific knowledge. By following best practices in image creation and utilizing Snapchat’s tools effectively, users can create unique and expressive stickers that enhance their social interactions. Staying updated with Snapchat’s latest features and guidelines will also help in making the most of sticker customization options.

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.