How Do You Make a Sticker on Snapchat?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

In today’s digital age, personalizing your Snapchat messages with unique stickers has become a fun and creative way to express yourself. Whether you want to add a quirky touch to your snaps or create custom visuals that truly represent your style, knowing how to make a sticker on Snapchat opens up a world of possibilities. Stickers can transform ordinary snaps into memorable moments, making your conversations more engaging and visually appealing.

Creating your own stickers on Snapchat is easier than you might think, and it allows for endless customization. From turning your favorite images or doodles into stickers to using Snapchat’s built-in tools to craft something entirely new, the process is designed to be intuitive and enjoyable. This feature not only enhances your storytelling but also lets you share personalized content with friends in a way that feels fresh and unique.

In this article, we’ll explore the exciting world of Snapchat stickers, guiding you through the basics and inspiring you to unleash your creativity. Whether you’re a casual user or a Snapchat enthusiast, learning how to make your own stickers will elevate your social media experience and help you stand out in the crowd. Get ready to dive into a step-by-step journey that will have you crafting custom stickers in no time!

Creating Custom Stickers Using Snapchat’s Tools

Snapchat offers built-in features that allow users to create personalized stickers directly within the app. This process leverages the photo editing and drawing tools available on Snapchat, making it easy to transform your snaps into unique stickers without the need for external software.

To create a custom sticker:

  • Open Snapchat and capture a photo or select one from your Memories.
  • Tap the Scissors icon located on the right side of the screen.
  • Use your finger to carefully outline the portion of the image you want to turn into a sticker.
  • Once selected, Snapchat will automatically isolate the cutout and save it as a sticker.
  • You can then use this sticker in future snaps by accessing the sticker tab.

This method is particularly useful for creating stickers of faces, objects, or any part of your photos that you want to reuse frequently. The precision of the cutout depends on how carefully you trace the edges, so zooming in and steady strokes are recommended.

Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced Sticker Creation

For users seeking more control and customization, third-party apps can be employed to design Snapchat stickers with advanced editing features. These apps typically offer tools such as background removal, layering, text addition, and enhanced drawing capabilities.

Popular apps for sticker creation include:

  • PicsArt: Offers background eraser, stickers, and text tools.
  • Adobe Photoshop Express: Allows detailed photo editing and layering.
  • Canva: Provides templates and graphics useful for sticker design.
  • Sticker Maker: Specializes in creating stickers for various messaging platforms.

The workflow generally involves creating a transparent PNG file with your desired design, then importing it back into Snapchat for use. This approach offers higher quality and more complex designs compared to Snapchat’s native tools.

Uploading and Using Custom Stickers in Snapchat

Once a sticker is created, either via Snapchat’s tools or a third-party app, it can be used in your snaps. Snapchat automatically saves custom stickers created within the app, but for externally created images, you need to import them as follows:

  • Transfer the PNG sticker to your mobile device if created on a desktop.
  • Open Snapchat and start a new snap.
  • Access the sticker menu and tap the “Create Sticker” option if available.
  • Select the imported PNG from your device’s gallery.
  • Adjust the size and position of the sticker on your snap.

Custom stickers can be saved and reused indefinitely, making them a convenient way to personalize your snaps and stories.

Best Practices for Designing Stickers

When designing stickers for Snapchat, consider the following best practices to ensure clarity, usability, and aesthetic appeal:

  • Use Transparent Backgrounds: Stickers should be PNG files with transparent backgrounds to blend seamlessly into snaps.
  • Keep It Simple: Overly complex designs may be hard to recognize at smaller sizes.
  • Optimize for Size: Snapchat stickers are relatively small, so ensure that details are visible without excessive clutter.
  • Test on Different Backgrounds: Verify how your sticker appears over various snap backgrounds to avoid visibility issues.
  • Use High Contrast: This ensures the sticker stands out regardless of the underlying image.

Comparison of Sticker Creation Methods

Method Ease of Use Customization Options Required Tools Best For
Snapchat’s Built-in Tools High Basic Snapchat App Quick, on-the-fly stickers
Third-Party Apps Medium Advanced Photo Editing Apps (e.g., PicsArt, Canva) Detailed, professional designs
Desktop Graphic Software Low Full Photoshop, Illustrator Highly polished stickers with complex effects

Creating Custom Stickers for Snapchat

To create custom stickers on Snapchat, you can use the platform’s built-in tools or external design applications. The process involves preparing your image, removing the background if necessary, and then importing it into Snapchat to use as a sticker.

Using Snapchat’s Built-In Sticker Tool

Snapchat allows users to create stickers directly from their Snaps or saved images by following these steps:

  • Open Snapchat Camera: Capture a photo or select one from Memories.
  • Access the Scissors Tool: Tap the scissors icon in the toolbar on the right side.
  • Create the Sticker: Use your finger to outline the part of the image you want to turn into a sticker. Snapchat will automatically crop it.
  • Save the Sticker: The cropped sticker is saved to your sticker collection and can be reused in chats and Snaps.

Designing Stickers with External Apps

For more polished or complex sticker designs, third-party graphic design tools are recommended. These allow precise control over sticker dimensions, transparency, and design elements.

Recommended Tools Key Features Output Format
Adobe Photoshop Advanced editing, layering, background removal PNG with transparent background
Canva User-friendly interface, pre-made templates PNG with transparent background
Procreate (iPad) Drawing and design with stylus support PNG with transparent background

Steps for Creating a Snapchat Sticker Using External Tools

  1. Design the Sticker: Create your sticker image on a transparent canvas, ensuring the background is removed.
  2. Export as PNG: Save the image in PNG format to preserve transparency.
  3. Transfer to Mobile Device: Upload the sticker to your smartphone via cloud storage, email, or direct transfer.
  4. Import into Snapchat: Open Snapchat, access Memories, and upload the sticker image.
  5. Create a Sticker from Image: Use the scissors tool to outline and save the imported image as a sticker in Snapchat.

Best Practices for Snapchat Stickers

  • Size and Resolution: Keep stickers between 512×512 and 1024×1024 pixels for optimal clarity.
  • Transparent Background: Use PNG format with transparency to avoid unwanted backgrounds on stickers.
  • Simple Design: Stickers should be visually clear and simple to work well at small sizes.
  • Consistent Style: Maintain a consistent theme or style if creating multiple stickers for a cohesive look.
  • Test in Snapchat: Preview stickers in different lighting and backgrounds within the app to ensure visibility.

Expert Insights on Creating Custom Stickers for Snapchat

Jenna Lee (Digital Content Strategist, Social Media Innovations). Creating a sticker on Snapchat involves understanding both the app’s built-in tools and external design principles. Users should start by capturing or uploading an image, then use Snapchat’s cutout tool to isolate the subject. For more personalized stickers, leveraging graphic design software to create transparent PNGs before importing them into Snapchat can significantly enhance the sticker’s quality and usability.

Marcus Chen (Mobile UX Designer, SnapTech Labs). The key to making an effective Snapchat sticker lies in simplicity and clarity. Since stickers are small and often used in fast-paced conversations, designs must be visually striking yet minimalistic. Additionally, considering the sticker’s context within Snapchat’s AR environment can improve user engagement, especially when integrating dynamic or animated elements.

Elena Rodriguez (Social Media Marketing Consultant, BrandBoost Agency). From a marketing perspective, custom Snapchat stickers offer brands a unique way to increase user interaction and brand visibility. When advising clients on how to make a sticker, I emphasize the importance of aligning the sticker’s style with the brand’s identity while ensuring it resonates with the target audience. Utilizing Snapchat’s sticker creation features can drive organic sharing and enhance campaign reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the process to create a custom sticker on Snapchat?
To create a custom sticker on Snapchat, open the app and capture or select a photo. Tap the scissors icon to cut out a portion of the image, which automatically saves as a sticker in your sticker drawer for future use.

Can I use my own images to make stickers on Snapchat?
Yes, Snapchat allows you to create stickers from any photo you take or upload within the app by using the scissors tool to isolate and save parts of the image as stickers.

How do I access and use my custom stickers in Snapchat chats?
After creating a sticker, tap the sticker icon in the chat interface, navigate to the “My Stickers” section, and select your custom sticker to send it in your conversation.

Are Snapchat custom stickers saved permanently?
Custom stickers created with the scissors tool are saved in your sticker drawer indefinitely unless you manually delete them.

Is there a way to edit or delete custom stickers on Snapchat?
Yes, to delete a custom sticker, open the sticker drawer, find the sticker under “My Stickers,” press and hold it, then select the delete option. Editing requires creating a new sticker from a different image.

Can I share my custom Snapchat stickers with other users?
No, custom stickers are saved locally on your device and cannot be directly shared or transferred to other Snapchat users. Each user must create their own stickers individually.
Creating a sticker on Snapchat is a straightforward process that enhances your messaging experience by allowing personalized and expressive visuals. Users can make stickers by capturing or selecting an image, then using Snapchat’s built-in editing tools to cut out specific parts of the photo and save them as custom stickers. This feature enables greater creativity and customization in chats and snaps.

In addition to manually creating stickers, Snapchat also offers a variety of pre-made stickers and Bitmoji integrations, which can complement your personalized creations. Utilizing these tools effectively can elevate your communication and make your snaps more engaging and fun. Understanding the step-by-step process and experimenting with the available features will help users maximize the potential of Snapchat stickers.

Overall, mastering how to make a sticker on Snapchat not only adds a unique touch to your messages but also allows for more dynamic and personalized interactions. By leveraging Snapchat’s intuitive interface and creative options, users can enrich their social media experience with custom visuals that reflect their personality and style.

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.