How Can You Make Stickers in Procreate Step by Step?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

Creating personalized stickers has become a popular way to add a unique touch to everything from digital messages to physical notebooks. If you’re an artist, designer, or simply someone who loves customizing their belongings, learning how to make stickers in Procreate can open up a world of creative possibilities. This powerful digital illustration app offers intuitive tools and features that make sticker creation both accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

In this article, we’ll explore the exciting process of transforming your artwork into vibrant, eye-catching stickers using Procreate. From sketching and coloring to refining your designs and preparing them for printing or digital use, you’ll discover how to harness Procreate’s capabilities to bring your sticker ideas to life. Whether you want to create fun decals for your laptop, unique planner embellishments, or digital stickers for messaging apps, mastering this workflow will empower you to craft stickers that truly reflect your style.

By understanding the fundamentals of sticker-making in Procreate, you’ll be equipped to experiment with different styles, textures, and effects that make your creations stand out. Get ready to dive into a creative journey that not only enhances your digital art skills but also lets you produce custom stickers that can brighten up any space or conversation.

Creating Your Artwork and Preparing for Stickers

Once you have your Procreate canvas set up with the appropriate dimensions and resolution, the next step is to create your sticker designs. Use Procreate’s powerful brush library to sketch, ink, and color your artwork. To ensure your stickers look crisp and professional, work with high-resolution brushes and avoid scaling up your artwork later.

When designing stickers, consider the following tips:

  • Use bold lines and vibrant colors to ensure your stickers stand out.
  • Keep the background transparent by working on a clear layer.
  • Include a white border or outline around your artwork to mimic the classic sticker look.
  • Group related elements into separate layers for easier editing.

It’s also beneficial to create multiple versions or variations of your stickers to provide options for different uses or preferences.

Adding a Sticker Outline (Cut Line)

A defining feature of stickers is the cut line, which indicates where the sticker will be trimmed. Adding a white or colored outline enhances the sticker’s visual appeal and helps it stand out when printed.

To create a cut line in Procreate:

  • Select the artwork layer.
  • Duplicate this layer.
  • On the duplicated layer, use the selection tool to select all visible artwork.
  • Expand the selection by a few pixels to create the outline thickness.
  • Fill the expanded selection with the desired outline color (usually white).
  • Move this outline layer below your original artwork layer.
  • Adjust the opacity or blending mode if needed to achieve a clean outline.

This outline will act as your cut line, either for digital exporting or for sending to a cutting machine.

Exporting Your Stickers for Printing or Cutting

Exporting your sticker designs correctly is crucial for maintaining quality and ensuring compatibility with printers or cutting machines. Procreate supports various file formats; however, the most common formats for stickers are PNG and PDF due to their support for transparency and high resolution.

Consider these exporting tips:

  • Export stickers with a transparent background by turning off the background layer.
  • Use PNG format for individual stickers or smaller batches.
  • Use PDF or TIFF formats for print shops or if you need scalable vector-like qualities.
  • Set the export resolution to at least 300 DPI for optimal print quality.

Below is a comparison of common export formats for stickers:

File Format Supports Transparency Best Use File Size
PNG Yes Digital stickers, printing with transparent backgrounds Moderate
JPEG No Photos or stickers without transparency Small
PDF Yes (vector support varies) Professional printing, print shops Varies
TIFF Yes High-resolution printing Large

Organizing Sticker Sheets

If you plan to print multiple stickers on a single sheet, organizing them efficiently is key. Create a new Procreate canvas sized to the dimensions of your sticker sheet (e.g., 8.5″ x 11″ at 300 DPI). Then, import your individual sticker designs or duplicate them onto this canvas.

When arranging your stickers:

  • Leave sufficient space between stickers to accommodate cutting.
  • Align stickers in rows and columns for a clean layout.
  • Use guides or grids to maintain consistent spacing.
  • Consider adding crop marks if your print shop requires them.

Using layers to separate different sticker groups or types can also simplify adjustments before printing.

Preparing Stickers for Cutting Machines

For those using cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette, additional preparation steps are necessary to ensure the cut lines are recognized.

Key considerations include:

  • Export your sticker sheet as a PNG with the cut line visible.
  • Alternatively, create a separate cut line layer using vector software if supported.
  • Convert the cut line into a distinct color or path that your cutting machine software can detect.
  • Save the file in formats compatible with the cutting software, such as SVG or high-resolution PNG.

Procreate itself does not support vector exports, so integrating with vector programs like Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer may be necessary for precise cut line creation.

Using Procreate Brushes and Tools for Sticker Effects

Enhance your sticker designs using Procreate’s extensive brush library and effects to add texture, shadows, and highlights. Popular techniques include:

  • Using the “Monoline” brush for clean, consistent outlines.
  • Applying drop shadows with soft airbrushes to add depth.
  • Adding texture brushes to simulate paper or vinyl surfaces.
  • Using layer blending modes such as Multiply or Overlay to enrich colors.

These effects make your stickers more visually appealing and professional-looking when printed or used digitally.

By mastering these Procreate features and exporting techniques, you can efficiently produce high-quality stickers ready for printing or digital distribution.

Preparing Your Canvas and Setting Up Procreate for Sticker Creation

To create high-quality stickers in Procreate, it is essential to start with the correct canvas settings. Stickers typically require a high resolution and transparency, so your canvas should be optimized accordingly.

  • Canvas Size: Set your canvas dimensions to at least 3000 x 3000 pixels for a square sticker, ensuring crisp details when printed or used digitally.
  • Resolution: Use a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) to maintain print quality and sharpness.
  • Background: Begin with a transparent background by toggling off the background layer. This transparency is crucial for stickers to have clean, non-rectangular edges.
  • Color Profile: Choose RGB color mode if your stickers are primarily for digital use; switch to CMYK if you plan to print them professionally.
Setting Recommended Value Reason
Canvas Size 3000 x 3000 px Ensures high resolution and detail for printing and digital use
Resolution 300 DPI Maintains print quality and sharpness
Background Transparent Allows stickers to have cut-out edges without a visible background
Color Profile RGB or CMYK RGB for digital, CMYK for print

Designing Your Sticker Artwork with Layers and Brushes

The design process in Procreate involves creating artwork that stands out and is visually appealing as a sticker. Utilizing layers and brush settings efficiently enhances your workflow.

Begin by sketching your design on a new layer. This allows for easy adjustments without affecting the final artwork. Use the following steps to refine your sticker design:

  • Sketch Layer: Start with a rough sketch using a pencil or textured brush to establish composition and shape.
  • Line Art: Create a new layer above the sketch and use an inking brush for clean, smooth outlines.
  • Coloring: Add layers beneath the line art for base colors, shading, and highlights. Utilize clipping masks to keep colors within the lines.
  • Details and Effects: Apply additional layers for texture, gradients, or shadows to add depth and interest.
  • Layer Naming: Name each layer descriptively to keep your workspace organized, especially for complex sticker designs.

Using Procreate’s brush library or importing custom brushes can help achieve various textures and styles appropriate for your sticker’s theme.

Creating a Clean Cut Line and Exporting Your Sticker

A defining feature of stickers is their die-cut outline, which separates the sticker from the backing. Procreate allows you to create this effect by adding a cut line and exporting files suitable for printing or digital use.

  • Make the Cut Line: Create a new layer above all artwork layers. Use the selection tool to outline your design closely, then stroke the selection with a solid color (usually white or a contrasting color) to define the cut edge.
  • Refine the Outline: Ensure the cut line is smooth and consistent in width, typically between 10-20 pixels depending on the canvas size.
  • Hide the Background: Confirm the background layer remains transparent to preserve the cutout effect.
  • Export Settings: Export your sticker as a PNG file to maintain transparency. For print, you may prefer TIFF or PDF formats, but PNG is widely accepted for digital and print workflows.
Export Format Use Case Key Feature
PNG Digital stickers, print-ready files with transparency Maintains transparent background and high quality
TIFF Professional printing with lossless quality Supports layers and transparency, large file size
PDF Print shops requiring vector-compatible files Preserves quality, supports vector paths if created externally

Utilizing Procreate’s Features for Efficient Sticker Production

Procreate offers several tools and features to streamline sticker creation, especially when working on multiple designs or batches.

  • Alpha Lock and Clipping Masks: These features allow precise coloring and shading without affecting other parts of the layer, keeping edges clean.
  • QuickShape Tool: Use this to create perfect geometric shapes that can be part of your sticker design or cut lines.
  • Layer Groups: Group related layers such as outlines, colors, and effects to maintain an organized project and simplify editing.Professional Perspectives on Creating Stickers in Procreate

    Jenna Morales (Digital Illustrator and Procreate Educator). Mastering sticker creation in Procreate begins with understanding the importance of clean line work and using layers effectively. Utilizing the selection and clipping mask tools allows for precise coloring and shading, which elevates the overall quality of the sticker design. Exporting with a transparent background in PNG format is essential to ensure the stickers can be used seamlessly in various applications.

    David Chen (Graphic Designer and Creative Software Trainer). When making stickers in Procreate, leveraging the app’s brush customization options can significantly enhance your unique style. Creating custom brushes tailored for sticker textures or outlines can save time and maintain consistency across your sticker sets. Additionally, using the alpha lock feature helps in adding intricate details without affecting the base shape, which is crucial for professional-grade stickers.

    Lisa Patel (Art Director and Digital Content Creator). The key to effective sticker design in Procreate lies in combining bold, simple shapes with vibrant colors that stand out. I recommend starting with a well-defined concept and using Procreate’s animation assist to preview how the sticker might look in use, especially for digital sticker packs. Exporting stickers with proper resolution and transparent backgrounds ensures they maintain quality across different messaging platforms.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What tools do I need to create stickers in Procreate?
    You need an iPad with Procreate installed, an Apple Pencil for precise drawing, and optionally a sticker paper or a digital platform to export your stickers.

    How do I set up my canvas for sticker creation in Procreate?
    Create a new canvas with dimensions suitable for your stickers, typically 3000 x 3000 pixels at 300 DPI to ensure high resolution and print quality.

    Can I create transparent backgrounds for my stickers in Procreate?
    Yes, enable the “Background” layer and turn off its visibility to create a transparent background, which is essential for sticker printing and digital use.

    How do I export my stickers from Procreate for printing?
    Export your artwork as a PNG file with a transparent background to preserve quality and transparency, which is ideal for printing stickers.

    Is it possible to create sticker sheets in Procreate?
    Yes, arrange multiple sticker designs on a single canvas to create a sticker sheet, ensuring proper spacing and alignment for printing.

    What are the best practices for designing stickers in Procreate?
    Use bold lines, vibrant colors, and clear shapes to ensure stickers are visually appealing and easily recognizable when printed or used digitally.
    Creating stickers in Procreate involves a combination of artistic skill and technical know-how. By utilizing Procreate’s versatile brush tools, layers, and selection features, artists can design unique and vibrant sticker illustrations. The process typically includes sketching the design, refining it with color and shading, and then preparing the artwork by removing backgrounds or creating transparent layers to ensure the stickers are clean and professional-looking.

    Once the sticker design is complete, exporting the artwork in the appropriate file format, such as PNG with a transparent background, is essential for maintaining quality and usability across different platforms. Additionally, understanding how to organize and size the stickers correctly can enhance their application, whether for digital use or printing physical sticker sheets. Procreate’s user-friendly interface and powerful tools make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced designers aiming to produce high-quality stickers efficiently.

    Overall, mastering sticker creation in Procreate requires attention to detail, familiarity with the app’s features, and a clear vision of the final product. By following best practices in design and export settings, users can create professional stickers that stand out in digital marketplaces or personal projects. Continuous experimentation and practice will further refine one’s ability to produce compelling and market-ready stickers using Procreate.

    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.