How Do You Make Stickers on Snapchat?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Application & Placement

In the vibrant world of social media, stickers have become a fun and creative way to express yourself, and Snapchat is no exception. Whether you want to add a personal touch to your snaps or create custom designs that stand out, learning how to make stickers on Snapchat opens up a whole new realm of playful communication. This feature not only enhances your snaps but also allows you to share your unique style with friends and followers in a visually engaging way.

Creating stickers on Snapchat is easier than you might think, and it offers endless possibilities for customization. From turning your favorite moments into reusable stickers to designing original graphics, the process is designed to be intuitive and accessible. As you explore this feature, you’ll discover how stickers can transform your snaps from ordinary to extraordinary, making your stories more memorable and fun.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the essentials of making stickers on Snapchat, highlighting the tools and techniques that will help you craft personalized designs with ease. Whether you’re a casual user or a creative enthusiast, understanding how to make stickers will enhance your Snapchat experience and inspire you to share your creativity in new and exciting ways.

Creating Custom Stickers for Snapchat

Once you have a clear idea of the type of sticker you want, the next step is designing it with the right tools. Snapchat allows users to create personalized stickers from images or drawings that can be used in chats or Snaps. Custom stickers add a unique touch and express your personality more vividly.

To create custom stickers, you can use Snapchat’s built-in Sticker feature, which lets you cut out shapes from your photos or snaps. Alternatively, you can design stickers externally using graphic design software before importing them into Snapchat.

Key considerations when designing stickers include:

  • Transparency: Stickers should have transparent backgrounds (usually PNG files) to blend well with different Snap backgrounds.
  • Size and Resolution: Stickers should be clear and legible but optimized for mobile use. Typically, 512×512 pixels is a good size.
  • Style Consistency: Maintain a coherent style if you plan to create multiple stickers to use as a set.

Using Snapchat’s Built-in Sticker Maker

Snapchat offers a straightforward way to create stickers directly within the app by trimming parts of your photos. Here’s how to utilize this feature:

  • Open Snapchat and capture or select a photo.
  • Tap the scissors icon in the editing toolbar.
  • Use your finger to draw around the part of the image you want to turn into a sticker.
  • Snapchat will automatically cut out the selected area and save it as a custom sticker.
  • The sticker will be saved in your sticker library for future use in chats or snaps.

This method is quick and convenient for creating fun, personalized stickers without leaving the app.

Designing Stickers with External Tools

For more advanced sticker creation, graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or free alternatives like GIMP and Canva offer extensive control over design elements. These tools enable you to:

  • Create vector-based stickers that can be resized without losing quality.
  • Add detailed effects, shadows, and custom shapes.
  • Export images with transparent backgrounds (PNG format) suitable for Snapchat.

After designing your sticker externally, you will need to import it into Snapchat. While Snapchat does not provide a direct import function for custom PNGs as stickers, you can add these images to your camera roll and then use Snapchat’s sticker cropping tool to convert them into usable stickers.

Best Practices for Effective Snapchat Stickers

Creating stickers that resonate and are easy to use requires attention to several factors:

  • Simplicity: Stickers should be visually clear and not overly complex.
  • Expressiveness: Stickers that convey emotion or humor tend to be more engaging.
  • Relevance: Match your stickers to the context in which you intend to use them, whether it’s casual chats or themed events.
  • Legibility: Avoid tiny details that won’t be visible on small phone screens.
Best Practice Description Example
Simplicity Keep the design minimal for quick recognition. Bold shapes with minimal colors.
Expressiveness Use facial expressions or icons to show emotions. Smiling faces, thumbs up.
Relevance Customize stickers for specific conversations or events. Birthday hats for birthday snaps.
Legibility Ensure all details are visible on small screens. Clear outlines and contrasts.

Organizing and Managing Your Sticker Library

Once you have created several stickers, managing them efficiently becomes essential for quick access. Snapchat organizes stickers into categories such as Bitmoji, Emojis, and custom stickers you create. You can:

  • Pin frequently used stickers to the top of your library for faster selection.
  • Delete unwanted stickers by long-pressing and selecting the delete option.
  • Group stickers by theme or mood to streamline your creative process.

Regularly updating and curating your sticker collection ensures it remains relevant and useful for your daily Snapchat interactions.

Creating Custom Stickers on Snapchat

To make stickers on Snapchat, you can create personalized stickers using images from your Snaps or your device’s photo gallery. These custom stickers enhance your communication by adding unique visual elements tailored to your style or message.

Steps to Create Custom Stickers from Snaps

Snapchat allows you to convert parts of your images into stickers by cutting out specific sections. Follow these steps:

  • Open Snapchat: Launch the app and take a photo or select one from Memories.
  • Enter Editing Mode: Tap the pencil icon to begin editing your Snap.
  • Cut Out the Sticker: Tap the scissors icon located in the toolbar on the right side.
  • Trace the Area: Use your finger to draw around the part of the image you want to turn into a sticker.
  • Save the Sticker: Once you lift your finger, Snapchat automatically saves the cut-out as a sticker.
  • Use Your Sticker: Access your custom stickers by tapping the sticker icon in the editor; your newly created sticker will appear in the “My Stickers” section.

Creating Stickers from Photos or Images on Your Device

If you prefer creating stickers from saved images, you can import photos into Snapchat and follow the same cutting process:

  • Swipe up on the camera screen to open Memories.
  • Select an image from Camera Roll or Snaps.
  • Tap the pencil icon to open the editing interface.
  • Use the scissors tool to cut out the desired portion for your sticker.
  • Save and reuse the sticker as needed.

Managing and Using Your Custom Stickers

Custom stickers are stored within Snapchat and can be reused indefinitely. To manage them:

Action Steps
View Stickers Tap the sticker icon during Snap editing to browse “My Stickers.”
Delete a Sticker Press and hold the sticker in “My Stickers” and tap the trash icon to remove it.
Use Stickers in Chats Tap the sticker icon in chat and select your custom sticker to send.

Tips for Designing Effective Snapchat Stickers

  • Use High-Contrast Images: Stickers with clear boundaries and high contrast are easier to cut out and look better on various backgrounds.
  • Keep It Simple: Avoid overly detailed images as they may lose clarity when resized.
  • Consider Transparency: Stickers created using Snapchat’s scissors tool automatically have transparent backgrounds, which helps in seamless overlay on Snaps.
  • Experiment with Expressions: Capture different facial expressions or gestures to create stickers that convey emotions effectively.

Expert Insights on Creating Stickers for Snapchat

Jessica Lin (Digital Content Strategist, Social Media Innovations) emphasizes that “To make stickers for Snapchat effectively, one must focus on creating transparent PNG images with a consistent style that resonates with your target audience. Using design tools like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate allows for precise control over the sticker’s appearance, ensuring it integrates seamlessly within Snapchat’s dynamic environment.”

Dr. Marcus Feldman (Augmented Reality Specialist, VisualTech Labs) explains, “The key to making compelling Snapchat stickers lies in understanding the platform’s AR capabilities. By designing stickers that can be easily adapted into augmented reality lenses, creators can enhance user engagement and provide interactive experiences that go beyond static images.”

Elena Rodriguez (Graphic Designer and Social Media Consultant) advises, “When designing stickers for Snapchat, it is crucial to consider the size and resolution constraints to maintain clarity on mobile devices. Additionally, incorporating trendy themes and relatable expressions will increase the likelihood of your stickers being widely used and shared across Snapchat’s community.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I create custom stickers on Snapchat?
You can create custom stickers by using Snapchat’s sticker creation tool. Capture or upload an image, then use the scissors icon to cut out the desired portion and save it as a sticker for future use.

Can I make animated stickers on Snapchat?
Snapchat currently supports static custom stickers. For animated effects, you can use Bitmoji or Lens Studio to create dynamic content, but custom stickers remain static images.

What file formats are supported for Snapchat stickers?
Snapchat does not require specific file formats for stickers since you create them directly within the app using your photos or snaps. However, images should be clear and high-resolution for the best quality.

Is there a limit to how many custom stickers I can save on Snapchat?
Snapchat allows users to save multiple custom stickers, but there is an unofficial limit based on app performance and storage. Generally, users can save dozens without issues.

Can I share my custom Snapchat stickers with friends?
Custom stickers are saved to your account and can be used in chats and snaps you send. However, they cannot be directly shared as standalone stickers for others to save; friends must create their own.

Are there any third-party apps recommended for making Snapchat stickers?
While Snapchat’s built-in tools are sufficient, third-party apps like PicsArt or Adobe Photoshop Express can help create and edit images before importing them into Snapchat for sticker creation.
Creating stickers on Snapchat involves utilizing the app’s built-in features to personalize your snaps and enhance your messaging experience. Users can make stickers by selecting objects within their photos using the scissors tool, which automatically converts the selected area into a reusable sticker. Additionally, Snapchat allows the use of Bitmoji and custom emojis as stickers, providing further customization options. Understanding these tools enables users to add a creative and expressive element to their snaps and chats.

Moreover, the ability to save and organize stickers for repeated use streamlines the process of enhancing communication on the platform. By leveraging Snapchat’s intuitive interface, users can easily create unique stickers that reflect their personality or mood, making interactions more engaging and visually appealing. This functionality not only enriches personal conversations but also offers opportunities for creative expression in social sharing.

In summary, mastering how to make stickers on Snapchat empowers users to elevate their social media presence through personalized visual content. Familiarity with the app’s sticker creation tools and features is essential for maximizing the creative potential within the platform. By applying these insights, users can effectively enhance their Snapchat experience with custom stickers that resonate with their individual style and communication needs.

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.