I recently started using my iPhone more for creative tasks and learned you can make your own stickers in certain apps. I’m not sure about the process or which apps work best for it. Could someone guide me through how to create custom stickers on an iPhone?
If you’re trying to make stickers on your iPhone, it’s not as mysterious as it sounds. First off, the apps to focus on are Procreate (if you’re artsy) or Sticker Maker Studio (more straightforward, less skill-intensive). Procreate is great if you want to draw your own stickers—it’s a full-on art app. Just draw your design, export it as a PNG with the background removed, and boom—you’ve got a sticker.
For Sticker Maker Studio, the steps are almost insultingly simple. Open the app, import an image (could be anything—a selfie, your cat, that one meme you’ve been spamming your friends with), edit it (crop, erase background if needed), and save. It offers packs too so you can group your stickers nicely.
Once your stickers are ready, most apps (like WhatsApp or iMessage) allow you to import them, or if you’re fancy with iMessage, just add them to the sticker library. It sounds more complicated than it is—really just pick the right app, mess around for like 15 minutes, and you’ll be a sticker pro. Don’t overthink it—it’s stickers, not rocket science.
Honestly, I think @mike34’s answer is decent, but let’s be real—it’s not always as quick and easy as just messing around for 15 minutes, depending on the app or how nitpicky you are about the final look. Making iPhone stickers can be tedious if you’re trying to perfect edges or create something that really pops. Plus, Sticker Maker Studio might be too limited if you want high-quality or pro-level results.
Here’s another approach you might like if you want a bit more control but without the steep learning curve of something like Procreate:
1. Canva App:
Canva isn’t just for designing Instagram posts. You can make killer stickers here too, especially if you’re better with templates than free-drawing. Canva has pre-made shapes, text designs, and even illustrations you can combine for stickers. Create your design, download it as a transparent PNG, and voilà—you’re ready to roll.
2. Background Erasers:
If you’re working with existing images (your dog, random food pics, or a funny face), try using a standalone background eraser app. Sometimes Sticker Maker Studio just doesn’t cut it with precision, and these apps help you get crisp cuts so it doesn’t look like a 5-year-old trimmed the edges.
3. Shortcuts in iOS:
This is for those who love living dangerously with new tools you didn’t even know existed. Use the Photos app’s built-in Markup feature to add doodles on photos. Then, use iOS automations or third-party apps that integrate with Apple’s Shortcuts to turn them into stickers. Sounds nerdy, but some people swear by this kind of setup.
Final thought: If you want stickers good enough to sell or share like a pro, apps with layered editing options and more control will always beat quick fixes. Sure, Sticker Maker Studio is fine, but doesn’t mean you should depend on it forever. Expand your arsenal!
Okay, so sticker-making on an iPhone can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be, depending on your tools and vibe. Let me throw another idea into the mix aside from what’s already been said by the others.
If you’re going for sticker greatness but don’t want to dive into Procreate’s intense toolset, try “Vectornator.” This app is like Canva and Procreate had a lovechild. You can create vector graphics (ultra-crisp for resizing), and it’s free. Here’s the play-by-play:
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Design in Vectornator – Use its beginner-friendly layout and brushes to sketch or create geometric designs. It’s lighter than Procreate in terms of features but does the job for sticker creation.
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Export as PNG – Make sure your layers have transparent backgrounds before saving. This is crucial to avoid those clunky white edges.
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Organize with Goodnotes/Files – If you’re spreading your stickers across platforms (iMessage, WhatsApp, etc.), you’ll want to keep a clean folder. Trust, nothing more annoying than hunting down a misplaced cat meme sticker.
Pros:
- Vectornator is free and gives a high-quality finish.
- You’re not limited to hand-drawn stuff; it supports imported files too.
Cons:
- It can feel like overkill if all you want is a meme sticker.
Comparing it to something like Sticker Maker Studio, I’d say this works better if you want pro-looking results. But if you’re in a rush to slap together a goofy selfie sticker, Sticker Maker beats everything for speed and simplicity.
Lastly, I know “easy” was mentioned a lot already, but making crisp stickers often calls for patience, especially when you want edges on point. Apps like Pixlr and Background Eraser work wonders for fine-tuning the cutouts. Canva’s pre-made assets are fab too, but yeah, it’s less about your art and more about slapping elements together. Is time-saving your jam? Canva. Creative freedom? Vectornator. Or go all-in with Procreate if you’re artsy (no pain, no gain, right?).
Experiment with what fits your end goal best—funny DIY or high-end aesthetics? You win either way!