We improved mobile navigation

At Sticker Mule, we are obsessed with making the best user experience for our customers. And whether you’re on desktop or mobile, we want Sticker Mule to be the easiest place to order custom printing.

![mobile navigation before and after](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6ef66bc7-2fbd-4a37-8e0f-3586991f88c8)

Smart phone use continues to grow. In fact, iPhone users represent the largest cohort of users on our site and Android is not too far behind.

That’s why we completely redesigned our mobile navigation to make it easier to browse our products, tools, and more.

###Before
While our old mobile navigation looked good it had some usability issues.

![old mobile navigation](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ee2999d8-2947-495c-a3cf-b671079d993d)

This type of navigation works fine on larger screens, but the small icons aren’t the easiest to tap. And it’s difficult to quickly browse all the options.

###After
Our new mobile navigation looks great and works really well.

![new mobile navigation](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0ec255f4-1f65-41a3-bd67-07a63ba317e5)

The single column navigation is much easier and natural to swipe scroll with your thumb. And the wider links make each item easier to tap. This layout more closely follows [Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines).

We aim to keep making meaningful UX improvements to firmly establish Sticker Mule as the internet’s favorite printer.


At Sticker Mule, we are obsessed with making the best user experience for our customers. That’s why we completely redesigned our mobile navigation to make it easier to browse our products, tools, and more.

How to skip proofing (and save time)

At Sticker Mule we’re always looking for ways to save you time. Now, when you upload perfect artwork, you can skip proofing to get your order even faster.

<WistiaVideo videoId="rwsjxpvji0" />

After checkout, we automatically scan the artwork in your order to estimate if a proof is necessary. If your artwork looks perfect we give you the option to skip proofing.

If you’re concerned about your artwork you can still request a proof as normal.

### What is perfect artwork?
If your artwork file is high quality and includes any necessary [cut line information](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line), we call that “perfect artwork.”

Some examples include:

- [Vector artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images)
- [Template artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/templates)
- [High resolution images](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale)
- [Repurposed artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/support/reuse-artwork)
- [Redraw designs](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw)
- [Studio designs](https://www.stickermule.com/studio)

Skipping proofing is just one more way Sticker Mule helps you save time and get your orders faster. Upload perfect artwork and try it today.

<ButtonCta text="Shop custom products" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />

At Sticker Mule we’re always looking for ways to save you time. Now, when you upload perfect artwork, you can skip proofing to get your order even faster.

How to order custom t-shirts

We just launched [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts)! It’s the best way to turn any design into a kick-ass shirt.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="M3pWYC9AAVM?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

It’s now easier than ever to order custom t-shirts.

First, select a shirt color. We offer 6 base colors to choose from:

- White
- Black
- Midnight Navy
- Heather Gray
- Classic Orange
- Kelly Green

Next, enter a quantity for each size you want. Our sizes include: small, medium, large, XL, XXL. You can order one t-shirt for $19 or save money when you order multiple shirts at a time.

Next, upload your design. You can also specify where you’d like your design to be printed: full front, center chest, or pocket. We’ll automatically format your artwork and scale it appropriately for each size ordered.

Shortly after checkout, you’ll receive an online proof showing how your t-shirt will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy.

Each design is printed on a soft, tagless t-shirt, made of 100% ring spun cotton.

Every order is produced in 4 days or less and ships free (to U.S. & most countries worldwide).

Use custom t-shirts to promote your business, rally your team, start your own clothing line, or just to make your friends laugh.

<ButtonCta text="Order custom t-shirts" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />

We just launched custom t-shirts! It’s the best way to turn any design into a kick-ass shirt. Use custom t-shirts to promote your business, rally your team, start your own clothing line, or just to make your friends laugh.

Bubble the mailers, double the fun

We now offer [custom bubble mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bubble-mailers)!

<YouTubeVideo videoId="Bety-wMSq1I?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Bubble mailers are a popular option for shipping physical goods. Whether you run a small online shop or a major e-commerce business, custom bubble mailers are designed to help you deliver in style.

Each bubble mailer order can be printed in full color and includes fast production and free 2-day shipping. We ship fast so you can ship fast.

While [poly mailers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/poly-mailers) work well for shipping soft goods, bubble mailers feature a thick bubble lining to add extra protection to whatever’s inside.

Our bubble mailers are made from a durable, tear resistant polyethylene material and can be printed in full-color at no additional cost. Each mailer also features a self-adhesive strip, allowing you to quickly fill, seal, and ship your packages.

<ButtonCta text="Order custom bubble mailers" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/bubble-mailers" />

Bubble mailers are a popular option for shipping physical goods. Whether you run a small online shop or a major e-commerce business, custom bubble mailers are designed to help you deliver in style.

Meet Sticker Mule’s automatic label dispenser

Most label dispensers haven’t been improved in decades. These legacy dispensers are slow, clunky, expensive, and ugly.

We decided to fix that.

Our engineering team spent 2 years creating label dispensing technology that’s faster, easier and better in every way.

Introducing the [automatic label dispenser](https://www.stickermule.com/products/label-dispenser) by Sticker Mule.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="MwEmaEv8iGU?rel=0" />

Easily dispense roll labels in style. A small sensor detects when a label has been pulled, then unwinds the roll at a rapid speed to have your next label ready.

This powerful technology is packed into a simple, lightweight design that’s easy for anyone to use right out of the box.

<ButtonCta text="Order a label dispenser" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/label-dispenser" />

Introducing the fastest, easiest way to peel roll labels. Dispense ready-to-apply labels automatically.

How to make photo gifts

Sticker Mule makes it easy to turn any photo into a custom gift.

## Personalized photo products

Personalizing a product with a photo makes for a great gift.

![photo-buttons](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4d8fd92a95539149c737926787278d726bf94c12)

To order, choose the [photo product](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/photo-gifts) you want, upload your photo, then checkout. Within a few hours you’ll get an online proof showing how your custom photo product will look. You can request changes for free until you’re happy.

[Shop custom photo products](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/photo-gifts)

## Personalized face products

It’s also easy to order custom products featuring just someone’s face. We automatically cut around the face of any person (or pet) to make a truly unique gift.

![face-wall-graphics-video-thumb](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c7ffb0e9f1c45e448075853d34ef1e79520758fe)

To order, choose the [face product](https://www.stickermule.com/faces) you want, upload your photo, then checkout. Within a few hours you’ll get an online proof showing how your custom face product will look. You can request changes for free until you’re happy.

[Shop custom face products](https://www.stickermule.com/faces)

## Automatic background removal

For anything else you’d want to make with a photo, we have [Trace – the free background removal tool](https://www.stickermule.com/trace). Trace is free and easy enough for anyone to use.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nqsVKElTRIE?rel=0" />

Simply upload your photo and the background will be removed instantly. Add a custom background, scale, move, rotate, crop, and more. When it all looks good you can download your image for free or use it to order custom products with one click.

<ButtonCta text="Try Trace for free" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />


Learn how to easily turn any photo into a custom printed product – a perfect gift for any occasion.

Convert any image to vector with Redraw

[Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) is a brand new service that upgrades any image into a high resolution vector format.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nr7tGu9yKh4?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Have you ever had an image that was too small, too blurry, or too pixelated to do anything useful with it? With Redraw you can convert your low quality artwork into an infinitely scalable vector graphic.

## What is a vector graphic?
There are 2 types of digital artwork: [raster and vector](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images).

Raster images are made up of a bunch of tiny pixels. As you enlarge a raster image, the pixels begin to be noticeable causing the image to appear pixelated.

Meanwhile, vector images are made from mathematical paths. As you enlarge a vector image, the shapes and colors never lose their clarity.

This makes vector images an ideal format for web or print.

## How does Redraw work?
Redraw works with all types of images: logos, illustrations, and even photos. Each Redraw can be ordered for a flat rate of $14, regardless of the difficulty.

Simply upload your artwork and checkout. Within a few hours we’ll send a proof showing how your new artwork will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy (or cancel if you’re not happy).

Upon approval, your artwork will be available to download. You can also use the artwork to order custom stickers, magnets, and more.

<ButtonCta text="Order a Redraw for $14" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

Redraw is a brand new service that upgrades any image into a high resolution vector format.

Need more charm? Introducing custom acrylic charms

We’re thrilled to announce the newest Sticker Mule product – [acrylic charms](https://www.stickermule.com/products/acrylic-charms)!

<YouTubeVideo videoId="O7DaakVvnJA?rel=0" />

We use a solid, transparent, acrylic material that can be printed in full color and cut to any shape. Each charm features a small, 2mm hole, allowing you to convert your charms into keychains, jewelry and more.

![charms-blog-post-image-1](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/821033b526aa7892c3c4abd1e0d11c027b79f147)

![charms-blog-post-image-2](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f5c91b306d108d05fabec0ac33308b2742871519)

The possibilities are endless, so we’re excited to see what people come up with!

<ButtonCta text="Order custom charms" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/acrylic-charms" />

Custom acrylic charms can be printed in full color and cut to any shape. We include a small hole for keychains, jewelry and more.

Why kiss cut stickers are better than back slit

We sometimes [receive requests](https://stickermule.canny.io/) for back slit stickers (or crack and peel stickers). In the video below, Vinny explains why we don’t sell them and instead recommend [kiss cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers).

<YouTubeVideo videoId="jDhTwBljqy4?rel=0" />

## Why we don’t sell back slit stickers

### Back slit stickers bend
Back slit stickers bend at the slit, adding an unwanted crease in your sticker. This crease gets worse with time.

### Back slit collects debris
Back slit stickers collect dust and dirt at the seam of the back slit, causing stickers to lose their stickiness.

### Kiss cut stickers are better
Kiss cut stickers can be cut to any shape. We use special blades that allow you to easily peel away your sticker from the paper backing. Meanwhile, the sticker backing itself can contain extra information or design elements.

<ButtonCta text="Order kiss cut stickers" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers" />

Back slit stickers are supposed to make peeling easier, but kiss cut stickers are a better option.

Sticker back printing vs. kiss cut stickers

We heard you wanted more space on your stickers – somewhere to put social tags, coupons, website, and contact details. Traditionally, this would require back printing.

But did you know you can achieve the same goal with [kiss cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers)? Kiss cut stickers typically have a rectangular backing around the design that's bigger than the sticker, which can be printed on.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="qRmXMJdZZGw?rel=0" />

Hey, we don’t want to be accused of being biased so in the interest of fairness, we’ll discuss both options. 

## What is a back print on a sticker?

A back print is when the other side of a sticker sheet is maximized to include details such as company information or instructions on how to use the sticker. 

However, since these pieces of information are printed on the back of stickers, not many people pay attention to it. Worse, they are simply thrown away once the sticker has been used. 

### How do you print on the back of a sticker paper?

Though this is technically possible, printing on the back of sticker papers can be a bit messy. For example, when you get your sticker sheets and you try to manually print on the back of it using an ordinary printer, there is a possibility that your printer can jam or that the ink can also smudge on the sticker side, ruining your design. 

## How do you use a kiss cut sticker? 

Though some people may argue that less is more, with stickers, you are wasting space that has so much potential! Use a kiss cut sticker to promote your brand or cause! The extra space in your kiss cut sticker can be used for informational purposes too. 

Since it’s also part of the sticker, the information printed on these can be used and stuck on surfaces too, unlike back prints!

### What can you print on a kiss cut sticker?

Use the remaining space on your sticker to print your company information or other promotional details. 

- Coupons or discount codes 
- Product specifications or additional information 
- QR code that will lead your customers to your website or a specific landing page
- Company contact details such as phone number, address, etc. 
- Your company’s social media accounts 
- Reminder about an upcoming event or sale 
- Instructions to subscribe or be part of your community 

## Why kiss cut sticker is better than back print stickers 

Kiss cut stickers are a superior alternative to back printing for a few reasons:

### Better visibility

It is counterintuitive to put vital information where people are least likely to see it. Kiss cut stickers display your extra information right next to the sticker itself.

### More printing options

Back printing is typically limited to black and white, and confined to the shape of the sticker. The backing on kiss cut stickers can be printed in full color and full bleed and isn’t dependant on the shape of the sticker.

### Lower cost

Since back printing adds an extra step to the manufacturing process, there is typically a ~20% surcharge. The manufacturing process for kiss cut stickers is [similar to standard die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/die-cut-stickers-vs-kiss-cut-stickers) and so the price is nearly identical.

Overall, the kiss cut design is a better choice for creative professionals.

## How to make kiss cut stickers at home and without a machine?

The good news is you can make kiss cut stickers without the aid of a machine! And you can do it here on the Sticker Mule website!

### Step 1: Create your design

Here’s your chance to let your brand shine by maximizing the space around your kiss cut sticker! Make sure not to overdo it and allow some “breathing space” in your design. Don’t put items too close to the edges too!

### Step 2: Upload your kiss cut sticker design 

Go to Sticker Mule’s kiss cut product page and [upload your design](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers). 

### Step 3: Order your kiss cut sticker 

Choose the size, quantity, and order a proof of your design. You can do some modifications if you’re not completely satisfied with it but once you are, your order will be shipped to you!

<ButtonCta text="Order kiss cut stickers now" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers" /> 

We get a lot of requests for sticker back printing. But did you know kiss cut stickers can serve the same purpose?

Posts by Jeremy Wick