Make your own hot sauce bottles!

Make your own hot sauce brand with [white label hot sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-hot-sauce)!

<WistiaVideo videoId="zejycuu1gc" />

##Our sauce. Your label.

We already make [kick-ass hot sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce) and [kick-ass labels](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels). So we decided to combine the two and let everyone make their own kick-ass hot sauce bottles.

![bottles of white label hot sauce](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/61d0bd49-a0c5-4f0f-af33-6c6d18d29169)

White label hot sauce is perfect for local restaurants, marketing events, weddings, or gifts for your team.

Upload your design and we’ll automatically prepare an FDA-compliant label for your hot sauce. Or, start with a design template and design your hot sauce label with [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). After ordering, we’ll send you an online proof showing how your bottles will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy.

![custom hot sauce with tacos](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9679d2f0-4286-41fe-bdc3-7a2e8b6f7377)

Each bottle features our award winning [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce). It’s the best everyday hot sauce, pairs well with anything, and adds almost 0 calories. It features a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, measuring 3/5 in heat intensity.

Get your own hot sauce bottles today.

<ButtonCta text="Order white label hot sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-hot-sauce" />


Introducing custom white label hot sauce. Our sauce, your label. Create your own everyday hot sauce brand. Free shipping.

July 2024 updates

###New stores
We added over 400 stores this month, including big names like [Mike Tyson](https://www.stickermule.com/u/tyson) and [Ricky Berwick](https://www.stickermule.com/u/rickyberwick). We now have [over 7,300 stores and counting](https://www.stickermule.com/stats)!

###Sell on your store
We made it easier to add items to your store.

![sell items from the proofing screen](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e466cba8-a10a-4a5e-b6c5-07e61400c235)

As soon as you approve a proof, add it to your store with the click of a button. Or easily add previously ordered items from [your store page](https://www.stickermule.com/me).

###Goodbye profiles
All Sticker Mule Public Profiles are now [Sticker Mule Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores). This is a simple change that helps clarify our new mission of becoming the Internet’s favorite place to buy *and sell*.

###Studio updates
Now you can paste images directly to [your canvas](https://www.stickermule.com/studio), browse fonts by category, and search fonts on mobile. We improved image rendering and upgraded our Trace model for [better background removal](https://www.stickermule.com/trace).

###New video
We made a fun commercial to show off [custom tattoos](https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos).

<YouTubeVideo videoId="b7eb_L3cBPA" />

###X giveaways
We started giving away $500 for [every post we made on X](https://x.com/stickermule/status/1814824791699788072). Rumor has it, more crazy giveaways are coming soon.

###Redraw reviews
People love [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw). We made reviews public to show just how much (4.7 stars). [Convert any image to vector for $14](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) and see for yourself.

###What’s next?
We’ve got more exciting Store features & partnerships to announce soon. And a spicy update to [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce).

Don’t forget to be nice to people!


Learn about what we did in July. Including some exciting updates to Stores.

How to make custom QR code stickers

QR codes make it easy to direct people to a specific webpage, share WiFi, share contact information, and more.

With QR scanners being built directly into iPhone and Android cameras, there’s never been a better time to add custom QR codes to your IRL marketing and promotions.

As easy as QR code stickers are for people to use, they’re just about as easy for you to make.

##How to generate a custom QR code (free)
Generating a QR code is simple and doesn’t require any technical expertise.

First, head to [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). Studio is a completely free and easy to use online design tool for non-designers.

![design online, fast](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/065a5f14-5761-456f-81c9-20655af02b2b)

Click the *Create design* button.

Next, click the *Graphics* tab on the left side.

Here, you’ll see a handful of QR code styles. Each one is completely customizable. Select the design you want and it will get added to your artboard.

With the QR code design still selected you can choose between 4 different QR code types:
- URL
- WiFi
- Contact
- PDF

Select the type you want, fill out the necessary fields, and then click Generate QR code. The QR code on your artboard will automatically be updated. You can pull out your phone and instantly test the QR code for yourself.

With your custom QR code made, you can adjust the size, design, and colors however you like. Just be sure that the QR code itself has enough contrast with the background so it remains easily readable.

When you’re happy with your design, you can share it, download it, or immediately order prints.

##How to order custom QR code stickers
If you designed your QR code in Studio, click the Order prints button.

![Use QR codes for custom prints](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/600f507f-998e-45b0-8801-865f494c5d08)

From here you can adjust the size and quantity, then order your [custom QR codes stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers). Or browse other products to make [QR code magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets), [QR code floor graphics](https://www.stickermule.com/products/floor-graphics), and [more](https://www.stickermule.com/more).

If you already have a QR code design, simply order any of our [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers), then upload your design file.

Shortly after checkout, you’ll get an online proof showing how your custom QR code stickers will look before they’re printed. You can test the QR code and request changes to the design for free until you’re happy.

##Use QR code stickers today
QR code stickers are a great way to direct traffic to your site, share online restaurant menus, generate sales, share contact information, and engage with your customers.

![QR code stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/96ea79e0-60f9-4e81-bf1d-8d7d1a5be80d)

Start generating QR code stickers for your business today.

<ButtonCta text="Generate QR code sticker" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />


Learn how to quickly generate custom QR codes for free. Then use your QR codes to make custom stickers.

June 2024 updates. More ways to earn money with Sticker Mule.

Hopefully you find some time to kick back and relax this summer. And with our June updates you might even be able to earn money while doing so.

##New ways to earn passive income
![easily make money online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f350d906-cf30-4ce9-94f4-66185c9ad831)

###Commissions
We launched [Commissions](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions). Refer people to Sticker Mule and earn 10% on every order they place in their first year. Currently available in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with more regions coming soon.

###Stores
We launched [Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores) (beta). Stores makes it easy to sell your designs on custom products — and works alongside Commissions. Visit [stickermule.com/me](https://www.stickermule.com/me) to create your store and add items. Markup coming soon.

###Stats
We added [Stats](https://www.stickermule.com/stats). We love transparency so we’re making all the internal stats related to Commissions and Stores public! See total earnings, total products sold, and more.

##Improved design tools
![remove backgrounds with Trace](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fa32e671-0de1-4da4-a0db-3e89d9605110)

###Trace
We made big improvements to [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace). We updated the underlying AI model, resulting in cleaner, more precise background removal. Try Trace for free and see for yourself!

###Print
We made improvements to [Print](https://www.stickermule.com/print). Now all the functionality from Trace and [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) are built directly into Print – so you can remove the background and increase the resolution before ordering your custom products. And now you can also customize your artwork in [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) from Print with a single click.

##So many giveaways
![Tesla Cybertruck](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ef314af8-5a5d-4b5d-8929-6daebf9cf174)

###Cybertruck giveaway
We are [giving away a real Cybertruck on X](https://x.com/stickermule/status/1805719962767569062). Repost to enter.

###Stimulus giveaways
We added product giveaways to [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/). Connect your Stimulus account to Sticker Mule and [give away products](https://www.stimulus.com/stimulus/p/FcqnuBulSiud7wsgTEZ1jg) from your store. We also [added a $50 giveaway option](https://www.stimulus.com/stimulus/p/sEoBsagSTASnfv1aMFw6fA) to Stimulus. And you can now [see how many giveaways are running](https://www.stimulus.com/giveaways) on the platform at any given time.

###Stimulus Credit
We added [Stimulus Credit](https://www.stimulus.com/referrals). Now referrers and referrals both earn credit. The credit can be used for product giveaways – and soon for Stimulus Stores. Speaking of referrals, we also added [referral stats](https://www.stimulus.com/stats), so you can see how many people have signed up via referrals and how much has been given away.

##What’s next?
We’re continuing to focus on ways to help you earn money. We also have some exciting updates to our existing products. And of course, more giveaways.


With our June updates we introduced more ways to earn money with Sticker Mule.

We are giving away a Cybertruck!

We are giving away a Cybertruck because – why not?!

But, this ain’t a regular Cybertruck. It’s a __*[Cyberbeast](https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck)*__.

![sticker mule cybertruck giveaway 2024](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b4fafcfe-b6d0-4f39-916d-c2c8a0083813)

To be totally honest, we don’t even know what the f*ck that is…

But we're told it’s expensive.


Anyways, to enter👇

✅ RETWEET [this post](https://x.com/stickermule/status/1805719962767569062 "giveaway post on X")

✅ FOLLOW [@stickermule](https://x.com/stickermule "sticker mule on x")

*Giveaway ends 7/9/24. Winner notified via DM.
No purchase necessary. [SEE FULL TERMS](https://www.stickermule.com/rules/cybertruck "terms to 2024 Cybertruck giveaway")


__That’s it.__

Easy right?!

By the way, if this goes well, we could give away another Cybertruck or something better.


We are giving away a Cybertruck for free on our X account. Learn how to enter the giveaway for a chance to win your own Cybertruck today!

How to sell custom printed products online

Sticker Mule makes it easy to buy custom printed products. But did you know you can also sell your custom printed products online and it's really easy?

With [commissions](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions "best affiliate program for custom printed products"), you get a 10% cut every time a new customer orders a product from your public profile. Then you continue to get a 10% cut on every order that person makes for the next year.

##How to enable commissions

Before you can start earning money, you must enroll in the [commissions program](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions "affiliate program to make money with custom products"). This requires a valid U.S. ID and only takes a couple of minutes.

<WistiaVideo videoId="h3ao425ef4" />

Once your account is approved and verified, you can begin making money selling custom printed products using your public profile.

##How to set up your public profile

While logged in to your Sticker Mule account, click “Profile” from the dropdown menu.

Click “Edit profile” to update your profile and banner image. You can also change your display name, your public URL, and add a link to your website.

![edit profile to enable commissions to sell custom products online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ca1ce356-b0d2-4d78-82ba-3a49a47182d6)

To start selling items from your profile, click the “Add item” button. Here, you’ll see any of the items you’ve previously ordered with Sticker Mule. Hover over any item you want to add and click “Add item”. You can give it a custom name, then click “Save & List”. The item will now show up on your public profile for anyone else to order.

![add custom printed products to your affiliate store on sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/85dc22f2-0661-4bad-bcb1-4b30e3191d18)

##Tips for promoting your products

With [commissions](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions "top affiliate program for beginners to make money selling products online") enabled and your profile set up, you’re ready to share your profile and your products with your followers.

###Share your profile

When new users visit your profile, they’ll also see a “Sign up” button. Whether they use that button or order an item from your profile, you’ll get credited and earn 5-10% on every order they place for the next year.

![sign up for commissions the best affiliate program to sell custom products online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/25b15616-5e4f-47cc-a471-8a7748c1fcc3)

###Share your products

You can also link directly to specific products. Hover over the product you want to share, then from the “Show options” menu click “Share”. You can copy the link URL and use it wherever you want. Once again, you’ll be credited for any new users that use the link, and you’ll earn commissions.

##Start earning today

With [commissions](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions "best custom t-shirt affiliate program for making money online") from Sticker Mule it’s easy to earn passive income online by sharing the products you already love.

You make the designs, we’ll handle the printing, shipping, and fulfillment – and pay you too!

<ButtonCta text="Sign up for commissions today" href="https://www.stickermule.com/commissions" />


Boost your online sales with custom printed products. Learn the secrets to selling your unique designs with ease. Start your success journey today!

How to sell custom printed products online in easy mode

How to make money online with Sticker Mule commissions

Introducing the best affiliate marketing program ever: [Sticker Mule commissions](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions "make money online selling your designs").

Our commissions program is an easy way to make passive income online with your audience.

<WistiaVideo videoId="h3ao425ef4" />

You get a custom link to share with your audience. When a new customer uses your link, they get a $10 credit. And you earn a percentage of every order they place for 1 year.

##How the affiliate program works

Commissions are currently available to US residents only. First, you’ll need to get verified with a valid ID. This process is safe, fast, and easy.

Once you are verified, you have a few ways to earn money.

###Share your unique link

From your [Commissions dashboard](https://www.stickermule.com/account/commissions "sticker mule affiliate marketing dashboard"), you will be able to copy your unique affiliate link. Whenever someone uses your link they will get a $10 credit if they are a new customer.

You’ll earn 10% of every order they place for 1 year.

![making money online from commissions on sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/96dd5601-ea03-4fa6-859b-0e8e6d7efce8)

You can also email people directly from your dashboard, or embed a banner on your website or blog.

###Sell items from your profile

If you want to share designs or products that you’ve ordered previously, you can do so from your Sticker Mule public profile.

![make money online with stickers and custom tshirts](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7ebdd0e8-6dc1-4127-9195-93d8315a4eb0)

This is a great way to get your designs or promo material in the hands of your followers without any work. Plus, if you have a verified Commissions account, you’ll earn a percentage of every order they place for 1 year.

Additionally, people who use the *Sign Up* button directly on your profile will be tagged as your referral and you’ll earn a percentage of every order they place for 1 year.

##How to redeem your earnings

After your referrals make a purchase, your money will show up in your Sticker Mule wallet. You can redeem this money anytime as store credit. Or withdraw the money to your bank account once your account reaches $500.

Start your own sticker business today, and make money online with [Sticker Mule Commissions](https://www.stickermule.com/commissions "earn money online affiliate marketing with stickers and shirts").

<ButtonCta text="Sign up for commissions" href="https://www.stickermule.com/commissions" />


Make money online with your own custom designs of t-shirts, stickers, and other printed products. Learn more about how to get started making money today!

How to create a glitter sticker for your phone

You can't change our mind: [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers") are the best way to customize your phone.

![custom glitter stickers for your phone](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b525d560-dea5-4fb9-989b-f7f5458ac184)

And if you're in the mood for adding a dash of spring glee and glitter to your phone, we have some good news - we make some of the finest [custom glitter stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/glitter-stickers "custom glitter stickers") you can print on the internet too!

So how do you make the best and glitteriest stickers for your phone? Let's take a look now at how to use Sticker Mule's Studio tool (ready with sticker templates) to create these fun & shiny stickers in no time - it's quick and easy!

## Why choose glitter stickers for your cell phone?

Now, you could, of course, customize your phone with a new and different (perhaps even glittery) phone cover. But our preferred method — no surprise here — is to use custom stickers.

That's because stickers have obvious advantages when it comes to customization:

- __They’re super affordable__. Especially compared to the cost of a new, quality case.
- __They’re easy to apply and replace__. You can stick, remove, and repeat as often as you’d like. 
- __They’re durable and ready to take a beating__. Our quality stickers are made of durable vinyl that is scratch-proof, waterproof, dust- and sunlight-proof. Death proof. You name it.

To top it off, there's something unique and whimsical about a well-designed glitter sticker, with its shimmering iridescence and rainbow palette. It's a dazzling way to showcase a friendly, light-hearted, doesn't-take-themselves-seriously type of personality. 

And, of course, it adds the perfect little sprinkling of extra cheer on your personal device.

## How to design your glitter sticker with Sticker Mule's Studio

A design is only as good as the creative mind behind it — and the tools used for the job. Now, you take care of the creativity part, while we provide a canvas for your imagination — in this case, our own browser-based design tool, [Sticker Mule's Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online sticker label design tool").

Studio was made to make life easier for our customers. To use it:

1. Access [stickermule.com/studio](http://stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool")
2. __Create an account or log in__ to your Sticker Mule account. This step is optional, but it does have the benefit of saving your work automatically to your account.
3. Use one of our __ready-made design templates__ as a starting point (like our custom sticker templates), or start from scratch.
4. __Add photos, text, shapes, colors__, and any other design elements you’d like!
5. Love the result? __Download your masterpiece__ in a variety of available formats, and use the file to place an order for [glitter stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/glitter-stickers "custom glitter stickers for phone"). 

##Designing your glitter sticker

![custom phone glitter sticker of a mermaid](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c21b8af5-edb2-4aef-ad77-cf1cb39924d4)

Designing stickers is its own type of art form. If this is your first time doing so, a good place to start is [Hayden Aube's video tutorial](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers "how to design stickers online") for Sticker Mule. 

A few things to keep in mind as you design a glitter sticker for your phone:

- Start with a [template](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates?q=sticker "free sticker templates online") that includes larger text. Ideally, people shouldn’t need Sherlock Holmes’ magnifying glass to read what your sticker says.
- Remember, a template is a suggestion to help get ideas flowing. You can still customize any aspect of the template with your own images, text, and icons to shape your unique style.
- Some colors naturally lend themselves better to the iridescent shine of glitter stickers. Check out [how we'll set up your custom glitter stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/support/how-will-you-set-up-my-glitter-stickers "how we set up custom glitter stickers for printing"), to help when picking your colors and background. 

Of course, once your order is placed, we’ll send an online proof of your artwork as a glitter sticker, so you can make sure it looks exactly the way you want it! 

##Caring for your glitter sticker and cell phone

Our stickers are made to last, but here are some things you can do to make the most of them:

- Make sure to clean your phone with a microfiber cloth before applying the sticker. The application area should also be perfectly dry.
- Apply with a slow, but firm motion, smoothing out any air bubbles for a clean and neat look.
- When cleaning your sticker, use a microfiber cloth and avoid rubbing excessively. If any dirt accumulates on the sticker, clean it with a slightly damp cloth. This will help keep your sticker sparkling for a long time.
- When removing or replacing your sticker, remember to avoid using anything sharp or abrasive. If the sticker leaves a residue, a little warm water or rubbing alcohol should suffice, [but there's no lack of other available options](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-remove-sticker-residue "how to remove sticker residue from phones").

##In a few words

Besides looking delightful on your phone or phone cover, [glitter stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/glitter-stickers "glitter stickers") can also be a lot of fun to design. Don't believe us? Check out Sticker Mule's Studio and see for yourself — you'll find there's no better way to explore your creativity and personalize your favorite device.

<ButtonCta text="Start making your own glitter stickers now!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/glitter-stickers" />




Learn how to create a glitter sticker for your phone in just a few easy to follow steps. Add sparkle & fun to your gadget now - start crafting today!

How to use Image Trace in Adobe Illustrator 

The Image Trace feature in Adobe Illustrator is a quick way to [convert your image to vector format](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) for high quality printing at any size.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="AUxtDCyaPFg?rel=0&showinfo=0" />

[Unlike raster images, vector images](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images) are made up of mathematical paths that allow the design to be scaled infinitely while retaining its quality.

![differences in raster to vector images](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7084286daa27ce03bbfdab7bfd1a6836fcedde98)

*__*Before we begin this very technical article, there is a much easier way for anyone, regardless of skill level, to convert any image to vector and it's called [Redraw by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "convert image to vector online") - and it's just $14!*__



Here’s how to easily convert a raster image into a vector image using the Image Trace tool in Adobe Illustrator:

### Step 1

With the image open in Adobe Illustrator, select *Window* > *Image Trace*

This will bring up the Image Trace panel.

![how to trace an image in illustrator image trace panel](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/619abbac694183e9dc1c3a3b9be10b10097f9fde)

### Step 2

With the image selected, check the *Preview* box. This will give you a live look at your image in vector format. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look great right away – there are more steps to go!

### Step 3

Select the *Mode* drop down menu, and choose the mode that best suits your design.

![color mode options illustrator image trace](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4633434944619e32569b92ebcfdf7b3ccb29e8c9)

![mode color grayscale black and white options visualized illustrator](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bdffbcf7fce970bef6bb0945c9eac470e044bb37)

### Step 4

Next, adjust the *Colors*, *Grays*, or *Threshold* slider. This slider will change depending on the mode you select; however the functionality between the 3 sliders remains similar.

*Colors* - Maximum number of colors used for tracing.

*Grays* - Grayscale accuracy from 0 to 100.

*Threshold* - Pixels darker than threshold value are converted to black.

If this is too low, it might make your image too plain. And if this is too high, it could make your image too complex. However, this all depends on your unique image.

![Colors Grays or Threshold slider differences in illustrator image trace](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d6499caf30e5423c75ed5bc7a6a704dbf3710659)

### Step 5

Toggle the *Advanced* menu down to bring up more options.

![advanced options of image trace in illustrator](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/227adbb1f2baf0d3b0dd8b3c3d456e8bebcd46ae)

### Step 6

Adjust the *Paths* slider.

This sets the number of paths in your design. Fewer paths means a simpler design, but if there are too few of paths it can distort your image or make it appear boxy. Conversely, too many paths can make the edges of your design very rough looking. Again, this all depends on your unique image - so it’s best to find a happy medium.

![how to use the trace paths slider in illustrator image trace](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e72cc6fbe5a8f0cdff5eeefabde8dbd5054eb047)

### Step 7

Adjust the *Corners* slider.

This controls the amount of corners in your design. Less corners will make the curves of your design more rounded, while more corners will make the curves of your design sharper.

![corners slider meaning and how to use in illustrator trace image](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2ff4d299985d5edce648f97b932e08a08208f247)

### Step 8

Adjust the *Noise* slider.

The noise slider tells Illustrator to ignore parts of your design that fit within the pixel amount set. A higher amount will result in less noise. This can very useful for eliminating artifacts of your design that aren’t supposed to be there. However, it can also eliminate important parts of your design that are smaller, so as always, find a happy medium that works for your design.

![differences in noise slider threshold in illustrator image trace](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a71710f369e96889bcd2fe101c3dd5fa1ba6e876)

### Step 9

Click the *Expand* button and save your image as an .ai, .pdf, or .eps file.

Now that you have a vector image, it will look great at any size. You can have it printed as a 1” inch [die cut sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers)... or an 8 foot [wall graphic](https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics)!

Simply choose a product and quantity, and upload your file to Sticker Mule as-is. Within a few hours you'll receive a free proof showing you exactly what your design will look like in real life.

### Try Redraw

[Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) is a service that upgrades any image into a vector format for a flat rate of $14, regardless of the complexity.

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

Upload any image and we'll send you a proof of what your new, vectorized image will look like. You can request changes to the proof for free until you're happy.

<ButtonCta text="Order a Redraw for $14" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

Learn how to trace an image in illustrator the easy way with a quick video guide to vectorizing images while using Image Trace in Adobe Illustrator!

How to trace an image in Adobe Illustrator the easy way!

Online custom printing service. Specializing in custom stickers, labels, coasters and magnets. Serving companies and individuals around the world.

Sticker Mule

Adobe Illustrator

How to quickly convert your image to vector format for high quality printing at any size using Image Trace in Adobe Illustrator.

How To

How to use Image Trace in Adobe Illustrator

Open Image Trace Panel

With the image open in Adobe Illustrator, select Window > Image Trace

This will bring up the Image Trace panel.

Clip 0

Select The Preview Box

With the image selected, check the Preview box. This will give you a live look at your image in vector format. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look great right away – there are more steps to go!

Clip 1

Select The Mode

Select the Mode drop-down menu, and choose the mode that best suits your design.

Clip 2

Adjust The Colors Slider

Next, adjust the Colors, Grays, or Threshold slider. This slider will change depending on the mode you select, however the functionality between the 3 sliders remains similar.

Colors - Maximum number of colors used for tracing.

Grays - Grayscale accuracy from 0 to 100.

Threshold - Pixels darker than threshold value are converted to black.

If this is too low, it might make your image too plain. And if this is too high, it could make your image too complex. However, this all depends on your unique image.

Clip 3

Open More Options

Toggle the Advanced menu down to bring up more options.

Clip 4

Adjust The Paths

Adjust the Paths slider.

This sets the number of paths in your design. Fewer paths means a simpler design, but if there are too few of paths it can distort your image or make it appear boxy. Conversely, too many paths can make the edges of your design very rough looking. Again, this all depends on your unique image - so it’s best to find a happy medium.

Clip 5

Adjust The Corner Slider

Adjust the Corners slider.

This controls the amount of corners in your design. Less corners will make the curves of your design more rounded, while more corners will make the curves of your design sharper.

Clip 6

Adjust The Noise Slider

Adjust the Noise slider.

The noise slider tells Illustrator to ignore parts of your design that fit within the pixel amount set. A higher amount will result in less noise. This can very useful for eliminating artifacts of your design that aren’t supposed to be there. However, it can also eliminate important parts of your design that are smaller, so as always, find a happy medium that works for your design.

Clip 7

Save The File

Click the Expand button and save your image as an .ai, .pdf, or .eps file.

Now that you have a vector image, it will look great at any size. You can have it printed as a 1” inch die cut sticker... or an 8 foot wall graphic!

Simply choose a product and quantity, and upload your file to Sticker Mule as-is. Within a few hours you'll receive a free proof showing you exactly what your design will look like in real life.

If you're new to sticker design, get started quickly with $10 off your first order. Just sign up by clicking the button below.

Clip 8

A digital image file

Adobe Illustrator Software

A Computer

How to make custom temporary tattoos from a photo

The Sticker Mule array of custom products just got a new addition: [custom temporary tattoos](https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos "custom temporary tattoos")!

![make custom temporary tattoos from photos](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9616189a-b832-41d0-ae98-97dd7f5ed354)

These newcomers are exactly what the name suggests: tattoos that you get to sport for a couple of days but that, just like an ephemeral Sunday afternoon, will eventually vanish without a trace.

The thing about temporary tattoos: they're a fantastic way to express yourself, with no limits to your creativity — and no commitment to wearing them the rest of your life. 

##Why choose temporary tattoos?

As most millennials will remember, temporary tattoos were big with kids in the '90s, and lately they've found a new burst in popularity — largely [driven by social media and influencer trends](https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/john-yuyi-instagram-artist "social media trends in custom tattoos").

It was time to bring that trend back, as temporary tattoos have plenty of fun applications (no pun intended!). You can use them to:

- Find out __how you would look like with tattoos__ (if you've never got one)
- __Try out a design before you commit__ to getting it inked on your skin forever
- Surprise everyone at work or at a party (and __let them think for a while you got an actual tattoo__)
- Use them as a fun way to incorporate your branding at __parties or events__ — you can even consider swapping party wristbands for party tattoos!
- Copy __tattoos from celebrities__ or movie characters for a bit of cosplay fun (we're partial to the John Wick 'Fortuna Fortis Adiuvat', not gonna lie)
- __Indulge the mean streak in you__ and horrify a purist family member, because why not
- Conversely, if you *are* the purist family member (oops), __let your kids play around with temporary tattoos__ — maybe this will keep them away from the real thing?

But really, the uses you can have for temporary tattoos from photos are limited only to your imagination and to how much fun you're prepared to indulge in.

##Choosing the right photo for your custom tattoo

![choosing the right photo for a custom printed tattoo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1508610e-e35b-45b3-9f48-5d4164dc3766)

One thing to keep in mind as you plan your awesome new temporary tattoos: your output is only as good as your input. (Or, as they say, "garbage in, garbage out".)

Here, this means you want to look for high-quality, sharp photos that will print well and look great as a tattoo. If your image has a low resolution or is pixelated, it won't translate well into a printed design — it may look blurry or simply not print clearly enough. 

If you found the perfect photo, but don't have it in a decently-sized file, remember you can leverage our free Upscale service to [increase the resolution of pictures with AI](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "upscale image ai free").

##Design considerations for temporary tattoos

Keep a few elements in mind when designing your custom temporary tattoos — these will help you get optimal results for your design.

- __Contrast__. A high-contrast image where at least one color pops out from the rest is a great way to craft a compelling and attention-grabbing tattoo.
- __Silhouette__. The more nitid a silhouette you get, the better your tattoo will look on your body. You want it to show clearly, not edges that fade into your skin.
- __Visual hierarchy__. Make sure you plan what parts of the tattoo you want to give more emphasis to, and which ones will be more immediately visible. For that, you can benefit from our free proofing process, which gives you a chance to check out your design before pulling the trigger on your custom tattoo order.
- __Color choices__. There is [plenty to be said about colors](https://www.glamour.com/gallery/cute-watercolor-tattoo-ideas "colorful tattoo ideas") and their impact on your tattoo design. For instance, small tattoos don't do so well with too many colors (as they can blend into each other and lose their sharpness); grey and black can be great for intricate, contrast-replete designs, and so on. One thing to note is that if there are [any white segments in your tattoo, they will print as transparent/see through](https://www.stickermule.com/support/can-you-print-white-ink-on-custom-temporary-tattoos "what happens when you print white ink on custom tattoos").
- __Scale/detail interplay__. More intricate designs tend to do better for larger tattoos, whereas less detail-rich graphics can be printed in a wider variety of sizes.
- __Design elements__. Pay attention to how the different design elements come together to form a nice tattoo. Lines, space, texture, balance, movement — these and other aspects will help in creating a tattoo that truly stands out.

##Using design software to create your tattoo

There is no shortage of options for designing your custom temporary tattoo. If Photoshop is your thing, you can of course craft your design there.

However, in case you're looking for an easier-to-use option, you'll find [Studio by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool for printing") is a handy tool that should more than meet your requirements. 

Studio is:

- __Browser-based__, meaning you can use it on pretty much any device
- Requires __no downloads__
- Allows you to __order with just a couple clicks__ once you finish your design
- Is free!

##Step-by-step guide on transforming a photo into a tattoo-ready design
![custom tattoo online design tool free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/78772eaa-f46a-4ae4-8134-98825ba2f9d7)

Depending on the picture in question, it can be easy enough to make it into a design ready for your skin. But regardless of difficulty, the following steps should see you through to your desired goal:

1. To begin with, __clean up your image__. This likely means removing any background that interferes with your design — and here, too, you can benefit from Sticker Mule's very own [background remover tool](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free background remover").
2. __Adjust the contrast and saturation__. Make sure your design gets to the desired level of sharpness and color intensity.
3. __Upscale your image__. If your image has a low PPI (pixel per inch) ratio, you may want to upscale it using our AI-leveraged tool, [Upscale by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "upscale image for free with ai"). This only takes a minute and can significantly improve your final result.

##Preparing your design for printing

With your image looking just the way you want it, it's time to prepare it for printing. This is a simple enough process:

- Make sure the __file format is an accepted one__. At Sticker Mule, we work with most common formats such as .jpg, .png, and .img.
- Preferably, use [vector artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/support/file-formats "best practices when printing with vector file formats"). If your file is not vector, it should have a PPI ratio of 300 or more
- Make sure your graphic __margins are not too large__
- Submit your design and sit tight — our team will get back to you with a __digital proof showing what your print will look like__

Additionally, you may want to try doing a test print on paper with your home printer before you approve the proof and we start the production process. If, as usual, your home printer isn't working, just chuck it out the window and proceed with your order. You should be fine!

###Creating a design from scratch

While [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design studio") may be super easy to use for creating tattoos from photos, sometimes it may be hard to get the creative juices flowing if you are designing a brand new design from scratch. In that case, a little-known trick to spudding potential custom tattoo designs is that you can hire professional digital artists to [design custom tattoos for you for as little as $5](https://www.fiverr.com/categories/graphics-design/tattoo-design "hire professional designers for tattoos"). 

Even if you don’t like the final result, the whole process can still be rewarding by helping you fine-tune your idea so you can eventually get an amazing result from what was just a little seed of an idea!

##Applying your custom temporary tattoo
![custom temporary tattoos application](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7c865f48-b191-4277-903c-cfe12c9a5414)

Now I hear you say, "This is just a temporary tattoo — no brainer!" Well, yes, but keep a couple things in mind to avoid smudging your design, ensure your tattoo keeps looking great on your skin for a little longer, and ensure safety.

- Make sure you __clean the area of application__ beforehand. Consider using a light moisturizer half an hour before you apply your tattoo
- __If you have thick/coarse hair, shave the area__ in question before application
- __Avoid heat, water, or dirt__ in the tattoo area for a couple of minutes after applying
- If you're concerned about potential allergic reactions, __try testing the tattoo on a small patch of skin__ before making the final application. If you're allergic to adhesive, avoid applying to sensitive or broken skin areas

When your temporary tattoo has served its term and it's time to take it off, any of the below methods works fine (and better than soap and water, which we don't recommend):

- Baby oil/olive oil/other analogous oils
- Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer
- Scotch tape (but if you have thick hair, [you know what to expect](https://youtu.be/6CTSUjT4Xuk?si=yb7a9HVe1zg618xC&t=44 "funny ripping hair scene from 40 year old virgin")!)

##Creative uses for your custom temporary tattoos
![custom fake tattoos from sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ff1940d0-2578-412e-a7a2-360147816c95)

There is no lack of creative ideas for your temp tattoos. Try these personal ideas:

- Give out as swag to promote your own personal brand
- Flaunt at festivals and parties
- Experiment and test your looks before committing to a real tattoo
- Incorporate as part of your cosplay
- Challenge yourself or friends to wear bold tattoos publicly — for a day!
- Have fun with your kids
- …and many more!

And that's not all. Temporary tattoos also have quite a few professional applications, not least of which is their use as branding for business, in giveaways, as part of promotional events or commemorations, and, of course, as merchandise.

##Conclusion

Just as with any of our other main products, [custom temporary tattoos](https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos "custom temporary tattoos") are above all about having fun. Whether as a conversation starter or a way to have a few laughs with friends, temporary tattoos are the perfect way to exercise your creative side a little.

Now is the time to tap into your creativity and explore new avenues for your style. Try our custom temporary tattoos — the quality is on us, and the fun is on you!

<ButtonCta text="Create your own custom tattoos from photos today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/temporary-tattoos" />

 Learn to transform any photo into a custom temporary tattoo with our easy guide. Perfect for personal use or events. Click for full instructions!

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