Sticker design trends for 2025

Everybody loves stickers. If you're a millennial you likely collected and traded stickers with friends growing up. If you're in Gen Z you may love stickers as a form of personal expression. And if you're a Boomer or Gen Xer, you probably love the nostalgia of a well-designed sticker. 

That's why smart brands are turning to stickers in their marketing toolkit. While a lot of hype these days is around "digital stickers" on messaging apps and social media platforms, there's nothing quite like a good old-fashioned physical sticker. 

Whether you're looking to build your personal brand or a company brand, stickers are one of the best ways to connect, promote, and express yourself. A well-designed sticker, especially on premium material, can become a keepsake, cement brand loyalty, enhance unboxing experiences, and drive social media engagement.

At Sticker Mule, we work with some of the world's most talented sticker designers every day. Here are the top sticker design trends we’re seeing for 2025.

##Top sticker design trends for 2025:

###1. Retro revival

After all these years, retro-inspired design can no longer be called just a trend. It's become a timeless style with recognizable characteristics that are staples in graphic design. While the actual definition of what exactly "retro" means constantly changes as the population ages, retro designs will always be with us as long as humans have memories.

One of the things that makes retro so powerful as a style is its versatility. Every era has its own unique footprint design-wise, which gives you as a designer a wealth of time-tested elements to choose from. If asked to name a "retro color palette," most designers could respond without much hesitation.

The same goes for typography, illustration styles, shapes, patterns, and more. Rather than leaning into clichés, designers have embraced a hybrid approach, blending modern, contemporary elements with retro-inspired aesthetics to create their own unique style.

In the world of stickers, retro characters remain incredibly popular, serving as a valuable asset for brands looking to enrich their branding toolkit. Similarly, 70s-inspired typography is another widely used and beloved element in retro design.

![retro revival sticker design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7b1ed215-9b62-475c-a4a7-2a786e99ea80)
By [Lisa McCormick](https://dribbble.com/shots/25091518-We-re-All-in-this-Together-Stickers)

###2. Halftone patterns

Halftones have evolved far beyond their printing origins to become a dynamic design element that adds depth, texture, and a distinctive visual appeal. This technique—creating gradients and shading through patterns of dots—can infuse designs with vintage charm or a contemporary edge. While halftones were once relegated to serving as subtle textures, in 2025 we'll see them used more and more as bold, primary design elements that can transform simple illustrations into striking works of art.

In sticker design, halftones offer unique advantages. They can serve as a unifying feature, linking individual stickers into a cohesive set. By incorporating halftone patterns into each sticker, the designs feel instantly connected, creating a sense of continuity and harmony. This makes halftones a powerful asset for adding depth and cohesion to your designs.

![halftone patterns sticker design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6f724396-6ea1-4884-b80d-605408374ea9)
By [Lisa Champ](https://dribbble.com/shots/16736302-Halloween-Flash-Collab/attachments/11781747?mode=media)

###3. Holographic magic

[Holographic stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers) are becoming increasingly popular, adding a mesmerizing "shimmer" to what might be an otherwise mundane design. Their shifting colors make them ideal for product packaging, laptop decorations, and brand promotions that demand attention and an extra touch of uniqueness.

In the wrong designers' hands holographic or glitter stickers can become gratuitous or gimmicky, but gifted designers are finding ways to use the added dimension to create unique pieces of art. That's why all kinds of industries like online retail, fintech startups, and luxury brands are embracing them. A badge or label on holographic material instantly feels premium and special—something a plain white sticker struggles to achieve and a digital sticker can never match.

It’s no coincidence that gradients have become more prominent in design recently, and holographic stickers are a perfect way to bring a digital, futuristic feel into physical stickers. Their ability to blend aesthetic appeal with functionality makes them a standout choice in 2025.

![holographic stickers design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/321b6b31-3416-498f-a5b7-c417075876e7)

###4. Hand-drawn illustrations

While some design companies are touting "AI generated design" as an emerging trend, we're going to be contrarians on that one. 

Yes, more and more brands will be turning to AI to produce art, but we believe the landscape will be so flooded with derivative and soulless "art" that the differentiation will not be which art is the most technically flawless, but which art is the most "human". So don't throw out your graphite pencils and paint canvases just yet—you'll need them.

It's the unmistakably human touch of hand-drawn illustrations which makes them special. Even a child's drawing conveys a sense of authenticity and a heartfelt connection that computer-generated art cannot replicate. As an designer, your art isn't about technical prowess, it's about the collective experience and expertise you've built.

As Coca-Cola [learned the hard way](https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/coca-cola-causes-controversy-ai-made-ad-rcna180665), even if modern AI has conquered the uncanny valley from a visual perspective, it's interesting to see how Coca-Cola's customers instinctively recoiled and even felt a sense of betrayal with their 100% AI ad. As we see more and more of this, humans will crave authenticity and genuine, heartfelt connections. Smart brands will seek out artists to tell their brand story. Collaborations between brands and artists are becoming increasingly popular, resulting in limited-edition sticker collections that generate excitement and become collectible items.

What makes hand-drawn illustrations perfect is their imperfection. Each design reflects your unique style, personality, and character as an artist, creating a connection that perfectly polished vector designs can't match. Small businesses, in particular, are embracing this trend to highlight their artisanal nature and support local artists.

[Die-cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) are a particularly good choice for letting your hand-drawn illustrations live "out of the box".

![hand-drawn stickers trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/844e2529-e481-4c41-bce9-1abcc3d3ceea)

###5. Minimalism

Minimalism is a broad concept in graphic design, but a specific trend gaining traction this year is the use of simplistic, single-color designs. These include illustrations, typographic pieces, and minimalist logos. Counterintuitively, simple designs often deliver a stronger message and leave a lasting impact. "Less is more" has never been more valid than in today's world of information overload.

While adding details can enhance designs in some cases, removing clutter is a powerful way to sharpen your message. For example, turning a black-and-white version of your logo into a sticker can be an effective way to promote your brand or cause.

As designers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overloading a design with elements, thinking that more detail enriches it. However, avoiding dense layouts can be a refreshing change for viewers. To stay on-trend with minimalism, focus on simplicity—keep it clean and "minimal".

![minimalism sticker design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ccd1e502-5f65-4a32-83fb-e03a668c7ad8)

###6. All that glitters

As with holographic stickers, we're seeing a resurgence in creators interested in [Glitter stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/glitter-stickers). Glitter stickers literally let you add a "sparkle" to your sticker designs. 

Consumers love them. An attractive glitter sticker can help their laptops, phone cases, and water bottles stand out with brilliant iridescence when light shines on them, giving them a nice conversation piece (and bragging rights) among their friends.

One of their standout features is the ability to apply the sparkle effect selectively—whether it's highlighting specific elements of a logo or creating bold, fully glittered backgrounds. This flexibility allows you to maintain a brand's visual identity while adding just the right amount of shine to make your designs stand out.

Brands worldwide are leveraging glitter stickers to elevate their packaging and promotional materials. Their attention-grabbing nature makes them ideal for special edition products, seasonal campaigns, and creating share-worthy moments on social media.

![glitter stickers sticker design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/55fbaef3-e1f7-477f-8525-b552ce306ef8)

###7. Custom face stickers

Personal branding is taking center stage in 2025, with entrepreneurs and businesses putting their faces front and center through custom stickers. This shift from traditional corporate logos to personal representation is redefining how brands connect with their audiences. By literally "putting their face on it," business owners convey confidence in their products and services while building trust with customers.

The trend of [custom face stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/face-stickers) aligns with a broader push for authenticity in business. Whether it’s a chef featuring an illustrated portrait on product packaging, a realtor using face stickers in marketing materials, or a content creator adding their likeness to merchandise, these personal touches help create immediate emotional connections. [Die-cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) work particularly well for maintaining the natural shape of the image, while [sticker sheets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets) showcasing different expressions allow brands to convey various moods and personalities across touchpoints.

This approach reinforces that there's a real person behind the brand who believes in what they’re selling. It’s especially impactful on social media, where followers can match the face on purchased products to the person they’ve been engaging with online, bridging the gap between digital and physical brand experiences.

To make the process easier our free tool, [Print](https://www.stickermule.com/print), quickly transforms your image into a printed product without the need for professional software. Need to remove a photo background? Try our [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace) tool—it gets the job done in seconds.

![face stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ef2d622c-0e2d-4a03-9725-7153c4c4831c)

###8. Gradients

In 2024, we saw gradients make a major comeback, appearing across all types of design touchpoints—from illustrations to websites. They’ve even re-emerged as integral elements of brand identities, not just temporary campaign visuals. It’s clear that gradients are here to stay for the foreseeable future, and likely well beyond.

It’s fascinating to see how design elements that fall out of favor—becoming almost "taboo" in the design community—can so quickly return and feel fresh again. This cycle has happened with sans-serif typography (still a go-to for many designers), isometric elements, flat design, low-poly visuals, and more. While gradients never fully disappeared, their resurgence has been undeniable—and we expect them to become even more prominent in 2025.

Although gradients work beautifully in digital designs, they can also enhance print projects, especially if you find a high-quality printer that can reproduce your colors faithfully (like [us](https://www.stickermule.com/support/pantone-colors)!). A gradient often adds depth and excitement to a design, making it far more dynamic than a flat, solid color. Incorporating gradients into your work can breathe new life into your visuals—you might be surprised by the impact they can have!

![gradient sticker design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8e263074-9585-4b81-b188-7997a6fbb1fd)
By [Patswerk](https://dribbble.com/shots/21549871-Plakwerk)

###9. Custom typography

Letter stickers, mostly produced as [die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers), are popular as always. From [vinyl letters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/vinyl-lettering) to [rounded corner stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rounded-corner-stickers) featuring unique fonts, businesses are using custom typography to make bold statements. These designs range from minimalist to elaborate, offering versatile options for brand expression.

The trend extends beyond simple text, with letters incorporating illustrations, patterns, and textures. Some brands are even creating custom alphabets that can be mixed and matched, allowing customers to craft personalized messages. The resurgence of hand-lettering and calligraphy has further influenced this trend, adding an artistic and human touch to text-based stickers.

Hand-drawn lettering has been a favorite for years, and when executed well, it continues to be a powerful tool for businesses and personal brands to communicate through typography.

Retail spaces are using large-format letter stickers for [floor graphics](https://www.stickermule.com/products/floor-graphics) and [wall graphics](https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics), while small businesses are creating custom lettering stickers for packaging and promotional materials. And don't forget about [front adhesive stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/front-adhesive-stickers), which are perfect for applying to the inside of windows for a clean, professional look.

![custom typography sticker design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3dfacf95-517d-4aaa-8147-45a0650c9053)

###10. Kawaii

The rising popularity of [Kawaii](https://www.artsy.net/article/the-art-genome-project-what-is-kawaii)-style stickers highlights how this adorable Japanese aesthetic has become a global phenomenon. Characterized by cute characters with exaggerated features—such as large eyes, tiny mouths, and rounded, baby-like proportions—Kawaii designs have grown far beyond their anime and manga origins.

What makes this trend remarkable is how brands and creators, even those outside traditional Kawaii circles, are embracing and adapting it. It seems that everything from corporate mascots to food items is being transformed into Kawaii characters these days, each with its own personality and universal appeal.

In the sticker world, Kawaii designs have proven to be incredibly versatile. Their cheerful and relatable nature are perfect for personal projects and brand assets alike. Small businesses are leveraging Kawaii mascots to make their brands more approachable, while tech companies are using them in product stickers to add warmth and personality to their corporate image.

The trend has also taken off in the planner and journaling community, where Kawaii stickers help users stay organized while adding a playful touch to their daily routines. What's particularly exciting is how Western designers are blending Kawaii elements with their own cultural influences, creating unique hybrid styles that retain the essential "cute factor" while appealing to a broader audience.

![kawaii sticker design trend](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dd306dd2-0b01-4302-9d5b-3e0cb5183917)
By [Sofia Iudina](https://dribbble.com/shots/23897557-Boba-Inu-Sheet-of-Stickers)

##The Future of Sticker Design

We've only touched on a few of the many trends we're seeing for 2025. Of course whether to choose a new trend to follow (or to start your own new trend) depends on your brand and your audience. Talk with them, participate in the online forums they frequent, and find every way you can to step into their shoes to learn what excites, inspires, and motivates them. The most important "trend" to follow is will always be the one that resonates with your audience.


Discover the top sticker design trends for 2025, from retro-inspired styles and holographic magic to Kawaii aesthetics and custom typography.

How to make pixel art in Adobe Illustrator

Who would’ve thought 30 years ago that we'd be trying to create pixel art in Adobe Illustrator today? Back in the day, we longed for the highest resolution displays so that pixelation would ultimately disappear from our lives. But as Gen-X and Millennials start to reminisce on the "good old days" of Mario, Sonic, and Pokemon, the pixelated art has never been more popular and has become a popular and deliberate artistic choice for indie games, digital art, and yes, stickers.

![Guide to creating pixel art](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8002b78c-227b-421c-aadd-cf7d209db031)

Creating authentic-looking pixel art can be challenging. While well-known pixel artists such as [Eboy](https://www.eboy.com/) started out with Photoshop, Illustrator is still the preferred software when it comes to print projects. Because you know, vectors and stuff.

You’ve probably been down the road of stacking squares one by one, but that turns into a daunting task that can take hours to complete, especially with bigger illustrations that use more pixels. 

AI is another option, but as you work with AI-generated art you'll find that AI has its own artistic "style". As the world gets littered with more and more of this style, the demand for authentic, human-created art will grow more, not less. You'll want to make sure as an artist you're well-versed in proper techniques and making your own adjustments so that your "humanity" will come through.

Let’s speed things up so you’ll be ready in minutes.

##How to create quick pixel art in Adobe Illustrator

###Step 1 - Select your object

Select the object you want to convert to pixel art. This can be an illustration, a photograph, or anything else. If it’s a vector illustration you’ve already created, make sure to create a screenshot or export it as a JPG/PNG first as this method only works on bitmap images.

![selecting a bitmap image to start with](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8e4d15fa-fa59-4356-9830-43f03a57fe49)

###Step 2 - Set the number of pixels

Go to __Object > Create Object Mosaic__. Set the number of pixels you want to have horizontally/vertically and click on __Use Ratio__ to get square-oriented pixels. Hit *OK*.

![setting the number of pixels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/580182ed-090c-4242-9758-b36250d2ad33)

###Step 3 - Removing background pixels

Use the __Direct Selection Tool (A)__ and select one of the background pixels. Then, go to __Select > Same > Fill Color__ and hit __Backspace (⌫)__ to remove them all at once.

![remove the background](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e1681a8b-ccca-45f8-a13f-b1183cf3c09b)

###Step 4 - Remove the underlying image

For some reason, Illustrator always keeps the original image below the effect:

![Illustrator keeps the original image below the effect](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/73c4d957-fbb1-44bb-a1d1-c016ce58be4c)

To fix this, go to the __Direct Selection Tool (A)__ once again, select that underlying image and remove it using __Backspace (⌫)__. That looks better!

![that looks better!](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d3d6f5fe-cc1a-4f53-b565-b8594de87c17)

###Step 5 - Clean up unwanted pixels

Now clean up any unwanted pixels using the __Direct Selection Tool (A)__ or add additional pixels wherever you want. Minimizing the amount of different shades of colors can make your design appear cleaner and fresher.

![clean up extra pixels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/52735983-7f3d-466b-b2f4-0100d0d94b9e)

###Step 6 - Creating a border for die-cut stickers

In case you want to slap it on a [die cut sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers), a border around it will come in handy to create some cutting margin during the production process. It also makes it look like a sticker right away, right? 

Copy the complete design (__⌘+C__ on Mac, __Ctrl+C__ on Windows), go to __Window > Pathfinder__ and choose __Unite__. Then, set the color to white and go to __Object > Path > Offset Path__. After selecting your size and type of joins, hit __OK__.

![adding a border](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c673a11a-fa4f-4cae-bdcf-99ba3d1d3917)

###Step 7 - pasting the object over the border

Lastly, remove the inner shape and "Paste in Front" by hitting (__⌘+F__ on Mac, __Ctrl-F__ on Windows). This will paste the original artwork back in the exact same place. 

![your completed pixelated design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/175bba2e-e283-4f26-8ce5-097ee4b668a8)

Done! From here on you can make any further edits before sending it over to include in a larger design or to create products like [die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) or [magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets). This method works best for images with high contrasts, but even converting images like a gradient to a pixel grid like this can become a true work of art. 

Have fun testing this method out with different types of images and adjusting the amount of pixels to see what it becomes. 



Pixels are "in" as the 80s and 90s take their turn to be retro-cool. Interested in making the next Minecraft or Mario? Learn how from our experts.

How to create a fully editable 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator

Remember those times when you wanted to create a 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator using the good old Blend Tool? This required converting the text to outlines before you could proceed with the actual process of creating the text effect, and it would take a huge chunk of your time to do it.

But what if you wanted to apply it to a different word, try another font, or create multiple variations throughout a project? While it can be fun to create one of them, it will quickly turn into a hair-grabbing task if you have to do this too many times.

Luckily, Adobe Illustrator’s Appearance panel helps you build up your effects from scratch before you can save them forever as a Graphic Style. From there, you can use it over and over again. Magic!

##How to create an editable 3d text effect in Adobe Illustrator

###Step 1: Open the Appearance panel

Select your text and go to __Window > Appearance__ to open up the Appearance panel.

![Selecting Window > Appearance to open up the Appearance panel](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c94e07f7-6082-449b-bf03-2027cac729a4)

###Step 2: Add and organize fills

Remove any fill or stroke from the text. Then, at the bottom of the panel, head over to __Add New Fill__ and add 2 separate fills. 

The lowest fill viewed in the panel will be the shadow part and the fill above will be your text color.

__Tip: __Keep enough contrast between both colors to make it really "pop".

![Remove fill or stroke from the text](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/730c7abc-b0c4-48a3-8220-a445195a08a5)

###Step 3: Apply offset path for depth

Now go back and select the lower fill, click on the __fx__ icon at the bottom and go to __Path > Offset Path__. Choose your desired size and set the __Joins__ to __Round__. Click __OK__.

![Apply offset path for depth](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/08693765-0741-434c-b0e1-3760fd0783fd)

###Step 4: Transform and duplicate for shadow effect

With the same lower fill selected, head over to __fx__ again and go to __Distort & Transform > Transform__. In the Move section, add 0.5 px to both the horizontal and vertical sides. Then, choose the number of copies you want and hit __OK__.

![Transform and duplicate for shadow effect](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7bae3837-4fb4-4b11-b0cc-3d98193243bb)

###Step 5: Save as a graphic style

Go to __Window > Graphic Styles__ and drag your text into this panel. Now it's part of this document each time you open it. If you want to have this text effect saved for other documents as well, go to the library icon at the bottom left corner and select __Save Graphic Styles__. Make sure to remove any graphic styles in there that you don't want to save.

![Save as a graphic style](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fa65de98-62e4-4e57-ba69-bf58550bdfeb)

Well, that’s all! This way your text is fully editable and you don't need to create this effect ever again. Changing the colors, the depth of the shadows, and any other edits can be done through the Appearance panel after selecting the text. 

And as promised, whenever you want to change the text, it's kept intact so it will be ready to get swapped for another piece of text anytime you want.

The same Offset Path feature can be used to [create a sticker cut line](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line) as well, which is an important part of creating die cut stickers, and using this method will keep you from doing this manually.

Want to slap this design onto a sticker? Our [custom die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) would be a perfect fit. With thick, durable vinyl that protects your stickers from scratches, water & sunlight. 

<ButtonCta text="Start designing custom stickers today" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />




Learn how to create an editable 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator using the Appearance panel. Perfect for stickers and beyond!

Make a 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator

Custom sticker printing: Making custom stickers, part 2

In [part one of this guide](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers-guide), we covered design fundamentals and how to apply them in sticker design. In this post we'll cover how to get your designs printed onto top-quality vinyl, right here on Sticker Mule.

##5. Preparing your design for print

Before you send your design off for printing, there are a few things you need to check to make sure it’s print-ready.

###Choosing the right format

When exporting your design, make sure to use a print-friendly file format. Vector files like EPS or PDF are ideal for printing because they can be resized without losing any quality. If you’re working with raster images, make sure your resolution is set to 300 DPI (dots per inch) for a sharp result. Did you already export your design and aren't sure what resolution it was exported at? We’ve explained how you can check this [in this step-by-step guide](https://www.stickermule.com/support/artwork-ppi).

###Bleed margins

To make sure that your sticker doesn’t get cut off at the edges during printing, include a bleed area of 0.125” around your design. In Adobe Illustrator, you can easily do this by selecting your design and going to __Object > Path > Offset Path__. Now set the size to 0.125 inches. In the *Joins* section, select *Round* to create smoother corners. Hit __OK__. Now go to Pathfinder and select __Add__ to merge all elements into one path.

###Add a cut line

If you have designed a die-cut or kiss-cut sticker, a cut line is always useful for us to have. Decide where you want to have your sticker cut and create 1 shape out of that using the "Offset Path + Pathfinder" method described above. Place this inside a new layer, call it "Cut line" and give it a separate color that’s not used in your design.

###Resolution

It’s also a good idea to double-check that your design is at the correct resolution before exporting. With raster images, aim for at least 300 DPI to avoid any blurriness or pixelation. 

###Proofing your design

Before placing an order, it might be necessary to get a proof of your design. Here at Sticker Mule we offer [auto-approving proofs](https://www.stickermule.com/support/how-does-auto-approving-proofs-work). During checkout, our system will scan your artwork to determine if a proof is necessary. If you'd still like to receive a proof though, you can choose to have one sent by selecting ‘No thanks’.

![Upload option of Sticker Mule during the order process for custom stickers, with the option to auto-approve the stickers and save time.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1a8f9482-3d6f-4193-8995-c1d727922436)

If any of the above looks intimidating, we’re here to help. Our tools like [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) and [Print](https://www.stickermule.com/print) help simplify this process without using complex software.

Want to see what the process of designing a sticker in Adobe Illustrator can look like? We’ve made a [step-by-step video tutorial](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers?srsltid=AfmBOoooqIGG29Xu762Wm4xBqkU9T4Nj1Yqtc7W29alWMagyTcgSGTTl) showing exactly that.

##6. Printing your stickers

Once your print-file is ready, it's time to print! 

###Exploring your options

Once you've nailed down your sticker design, the next step is bringing it to life! There are several options for printing stickers, depending on your budget, volume, and the look you’re aiming for. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular choices:

- __Home Printing__ - If you're just doing this for fun and aren't too particular about quality, home printing is the quickest option. Invest in sticker paper compatible with your printer (inkjet or laser), and you can print your designs right at home. Just remember, the quality of your printer and paper will directly affect the final result, and that because home printing often involves a lot of trial and error the cost of consumables may not make this the most affordable option.

- __Vinyl Cutting Machines__ - For serious DIY enthusiasts or small businesses, vinyl cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette are game changers. These machines let you print and cut stickers at home, offering more precision and a professional finish compared to traditional home printing. Remember again, though, that when you factor in your investment for equipment, consumables, and your own time you may not be saving that much money (and the quality will often be subpar to a professional print service with million-dollar equipment and high quality materials). 

- __ Local Print Shops__ - For those who prefer professional-quality prints without the commitment of bulk orders, local print shops are a fantastic choice. They often offer a range of materials and finishes, such as glossy, matte, or waterproof stickers, and can help you fine-tune your design for optimal results.

- __ Online Printing Services__ - Online sticker printing services (like [us](https://www.stickermule.com/)!) allow you to upload your designs, choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, and receive professionally printed stickers delivered to your doorstep. This option is ideal for scaling to higher production volumes while ensuring top-notch quality. 

###Choose the type of sticker

Your choice of a sticker printer also depends on what kind of sticker you choose to make. 

The top custom sticker manufacturers (like [us](https://www.stickermule.com/)!) also accomodate unique options (like holographic or die-cut stickers) for businesses and creators looking to  tand out with special features.

Technically, most stickers fall into one of the two most popular categories as we described them in our last post: die-cut stickers and kiss-cut stickers.  

- __Die-cut stickers__

 - __[Die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers)__ - These stickers are cut into any custom shape you like, running along the contours of your design. They are used as collectibles, personal expression, promotional designs, and decorating laptops, water bottles, or vehicles.

 - __[Circle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/circle-stickers)__ - These stickers are die-cut into the shape of a circle. Circle stickers are most commonly used for branding, product labels, personalization, packaging seals, and event favors.

 - __[Rectangle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rectangle-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into the shape of a rectangle. Rectangle stickers are commonly used for product labels, business branding, signage, packaging, and informational displays.

 - __[Square stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/square-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into the shape of a square. Companies use square stickers for branding, product packaging, social media promotion, and decorative personalization.

 - __[Oval stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/oval-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into the shape of an oval. Oval stickers are most commonly used for product labeling, business branding, vehicle decals, and promotional giveaways.

 - __[Bumper stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bumper-stickers)__ - These are die-cut into a large rectangle. Bumper stickers are of course used for political statements, advertisements, humor, personal expression, and advocacy for causes.

 - __[Rounded corner stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rounded-corner-stickers)__ - These stickers are die-cut into the shape of a square with the corners rounded. Rounded corner stickers are most commonly used for sleek product labels, business branding, packaging, and professional promotional materials.

 - __[Clear stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/clear-stickers)__ - Clear stickers are essentially die-cut stickers printed on clear vinyl instead of white vinyl. They're great for things like windows and drinking glasses.

 - __[Front adhesive stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/front-adhesive-stickers)__ - These are stickers where your design is printed on the sticky side (think of a sticker you might get from the DMV). They're not quite as pristine as printed transfer stickers, but they still look great and are a lot quicker and easier to use.

 - __[Holographic stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers)__ - These are vinyl stickers with an overlay of reflective foil that appear iridescent and rainbow-like. They're used for futuristic and tech-inspired themes, as well as fantasy, space, and sci-fi themes. 

 - __[Glitter stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/glitter-stickers)__ - These are vinyl stickers that are laminated with a glittery, sparkly overlay. They evoke a feeling of playfulness and whimsy, andd are often used for festive, glamorous, and kids' stickers.

 - __[Static clings](https://stickermule.com/products/static-clings)__ - Afraid of commitment? Static cling "stickers" are die-cut stickers made of vinyl without any stickiness applied to them; through the magic of static electricity and molecular adhesion they "stick" to any clean and smooth non-porous surface like glass. They first became popular in the 1960s with holiday-themed clings for windows (e.g. Christmas snowflakes) and reached their peak in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with sports-themed clings and cartoon characters like Garfield. 

- __Kiss-cut stickers__:

 - __[Kiss-cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers)__ - As we mentioned in the last post, kiss-cut stickers are easy to peel and use because because the designs are cut through the vinyl layer but not the backing. They can be shaped just the same as any die-cut sticker. 

 - __[Sticker sheets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets)__ - Sticker sheets are essentially kiss cut stickers. The key difference is that a sticker sheet contains multiple kiss-cut stickers on a single backing sheet, allowing for various designs, shapes, or sizes to be arranged together. 

Here's a little "hack" for you. If you just need stickers for using (and not distributing), you can save some money by printing multiple copies of the same design on a sticker sheet. For example, 50 3" x 3" die-cut stickers cost $72, but ten 8.5" x 11" sticker sheets (each which can fit six 3" x 3" designs) cost the same, yielding you an extra 10 stickers. You can get even more savings at higher volumes.

- __Transfer stickers__:

 - __[Transfer stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/transfer-stickers)__ - Transfer stickers are made of pre-cut designs or text on adhesive vinyl, with a clear or paper transfer layer that ensures precise application by "rubbing" the pieces together until firmly adhered to a surface. Sticker Mule originally only sold regular transfer stickers on black or white vinyl. 

 - __[Printed transfer stickers:](https://www.stickermule.com/products/printed-transfer-stickers)__ - Recently, we introduced full-color transfer stickers with printing that allow you to use full colors, not just black and white. 

 - __ [Vinyl lettering](https://www.stickermule.com/products/vinyl-lettering)__ - This is a specialized kind of transfer sticker consisting of letters you can use to add words to storefront windows, car windows, or boats. You can, of course, use your own font in a transfer sticker or printed transfer sticker, but the 13 fonts we've provided for vinyl lettering are the most popular, appealing, and cleanest we've found.

![A shipping box with a blue ‘You’re in’ sticker applied to it.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c1456659-d819-414b-ae11-1dbd6b27edd4)

##7. Ordering your stickers
So, your file is ready and you have decided what type of sticker you want it to be. Now it’s time to place the order so you’ll have your beloved stickers in hand before you know it.

###How to order
When it comes to ordering your stickers, you’ll need to consider whether you want to print them in bulk so you can maintain your own inventory (for example, for distributing to your customers or selling on sites like Amazon or Etsy) or if you'd like us to print and fulfil your stickers on-demand as your customers order them. 

- __Ordering for inventory__ - Ordering upfront can save you money in the long run. Bulk orders typically reduce the cost per sticker, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to distribute a large number of stickers or use them for marketing campaigns, events, or merchandise. It’s an ideal option if you’re confident it will sell, if you need to have all stickers close by, or want to make a significant impact with mass distribution. Because larger print runs are more efficient, the more you print, the more you can save.

- __On-demand__ - If you sell stickers to your audience, you may want to go with an on-demand option such as [Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more) rather than dealing with the hassle of maintaining inventory yourself. This way your customers can order your stickers (as well as other items such as t-shirts, buttons, keychains, and much more) and we'll take care of printing them, hosting your Web shop, shipping them, and even handling customer service—at no additional cost over what you'd pay for the sticker yourself. By letting us take care of all of this, you can focus on what you do best—designing!

Many of our customers use Stores as their main storefront, but even if you sell on sites like Amazon or Etsy, this option is great for testing out different designs or catering to niche audiences. It allows you to experiment and update your designs without the commitment of stocking large quantities or the hassle of being stuck with leftover inventory if a design doesn’t sell as expected.

![Homepage of Sticker Mule Stores, a way to easily sell items such as stickers and t-shirts to make money online.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/27daa3bb-eaaf-4a69-8ec6-f75854e2c4e8)

It’s an easy and efficient way to monetize your designs with minimal effort and give your audience another way to support you—and [it takes seconds to set up](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/open-custom-sticker-store). [Have a look](https://www.stickermule.com/stores) at what other people are already selling on Stores.

##8. Marketing your sticker
Once your stickers are ready, the next step is to promote them effectively. Today, there are countless modern and creative ways to market your stickers and get your designs in front of potential customers and fans. Here’s how to leverage some of the most popular marketing channels:

###Social Media Platforms
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your stickers. Platforms like [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/), and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/), with their highly visual nature, are perfect for showcasing your designs. Share photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your design process to build excitement and connect with your audience.

###Engage with your audience
Host sticker giveaways or use trending hashtags to inspire your designs and increase visibility. For even more exposure, consider collaborating with influencers or content creators who align with your brand’s aesthetic. Tagging @stickermule or using the hashtag #stickermule helps us see your post. We might even share it on our channel!

###Sell directly via Stores
As mentioned, we offer a simple way to sell your stickers through our [Stores](https://www.stickermule.com/stores/learn-more) platform. No need to worry about setting up your own web shop. We take care of all the logistics, giving you a straightforward platform to display and sell your designs. You can direct your audience to your own store through your social media channels, making it easy for followers to purchase your stickers. People are even browsing through the designs, making it possible for them to discover you on the platform itself.

![The search option of Sticker Mule Stores, showing the items other users have uploaded.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c16383af-acbf-4557-8b65-ced4bf30f478)

###Creative promotions
Stickers are versatile promotional tools. You can use them as freebies in your orders to add value to your existing products, include them as branded merchandise for events, or create limited-edition sticker runs to generate urgency. 

Many brands have successfully used stickers as a fun, shareable way to promote their business. Consider running a sticker campaign with your audience or using them in guerrilla marketing tactics, such as leaving stickers in public places for people to find.

###Email newsletters & communities
If you already have a newsletter or belong to an online community of designers or fans, stickers can be a great exclusive product to offer. Give your loyal audience early access to new sticker designs and create some hype around it. 

By tapping into these modern marketing strategies, you can reach your audience in engaging ways and turn your sticker designs into a thriving product line. Whether through social media, marketplaces, or direct sales, getting your stickers in front of people who will love them is just as crucial as designing them.

![A clear sticker of a vector illustration of a crocodile holding a sun umbrella applied to a glass of lemonade.](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d1460929-1ace-4997-9876-89b54e1ecde2)

##Conclusion
Designing [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers) requires more than just an idea. It takes careful consideration of your idea, design choices, file preparation, and reaching your audience. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating eye-catching stickers that resonate with whoever the stickers are meant for and make your sticker journey a huge success.

Whether you're designing stickers for personal or business projects, keep experimenting and refining your process. And if you’re looking for where to print the best stickers possible, we produce them at the highest quality, with free online proofs and free shipping. Happy designing! 

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



We cover how to choose a sticker printer and other important questions about sticker production in part 2 of our guide to making custom stickers.

How to design stickers: Making custom stickers, part 1

Learn design fundamentals and how they apply to sticker design in part 1 of Sticker Mule's guide to making custom stickers.

How to make stickers look professional

Stickers are great for business and branding. But no one wants ugly stickers. And your business might not have a big design budget. So how do you make high-quality, aesthetically pleasing [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers)?

Here are 8 tips anyone can use to make their sticker designs look professional.

##1. Define your brand identity
Your business should have its own personality. Who are you trying to sell to? What is your message? Your visual identity should reinforce these ideas.

Before you get to the design itself, put your Art Director hat on and decide what your brand identity should look like. Use a tool like [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/) to gather ideas and create a mood board for your brand identity.

![pinterest mood board](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/43f5d669-d485-46b4-80ea-d9fa81d48c43)

Try to narrow it down as much as possible – it’s important to have a consistent style.

##2. Choose the right color palette
Colors impact the perception of your brand.

Each color evokes an emotion. Blue = trust. Green = nature. Yellow = creativity.

![color meaning chart](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a1dcdbfe-ae75-4d61-bdae-6c09de732d14)

Decide on 1-2 main colors you want to represent your brand.

Use a free tool like [Coolors](https://coolors.co/) to create a color palette.

##3. Select appropriate typography
The font you choose for your brand is very important. Study the designs you like from your mood board. Identify attributes in the fonts that might work best for your brand.

Use a site like [Google Fonts](https://fonts.google.com/) to browse and download free fonts.

###Serif vs sans-serif
![serif-vs-sans-serif](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/377d1d16-6034-4720-a650-6f8600dd9e0b)

Serifs are the fancy little decorations on the ends of each letter.

Serif fonts are often used to convey a formal, serious tone. While sans-serif fonts convey a friendly, casual tone.

###Font weight
![font-weight-comparison](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b5aa4b64-ac1b-4779-a1dd-4eab7e4218ff)

Many fonts include multiple variations of weight (i.e. light, normal, bold).

The thickness of your font will also impact the tone of your brand. Thinner fonts usually convey a more delicate, feminine tone. While bolder fonts convey a strong, masculine tone.

##4. Use high-quality images and graphics
Anything you print should be at least [300 pixels per inch](https://www.stickermule.com/support/artwork-ppi). This will ensure your stickers don’t look pixelated or blurry.

If you have various versions of your logo or design, use a vector file (.pdf, .ai, .eps)  if possible. [Vector graphics can be scaled infinitely](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images) without losing resolution. You can transform any image to vector format for $14 using [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw).

![low-resolution-to-high-resolution](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7ee84f9b-b9ae-4b2a-b680-2dba3790f679)

Or if you have a particular photo or image that you need to use, but it’s not high resolution – you can make high resolution with another free tool, [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale).

##5. Keep your design simple
You can create high quality designs using our free design tool, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). Choose from hundreds of professional templates or start from scratch.

The best sticker designs are usually simple.

![qr-code-stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3c286be7-2ed8-44e0-860e-79821771e44f)

Don’t include more information than you need. If you want to include some sort of contact information, consider limiting it to one form of contact (i.e. email address). Or you can add a [QR code](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-make-custom-qr-code-stickers) to direct people to a specific landing page.

##6. Experiment with shapes
Keep in mind that die cut stickers will automatically be cut to fit the shape of your design. This works great for plenty of designs and most logo stickers.

![die-cut-stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1ffda9cb-be36-4005-a9bc-6bfec5919d56)

But depending on your design and brand, you might want to go for a more traditional shape, like [circle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/circle-stickers), [square stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/square-stickers), [rectangle stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rectangle-stickers), [oval stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/oval-stickers), or [rounded corner stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rounded-corner-stickers).

##7. Consider the finish
Any sticker is going to look good with a matte finish. But depending on your design you may want to try a holographic or glitter material to give your stickers a unique shine.

![matte-vs-holo-vs-glitter-stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d43a7d59-734d-4639-8dd1-878f08273052)

##8. Get feedback and iterate
Before committing to a large batch of stickers, you can order [custom samples](https://www.stickermule.com/samples). This is a good option for testing your design in real life.

![sticker-irl](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a2f228d0-266b-4998-9d39-c35454bcaf86)

Give some stickers away and ask your friends and coworkers for feedback. They might be perfect or you might need to tweak a few things. Shop with confidence when it’s time to place a larger order. And you can even save money when you order multiple designs at the same time.

##Conclusion
Getting professional stickers doesn’t require a professional designer. Be thoughtful about what you want, look to other designs for inspiration, and always be willing to experiment.

<ButtonCta text="Order custom samples for $9" href="https://www.stickermule.com/samples" />


Here are 8 tips anyone can use to make their sticker designs look professional.

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.

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 resize images for print

When you are looking to print a graphic — perhaps as a [sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers") or [custom t-shirt](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom shirt printing") — one of the first things to do will be to resize it to the proper dimensions. But you'll also need to make sure it retains good resolution. Without proper resolution, it's just not possible to get a quality-looking product. No bueno.

![how to resize images for printing tutorial](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b2cb39b9-c12b-49b8-97af-803a2c8816a0)

Resizing a large image into a small one is a fairly simple process that most image editors will cover, including Photoshop and many different online-based image apps. But what to do if you're stuck with a low-quality file that you want to enhance? If you can't find a higher-resolution version of it, one way out would be to [upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "free image upscale resolution") it. Below, we'll look at how you can do a basic resizing in the first case, and how, if your file is undersized or low quality, Upscale by Sticker Mule helps you get it ready for printing.

##Understanding image resolution for printing

Here perhaps we should recap just what [image resolution](https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=282942&p=1885350 "what is image resolution") is. In a few words, it represents how much detail your image has, and hence how much it can be expanded. For digital files, that is usually represented in pixels (short for "picture elements"). The higher your picture's PPI (pixel per inch) ratio, the more you'll be able to expand it.

For printing, a different measurement is commonly used: DPI, or dots per inch — the amount of dots and spaces a printer produces within each inch of printed material. Higher DPIs mean a higher quality look on your printouts. Typical print sizes are 300 DPI for content such as leaflets, stickers, and labels, and 150 DPI for larger printouts such as posters and wall graphics, where the viewer will stand farther away from the print.

##Resizing images with Photoshop

If all you need to do is resize your picture because it's too large to fit your editing canvas or the file is too heavy to upload, you'll find it an easy enough procedure:

1. Open your image file on Photoshop
2. Click __Image > Image size__. A dialog box will open.
3. Adjust the image's dimensions in pixels on the width and height fields, or simply enter a percentage of the current size.
4. If you prefer to use a measurement other than pixels, you can also do so in the same dialog box — inches, centimeters or millimeters, among other options.

![resize image inside photoshop](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a2da07f6-8b6a-44a5-886b-9176d0366728)

What if you want to resize your picture while retaining the original one, with the original resolution? That's easy, too — just use the export function:

1. With your file open on Photoshop, click __File > Export__.
2. Adjust your new file's dimensions (pixels or percentages).
3. Select the format for the new image you are creating (JPEG, PNG, etc.) and click OK.
4. And that's it — now you'll have created a second, smaller file for your current use case, while at the same time keeping the original one safe and sound.

![exporting resized images in photoshop](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/afdb2746-9850-4a67-91b1-84a65d076dcc)

##Using free tools to resize your images

If you don't have a Photoshop account or your laptop starts sounding like a malfunctioning rocket when you try to run it (we've all been there, trust me), you can try using one of a myriad of free online tools. Here are a couple of them.

###Image Resizer
![resize image online for free in seconds](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e53b7379-7a9f-4db6-bf2a-21b2786ba281)

Image Resizer is a nifty and easy to use tool. Just open their [homepage](https://imageresizer.com/ "free online image resizer"), upload the image you want to resize and enter the new dimensions. Once again, you can do it either in percentage terms or by entering the new size directly in pixels — just make sure you keep the original width/height ratio intact.

Once that is done, click __Resize image__ and, after a few seconds, you'll be presented with a ready-to-download, resized version of your file. You'll also be able to re-edit it, convert it to PDF, or compress it to a .ZIP file.

###Adobe Resizer
![adobe online free image resizer](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3ac8fe03-2f1d-4979-bd28-177cfa75a4a9)

You don't need to have Photoshop to benefit from an Adobe resizing service — that's just what their online resizing service is for. To use the free Adobe image resizer:

1. Go to the [Adobe Free Image Resizer](https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/image/resize "adobe free online image resize") page.
2. Click __Upload your photo__.
3. Select the file in question on your computer.
4. Once the file is uploaded, enter its new dimensions and click __Resize__.
5. Your file will soon be ready for download. Before downloading, you'll also be able to choose new dimensions for your file according to standard sizes such as Instagram story, landscape, portrait, and square.

As resizing is a fairly simple operation, any of the above options should be enough for your needs. Both Image Resizer and the Adobe solution are free and don't require creating an account. However, we found that the Image Resizer is best for slower-working devices.

Finally, remember the solution to your resizing needs may be literally in the palm of your hands. Most modern Android and iOS smartphones come with image editing software that works great for simpler operations such as resizing, so you can likely generate your new image file on the go, no problem.

##Enhancing image size without losing quality with Upscale by Sticker Mule

What if you need to resize an image upwards — that is, your file is too small for your printing needs? Run it through any of the above options, and you'll find yourself looking at a larger, but pixelated and low-resolution image. In fact, the Adobe tool will sometimes tell you straight off that your image is too small for the selected size.

So yes, for enhancing your image size you'll need something a little more advanced than any old picture resizer. Allow us to present our very own solution: [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "free image upscaler"), by Sticker Mule.

###What does Upscale do?
![free upscale image without losing resolution online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cada1386-c4c1-406e-acd9-005a808f7043)

Upscale leverages the power of AI algorithms to increase the number of pixels in your image. As it expands your image, it also fills in the missing pixels, avoiding the granulated look you would get otherwise.

Upscale is completely free to use. It also boasts a pretty simple and intuitive interface. Try it out yourself:

1. Go to the [Upscale main page](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "free image resizer without losing quality with AI")
2. Upload your image (or images, as you can also run a bulk upscaling)
3. Select the type of image — photo or artwork —, or, if unsure which to choose, leave it in __Auto__
4. Select the desired upscaling scale — 2x, 4x or even 8x.
5. Click __Start processing__ and hold on tight. Upscaling one or two images should be fast enough, but if you're doing that with a whole bunch of them, you might want to check the __Email me when complete__ box and go about your business. Just don't close your browser tab!
6. When your files are ready, you'll be shown their new size in pixels, in comparison to the original one. Now click the download button and you're all set. 
7. [Optional]. If you want to order your prints directly from our website, simply select the desired product, below your upscaling results — stickers, coasters, labels, keychains, or anything else from our store. Enter the quantity and size and order in one click. It's as simple as that!

As a caveat, remember even the best apps have their limitations, and Upscale is no exception. If the original file is minuscule and barely has a fistful of pixels to show, you should adjust your expectations for the result accordingly. 

Overall, though, we are convinced you'll be more than happy with Upscale's image-enhancing magic.

##Conclusion

Resizing and redimensioning are key steps if you want to ensure the best possible results for your [custom printed products](https://www.stickermule.com/ "online printing"). And happily, as you can see from the above examples, it's also a pretty straightforward process. So give the above browser-based options a go and see what works best for your use case — you'll soon have a properly sized version of your graphic, ready to print.

<ButtonCta text="Start trying Upscale by Sticker Mule. It's free and easy to use!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />


Learn to resize images for print like a pro! Explore how to use Photoshop, free online tools, and Upscale to get the best print quality for all your marketing needs.

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