How to make custom stickers - Part 2: sticker printing

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! 


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.

Custom sticker printing - How to make custom stickers, part 2

How to make custom stickers - Part 1: sticker design

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

How to design a sticker - How to make custom stickers, part 1

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.

How to remove the background from your logo

Whether you are a professional designer or happen to dabble in image editing from time to time, you've probably needed to edit a logo at some point or another.

Maybe you needed to repurpose a graphic, or maybe the job was simply to fine-tune a logo. Whatever the specifics, you've also likely had to remove a logo background at some point — and that isn't always an easy task. Depending on the complexities of the logo, detaching it from the graphic background can range from a bit of a headache to a well-nigh impossible and time-consuming undertaking.

![free background remover AI app](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fba7428d-0154-42fa-9a00-a08cd8b99c77)

[Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free online background remover app") is here to help ease that task — remove the logo background, remove your headache, clear that furrow on your brow, and leave you with a neat and happy logo file that you can use anywhere.

It's all free and very intuitive, so let's show you how to make the most of Trace.

##What is Sticker Mule's Trace?

[Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "remove background from image for free") is a browser-based image background remover. That means you can use it without installing any software, whether on your laptop, phone, or tablet.

To remove the background from your image, Trace leverages AI technology that recognizes the central object or theme in your picture and instantly detaches it from the rest.

You can use Trace to remove the background from a photograph (and convert it into a [custom sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom stickers online")) or with your logos and other professional graphics. The main thing is that Trace, while carefully developed and highly effective, is also a fundamentally accessible and easy-to-use tool. 

Plus, it's 100% free, whether you use it for 1 or 100 files.

##Benefits of removing the background from your logo

There are quite a few scenarios where you might want to cleanly detach your logo from its background. A few instances might be:

- __You don't have access to the original logo file__ and need to extract it from a website or from another file (in that case you might also want to use [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "improve the resolution of any image for free with AI") for a higher-definition graphic.)
- __You want to use your logo on top of other marketing materials__, such as a website banner or even a [wall decal](https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics "custom wall decals and stickers"), but without an unseemly white margin spoiling your looks.
- __You need your logo as a watermark__, whether for a business presentation or a PDF user guide.

And, of course, there's no end of possibilities to use your logo as branding. Take packaging, for instance. You can add your logo to everyday and seemingly unimportant items such as [packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape "custom packing tape"). There are few better ways to increase brand awareness and client retention at such a low cost.

Another example? Social media. A [2022 Renderforest Survey](https://www.renderforest.com/blog/brand-statistics "brand statistics study") shows that 75% of consumers think a brand's logo is its most identifiable symbol. If you want social media recognition, featuring your logo front and center across your media stack is a must.

There's no such thing as overexposing your logo, so it's a good idea to make sure you have a readily available logo file (with no pixelated background parts attached!)

##Using Sticker Mule's Trace — Step by step

If you've decided to give Trace a go for your logo project, that was the main step you needed to learn about. The rest is super straightforward:

1. Head over to [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free image background remover") and log in to your Sticker Mule account. If you don't have one, registering is just a couple of clicks (use your email or connect with your Google account.)
2. Click '__Choose file__' or drag and drop your graphic to the central area on the page. You can upload pretty much any image format, including JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, WEBP, and so on.
3. After a few seconds, you'll be redirected to a 'Trace complete' page. And that's it! Download your newly minted, background-less logo, or send it directly to print with one of our custom products.
4. [Optional] If you want to continue editing your logo, one click on the '__Customize__' button will take you to our [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design software tool") tool, where you can further improve your logo or even add a new background to it altogether.

Here's an example of a quick Trace conversion. As you can see, the graphic was neatly separated from its background:

![remove background from photo for free for a logo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c6a8fa39-7258-452b-b8e3-7a5282c930e8)

##Tips for best results

What can you do to ensure Trace outputs the best possible version of your logo? There are a couple of things to have in mind:

- __Upload a graphic with the highest possible definition__. The sharper your initial graphic, the better your output will be, so make sure the uploaded image has a good pixel ratio.
- __Consider enhancing your image before running it through Trace__. You can easily do that with [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "ai upscale image"), as mentioned above.
- __Further refine your Traced logo with Studio__. Another great image-editing Sticker Mule tool is [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "design online for free"), also free, browser-based, and super intuitive. Use it to enhance your logo further or give it a new background, if needed.

##Applications for background-free logos

Let's recap once more some of the many brand-recognition uses for your transparent background logo:

- Adding your logo to [custom packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-packaging "custom packaging printing"), such as packaging tape, mailers, or [stand-up pouches](https://www.stickermule.com/products/stand-up-pouches "custom printed stand up pouches")
- Superimposing your logo onto website banners, headers, or avatars
- Printing your logo on [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom sticker") for giveaways
- Making [custom branded t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts for brands") for your employees or branded merch
- Watermarking presentations, website pages, product use instructions, and other company content
- Using your logo as a social media avatar
- Creating new versions of your logo with other colors
- …and plenty of other applications. 

##To sum up

Logos are the essence of branding — they are and should be everywhere. If you agree with us, it's time to generate your own background-free logo file. Do that and you'll be well on your way to giving your customers the coveted branded experience.

<ButtonCta text="Try removing your logo background with Trace now!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />



Learn a simple way to create professional logos by removing the background from any image with our background remover tool called Trace! Simply upload any image or photo and watch the background instantly vanish before your eyes...it's like AI magic!

How to print your dog on a shirt

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ [custom t-shirt](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts printing")? Since this simple garment rose to become the most popular piece of clothing in modern civilization, we've never stopped looking for ways to make it stand out — [far-fetched designs, bright colors, and unique graphics](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/the-evolution-of-t-shirts-a-decade-by-decade-style-trend-journey "t-shirt history through each decade"). The main thing is the pursuit of individuality, of a custom look.

![custom t-shirt with your dog photo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/003eb0ca-1a2b-47d4-b93e-14e983d5d6ef)

Our love of uniqueness is so great, in fact, that it seems to extend to our very canine companions. 

## Like person, like pet

Remember [the opening scene in The 101 Dalmatians](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulsjuiFO2J0) where a bored Pongo watches as women stroll up and down the street — each with a dog very similar to herself? Well, it turns out there is some scientific truth to this humorous observation. [People do actually pick dogs that resemble them](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20151111-why-do-dogs-look-like-their-owners). Subconsciously, we project something of our own unique features onto our dog friends.

![custom t-shirts of your dog photo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c76a1387-12d7-4043-8e10-884634db6039)

Yes, go ahead and look at your pet, look at yourself in the mirror. Now once you accept the unquestionable, uncanny similarity, what's next? 

The answer is obvious: Join your enthusiasm for custom tees with your appreciation for your loyal companion! Add your dog's mugshot to your next t-shirt and proudly flaunt it for the world to see.

###Step 1) Find a cool photo of your dog

That should go without saying, but it's still worth emphasizing — it's the most important step. So take your time and go through the hundreds of pet pictures we know you have on your camera roll, and make sure you really get the pick of the litter. 

For a great, natural shot, you want a photograph that checks all these boxes:

- Has great natural lighting 
- Your dog is the focal point 
- It captures a memorable pose or look 

If it's one of those hilarious, one-in-a-thousand moments, then all the better!

###Step 2) Use Trace to remove the background

![free background remover tool](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1a016d42-9b29-47d0-a0cd-d3e6787b1bc4)

[Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free background remover tool") is one of the most popular tools in the Sticker Mule editing toolbox and for good reason. You upload your picture, click a satisfyingly orange button and, before your dog can bark twice, you've got yourself an outline of the main subject of your picture.

Another click and your picture is downloaded and ready for printing.

###Step 3) Further improve your photo with Redraw (optional)

If you want to make sure you get the best quality for your picture before printing, then [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "vectorize an image") is here for you. It'll convert your file into a real HD-like vector picture to be printed at absolutely any size you choose.

Again, it's all a simple extra step:

- Upload your newly downloaded photo to [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "image to vector") (use drag-n-drop to save some extra time, as we all know those dog reels aren't going to watch themselves) 
- Check out 
- Make yourself comfortable (dog-video time!) and wait for the shiny, super-HD vector file we'll send you in a while. 

###Step 4) Order your custom t-shirts via Sticker Mule

![print custom t-shirts at sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2835e0a4-8379-43e3-b8e5-1692ee0caaaf)

Now all that's left is to go to our [custom t-shirts page](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts online"), select the size and quantity for your order, the t-shirt color, and upload your new dog picture. You can also add any specific instructions you may have for the printing.

After you check out, we'll get back to you with a free online proof showing exactly what your dog t-shirt is going to look like. At this point, you can either request changes or just go right ahead and confirm the order.

###Step 5) Share with the world!
Once you approve your designs, your t-shirt will start production, but you'll also now have a chance to share your brand new dog t-shirt design on your public profile page! 

To share your design on your Sticker Mule profile, just follow these steps;

1) Click on the "Share a design" link on your order confirmation page (see below)

![share designs on sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/38b79bec-be9a-4ea4-bdab-5e9e54feffba)

2) This will take you to your, reorder page. From here, hover over any past order and then click on "Share"

3) This is where you can select if you want to share your design with a secret link or publically on your profile page

![share dog photo t-shirt design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0208b5c8-2b2a-4a78-9b1a-519ac3218d28)

This neat feature allows you to share your awesome new dog t-shirt with the whole Sticker Mule community or privately with whomever you want to share a link with!

Need to share your dog with even more people!? Well then, it's time for a new social media post — preferably one on [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/ "stimulus the happy social network giveaways"), the Happy Social Network! Just don't forget to tag us @stickermule so we can go check the results of your handiwork and give you a good ol' thumbs-up!

<ButtonCta text="Start creating custom t-shirts of your dog!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />

Here's a quick guide on how to print a custom t-shirt of your dog. Learn tips & tricks on how to make your dog shirt really stand out!

How to print your dog on a shirt: A step-by-step guide

How to design custom t-shirts from scratch

There are few things as fun as literally wearing your own creation. This is perhaps why [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts") have become so popular over the past few years — they're a way to showcase your creativity, have fun with new designs, and easily dress in a unique way.

![woman wearing gray custom t-shirt from sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b62d9766-23d8-4e3c-8df9-bda597865bf2)

It's perhaps no surprise, in fact, that the global market for custom-made clothes has been on a meteoric rise — worth $51.8 billion in 2021, it's [projected to reach no less than $131.6 billion by 2030](https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/custom-made-clothes-market-101188 "custom t-shirt and clothing market trends"). It's no secret: people want to dress custom.

##Designing your custom t-shirts

There are plenty of ways to design your own t-shirts, but few, if any, are better than Studio.

###What is Studio? 

Essentially, it's a canvas for your creativity — a browser-based, user-friendly platform for devising your own designs and creating your own custom-made products.

Unlike other, more complicated apps, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool with free templates") removes all the hurdles from your creative process, at the same time providing an ample library of templates as a starting point for your creative endeavors. 

##How to use Studio

To work with [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool"), all you need is a browser and an internet connection. In fact, you can even create from your smartphone. Let's take a look at how that process works.

###1. Choose a template

![custom t-shirts free templates](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/66e723bc-d2e4-48d0-b857-735f0ffe24f6)

Studio comes with a [vast library of free t-shirt templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts "free custom t-shirts templates"). Whether you are designing a t-shirt for a sports team, for your company, or just for good old fun, you'll likely find a Studio template that's just the right starting point for your needs.

And don't worry about spending time thumbing through templates either; just select the category you have in mind and browse the top templates for that particular subject.

###2. Edit your template

![editing a custom shirt template online free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bc722438-7cb7-4047-87cc-3294b37c1d74)

Even if your template is nothing more than a blank canvas, editing is as easy as adding new text or drawing elements, dragging them into place, adding color… it's all done in a few clicks (or taps, if you're on your phone). 
While you're at it, keep in mind a few key points to ensure your design looks well put together and appealing, including:

- The right combination of colors. It's not about how many colors you work into your design, but the extent to which they match. You can do some research on how different colors complement each other, for starters, and play with several combinations as you go.

- Text is often the first thing that gets noticed in a design, so use fonts that match the vibe you're going for. We [wrote a bit on the subject of fonts](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/what-is-the-easiest-font-to-read-on-posters-and-flyers "best fonts to use for t-shirts and poster printing") before, but it is a topic worth exploring in depth, as it can make or break your visual style.

- Placement. How harmonious the different elements in your overall design look — that's also key to your success. You can find out a little more about the rules of design composition and layout [here](https://99designs.com/blog/tips/design-composition-and-layout/ "tips on design composition").

###3. Print it out

Once you're happy with your design, you can download it or send it straight to print with Sticker Mule. All you have to do is choose your t-shirt size, quantity, and order. Before your t-shirt is produced, you'll get a free sample proof showing you what it'll look like with your design — if need be, you can request further changes before giving the green light for the printing process. 

Once you complete your order, your t-shirts will be coming to you in just a few days!

##Printing your custom t-shirt

Did you know you can print your own custom t-shirt at home and at little cost to yourself? That's one of the options we'll explore below.

###DIY printing

If you're a fan of doing things yourself, why not try DIY t-shirt printing? It's easy, doesn't take long, and yields fairly good results for more casual use cases. 

Take a look at [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1QSgRSzoFY "create your own t-shirt at home tutorial") and you'll see you don't even have to invest in complicated equipment to print your own t-shirts (although you can get professional results if you're willing to fork out around $1300 as an initial investment for a shirt-printing machine!)

To print your own custom design onto a t-shirt at home, all you need are a regular printer, an iron and ironing board, a blank t-shirt, and some transfer paper.

The steps are simple, too:

1. Print your design onto a sheet of transfer paper
2. Lay out your t-shirt onto the ironing board and place the transfer area over the area you want your design to be printed on
3. Carefully iron over the design a few times, making sure you smooth out the whole of the design.
4. Remove the backing on your transfer paper and glory in your newly-printed t-shirt!

That's the gist of it, anyway.
 
##Going the professional route

![custom t-shirts of cats and pets](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9edbff82-a284-4b5a-a805-c8704fbe4859)

DIY printing is a fun way to personalize your tees at a low cost, but it may not be for everyone. For starters, the quality of the design will inevitably turn out to be inferior to the design on a professionally printed t-shirt — the shapes will be less crisp and nitid, and the design is likely to wear off faster. 

On top of that, it's a time-consuming process. If you want your design stamped on a large number of t-shirts, you'll find yourself spending hours ironing stuff back and forth. Maybe not the best investment for your time.

###Online printing services

With that in mind, there's a simpler alternative: [get your custom t-shirts printed out for you](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts printing") by a professional printing service like yours truly, Sticker Mule.

It'll save you headaches and the potential disappointment of making a mess of your design — and ruining a t-shirt. And that inevitably happens on a long enough timeline of printing your own stuff.

In fact, if you intend to print your design on a large number of t-shirts, you may find ordering your tees from an online service can be a lot more cost-effective. Just check out the mouth-watering bulk discounts we offer on [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom shirts printing") — order enough and you can find yourself paying less than $10 for professionally printed, high-quality, 100% cotton t-shirts.

Order now and enjoy holding your crisp, nice new tees a few days from now!

##Conclusion

As you can see, designing your very own t-shirt with Studio is a no-brainer. All it takes is a browser, an internet connection, and a little bit of inspiration — and remember our 2000+ templates are all there to help you with that!
Plus, once you have your design ready, sporting it in quality-printed t-shirts is only a matter of a few clicks and a few days' wait. Your Sticker Mule-made t-shirts will stick around for years.

<ButtonCta text="Browse all the free custom t-shirt templates today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts" />


Your step-by-step guide to designing your own custom t-shirts online for free. When you're happy with the design you can either order them online or print them at home!

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