How to resize images without losing quality

We live in a digital era. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that the manipulation of digital images is quite a big part of the digital ecosystem.

From resizing the image, to changing the resolution, to simply editing the image without losing quality as you do so, these processes have become, faster, easier and better at giving great results.

Keep on reading to find out how to resize images online for free using [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale), without losing quality: no Photoshop required!

## Why resize an image online?

The most common reasons for resizing images online are simple: people want to use images on their websites, social media platforms, or digital brochures., but can’t find the right image at the size they need. 

Opting to resize an image online is a great route to take for those who don’t have access to professional tools like Photoshop – or lack the professional skill to use them properly. 

Online image resizing is faster, easier, and with [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) it’s totally free. 

## Resizing images online to boost website performance

Image size can affect your website’s performance. Remember, the larger the files, the more work your web page has to do; larger images will lead to slower web pages. 

Each pixel in an image takes a certain number of bytes to encode, so the fewer pixels in an image, the smaller the file size will be. Find out what size your website displays images at, and resize them according to the requirements. 

Fun fact: it is always a better idea to resize images to be a little bigger than the intended display size. If you resize images, it will eliminate the unnecessary pixels while cutting down on file size significantly.

Now, you may be wondering, what if you have a small image size that needs to be bigger? Is it even possible to make an image bigger in scale without losing quality? 

## Resizing smaller images to make them bigger

How many times have you found the perfect image for that newsletter, website or sticker, only to find the image itself is impossibly tiny. 

Fret not, there is an answer to your problem: upsizing! 

Before we get into more details about upsizing an image, let’s first explore a few reasons why upsizing may be a necessary step.

## Resizing images for print

If you need to print an image, or you want to turn a photo into a sticker or poster, it can turn out extremely blurry, undefined and pixelated if the image isn’t resized correctly.

The good news is that resizing an image is not very complicated. It’s quick and easy to learn how to resize an image without losing quality, and the right tools make it possible in a heartbeat. 

## Is it possible to upsize images without losing quality?

Yes, it is! As mentioned earlier, these days it’s pretty easy to resize images without losing their quality. Before we get into the upsizing process, you have to understand the basics behind the resizing of an image's pixels.

## The technical bit: how an image resizer works

Have you ever zoomed in really close on an image before? If you have, you probably saw those small squares inside the image; those squares are called pixels. Pixels have assigned colors and positions on an image – this is where the name Bitmap comes from!

There are various image file formats used online. Image types like JPEG and PNG tend to be the most common; both of these file types are technically Bitmap files, consisting of thousands of tiny pixels. 

When you click and drag an image to make it larger, the individual pixels are stretched and expanded, resulting in a blurry, pixelated image. 

Modern image resizers, like Upscale, use intelligent solutions to create new pixels, padding out your image to the size you want without compromising on quality. 

## How to resize an image online with Upscale

Thankfully, you can get your hands on our top-rated free image resizer, called Upscale, which you can use to take all the work out of resizing images. Using the power of artificial intelligence, you are now able to make your image bigger, without losing quality.

### How to resize an image using Upscale

__Step 1:__
[Create your Upscale account](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) to resize an image online for free.

__Step 2: __ 

Upload any image and Upscale will convert your image to a variety of high resolution outputs.

__Step 3: __

Magic! Your image will be up to two times bigger than its original size. You can now download the image in your preferred specs.

Upscale will not make your pixels bigger – it makes your image bigger. Its clever technology analyzes your image to create brand new pixels. Just upload your image and within a few seconds, you will be able to download your upgraded, larger image.

The best part of it all? Upscale is a free online image resizer that you can use quickly and easily whenever you need to. 

<ButtonCta text="Resize your image with Upscale for free" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />


Wondering how to resize an image without losing quality? Learn how in our step by step guide: all online, no Photoshop required!

How to customize your address label

It’s your wedding. Christmas. Your thirtieth birthday. Maybe you just want to throw a big party. Now imagine yourself at your writing desk, repeatedly writing down your return address on the invitation envelopes. It’s okay for the first fifteen, but by the twentieth, you notice that your handwriting is getting a bit shaky. 

Soon, you can barely move your fingers and you notice that your address is getting shorter and shorter. You could always print it out on your computer, but there’s just no personality in the Times New Roman text. Then there’s that whole mess with glue and tape. The easy answer? [Customizable address labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/address-labels).  

Think of a personalized address sticker as a kind of signature to your letter or gift. It inadvertently speaks about the thought you put in it. And while writing in longhand does share a touching sentiment, you can convey the same emotion effortlessly with your own fun return address labels. 

## Where can you use address labels?

![address-labels-1](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/01d853b09fd8e2657c80e3191d25e9900b03957a) 

### Mail

This seems like a fairly obvious choice, but snail mail is making quite a comeback. You don’t even have to send letters over post to use a fun custom address label. Simply stick them on your envelopes and parcels instead of a signature. You can even use them as gift tags.

### Commerce

Selling something? Mailing labels are simple and concise and they get the message across with ease. Stick them at the back of your product to let customers know how they can reach you—for feedback, more orders, and just a general question.

### Labeling

Apply these stickers to your personal items. Trust us, you’ll never confuse that stapler with your colleague’s ever again. Lent a book to a friend? He will definitely return it because it has your name on it in a big, beautiful, conspicuous label.

### Branding

Do you have a personal logo or symbol that you simply want to own? There’s no better way to establish your brand than by sticking it everywhere—on your things, on everything where you can put your name. 

### Give them to someone

Beautifully laid-out name stickers would make the perfect gifts for everyone, from excited newlyweds to that friend who’s finally been promoted to your compulsive aunt who loves to label everything. 

## Quick tips on designing your address labels

Here’s the first thing to remember: stand out. Make sure your envelope or box sticks out from the pile in the mailing room with the right design.

### Keep it short and simple

Decide on the text you want to include. Address labels have to be a certain size, that is, don’t make them too big. There’s only a certain amount of stuff you can pile on. If you want your mailing label to be conspicuous, try not to crowd the space with text. Do you want to highlight your name? Your full name? Your entire address complete with a zip code?

If you’re using your letter stickers for business, you might want to be succinct and formal with your full name, position, and address, but if you’re designing it for friends and family, then you have a little more leeway for fun. 

### Mix and match the colors

By nature, address labels are quite small, maybe four inches wide at most (although Sticker Mule can definitely adjust the size and shape of your sticker label to your preferences). Make sure to choose the complementing colors for the text and background so that each detail could still be seen. Remember: your address sticker has to be legible. 

### Go with a theme

If you’re not really savvy with design, going with a theme will help you streamline your ideas. It can also help convey your brand. Are you earthy and holistic? Go for warm tones with nature elements. Are you flamboyant and a little flashy? Bright colors are the way to go. Having a template, even a free ready-built one will make things easier for you on the design side. 

### Add extra visual elements

Do you have a logo handy? You might want to put that in there to strengthen your brand. Are you using these labels as gift tags? Make it a touch more sentimental by inserting a photo of your family or dog. 

### Proofread!

It’s easy to get lost in the excitement of designing custom address labels, but don’t forget the essentials. Read your text. Make sure you’ve dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s. Check for typos, misspellings, loose punctuation. Is your house number correct? Yes? Then, it’s time for printing.

## How to get customized address labels?

Everything is smooth sailing once the design is done. At Sticker Mule, you can get your custom labels as fast as four days, which means that in less than a week, you’ll be attaching your name on everything. Seriously, they can print as many as 10,000 labels (and you’ll be saving 95% in the bill). 

### Specify your size and quantity

This is the very first step, which is easy enough because you already have your template ready. Sticker Mule offers stickers in square shapes, but they also accommodate custom sizes. You can have as few as a 50-piece roll, but it’s always more advisable to buy these things in bulk.

### Upload your design

You already have it. Just send it out. If you’re having design hesitations, Sticker Mule even allows you to skip this step until you are ready to dive in and make that commitment.  

### Check out

Check your sizing, quantity, and make sure you’ve uploaded the proper file. You’ll be asked to pay upon checkout. Remember, and we can’t emphasize it enough, the more you order, the more you save. You can even purchase other kinds of stickers, apart from address labels to avail special discounts. 

### Check the proofs

In a matter of hours, you’ll receive the proofs of your design. At this step, you get to check how your design will look against the sticker paper. There might be subtle changes to your colors and fonts and minor adjustments may be required. 

### Sticker away

Happy labeling!

<ButtonCta text="Get 50 labels for $45" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/address-labels" />

Customized address labels are a fun way to personalize your letters, gifts, packaging! Here are our step-by-step instructions on how you can design your own.

Creating weatherproof labels for your products

Labels are much more than stickers used to identify products and packaging. 

Designed with aesthetics in mind, they look attractive and appealing. If used on products at point of sale, they can play a major role in attracting the attention of shoppers and persuading them to buy.

## Why is label design important?

A wide variety of types of labels are commonly used as a vehicle for branding, and they can be a very effective vehicle too! Branding defines your products and prompts customers to choose them over other similar products, even if yours are more expensive. It is more than just the name of one product. It’s an identity! 

Labels are used to identify what products are and what packaging contains – often at a glance – with just a name and single-sentence description. Whether in the form of a wrapper, a box, or some other type of container, it’s a form of [packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-packaging-design). 

When goods are shipped, another layer of tough packaging is commonly used to protect the product. A label designed for this will typically include the name of the person the goods are being shipped to, for identification, and might incorporate the name of the product and manufacturer, and a definitive logo. 
Labels are also used to display information about products. Typically they display the ingredients, measurements and/or quantities, directions for use, any cautionary (or hazard) details, and the manufacturer’s contact information. If there is a trademark, it will also be shown on the label. 

When designed for the packaging that contains a product for shipping, there may be less information on labels, but the information presented plays a vital role in terms of identification. If the packaging contains the product at point of sale, there will likely be more information as well as all important branding. 

Wherever they are going to be used, you need to create designs that are fit for purpose, and labels that will withstand wear and tear when products are being transported, displayed, or when they are in use. This is why weatherproof labels and waterproof stickers are so popular. 

## Why should you use weatherproof labels?

Many factors need to be considered when creating designs and labels for products. The primary function of the label and its intended use is paramount. 

For instance, if the label is for liquid or semiliquid products including drinks, shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and hand soap, or they contain oil or chemicals, then it’s a good idea to make waterproof stickers that will withstand drips, spills, and moisture. If products or packaging are likely to be used or even stored outdoors, even undercover, [waterproof stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/waterproof-stickers) are a must.

Even products that are used inside, whether in homes, factories, or offices, will benefit from weatherproof labels that last longer and are considerably stronger and resistant to scratching and fading than run-of-the-mill paper labels. 

Thick, scratch-resistant vinyl is an ideal material for weatherproof stickers and labels, especially those manufactured with a heat-proof adhesive that will resist rain, dirt, and sunshine. 

High-quality vinyl stickers are printed with inks that ensure they are weatherproof and can stand the test of washing. 

They can be printed and cut to your exact specifications and used on a multitude of different surfaces.

Waterproof labels can also be cut to size and in just about any shape. The preferred material is durable [biaxially orientated polypropylene (BOPP)](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/what-is-bopp), a type of plastic film that is stretched in two directions when it is produced to improve its flexibility and strength. 

Available as an opaque or transparent material, BOPP is considerably thinner than vinyl and it can be printed using chemical or water-based inks. Tough and incredibly long-lasting, it is resistant to water and most chemicals and it withstands UV light so it doesn’t fade when exposed to sunlight. 

### Shapes and sizes of waterproof labels

Designing weatherproof labels for your products can be an enormous challenge, partly because there is so much choice. 

Before you even work out what should be included on the labels in terms of a logo, images, and wording, you need to decide on shape, size, and colors, if any, that will be used. 

The most common shapes are square, rectangular, oval, or perfectly round. But custom weatherproof and waterproof labels and stickers can also be die-cut to the exact shape of a unique design. This adds interest and character and makes a product, whether in a bottle, can, sachet, tube, or box, stand out from its competition on the shelf or in print. 

The size will be determined by the product (or container) you are labeling as well as the sizes your supplier manufactures. They could be as tiny as 25 mm x 25 mm (1 in x 1 in) or as big as 254 mm x 254 mm (10 in x 10 in) or more, depending entirely on the item you are sticking the label onto. Most, including die-cut labels and stickers, come on a roll. 

Of course, size will also be affected by the volume of information that needs to be incorporated. Sometimes it’s necessary to compromise, and you might decide to put more info on the packaging than on the product itself. Alternatively, you might choose to add an insert with the packaged product. 

### Colors used for weatherproof labels and stickers

Whether you opt for thick vinyl weatherproof labels or high-quality, ultra-tough waterproof labels, your color options are virtually limitless. But colors are often determined by branding requirements, typically starting with a logo. At the same time, branding is much more than a color and/or logo. It has to do with the company mission and vision, and whatever it is you and your products stand for. It communicates your commitment to providing a consistent product or products that your customers can rely on. 

Branding is what helps to grow a business and a brand or brands within the business. Color elicits emotions and you can use it to evoke different responses in people. 

This is why it’s important to choose colors carefully, and wisely, when you make waterproof stickers and labels. 

As a rule of thumb, less is usually more, and if you choose a color theme for your business, you can run this right through your entire product range, even if the products and their labels are quite different from one another. 

### Opaque vs. transparent product labels 

Remember that you can design and make waterproof stickers from an opaque or transparent material. This choice will also affect the colors you decide to use on your labels as will the surface that the labels will be stuck to. 

For instance, if you’re labeling a product in a glass jar or plastic bottle, an opaque label or sticker will hide whatever is in the container. But if you opt for a transparent label, the color of whatever is in the container will show through. So you’ll need to take this into account. 

![weather-proof-labels-6](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cb8d148f81a8cf41232c322663f56a1d0ddc1d55)

## How do you choose the best weatherproof and waterproof labels for your products?

When you create and make waterproof stickers or weatherproof labels you want a product you can rely on that will withstand wear and tear and, depending on circumstance, also the harsh elements of nature. 

Sticker Mule manufactures thick, hardy, [vinyl labels and stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/weatherproof-stickers) that are oil and scratch-resistant and dishwasher safe. (Yep you read that right! You’re getting it straight from the Mule’s mouth!) 

Our waterproof labels are from high-quality BOPP material that won’t tear or fade! It is also resistant to fading and exposure to water. Did we mention it is dishwasher safe? (Even automatic ones!) 

## How do you order weatherproof labels?

__Step 1:__ Submit your design! Don’t forget all the pointers we mentioned above!

__Step 2:__ Get a quote online according to the size and quantities you want to order. 

__Step 3:__ Patiently await your free online proof to check how it turns out. You can continue to make changes to your design until you’re happy with the labels you have ordered. 

Sticker Mule also ships worldwide for free. Once you’ve ordered, you’ll get an estimated date of delivery which will depend on where you are in the world. And then you can get sticking! 

<ButtonCta text="Try waterproof labels" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/waterproof-labels" />

Want to create weatherproof labels for your products? In this post, we’ll give you a few pointers on designing your waterproof label. 

Convert any image to vector with Redraw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to design sticker sheets in Adobe Illustrator

This tutorial is going to show you how to create an awesome sticker sheet using Adobe Illustrator.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="5xnVfAY3W18?rel=0" />

A [sticker sheet](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets) is a page with several peelable stickers, most commonly grouped in a theme. These are great for promotion or showing off artistic flair.

With Sticker Mule, designing your own sticker sheet is completely optional. 

You can send us a zip file of the individual designs and we'll lay it out for you. Or you can have total control over the final look by designing the sticker sheets yourself. 

## Step 1: Set up your sticker sheet artwork
For an easy start, we recommend [downloading one of our sticker sheet templates](https://www.stickermule.com/template/sticker-sheets).

Once you have the template open in Adobe Illustrator, make sure you are in the ‘Artwork’ layer.

![Sticker sheet template layers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/eff2b65ccc39327978d88015661badad8ef56a55)

To find layers go to Window > Layers

Now you can start dropping the designs onto the sheet. 

![Sticker sheet artwork setup](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d149cff938301b1201b91f7acef4500fc9e822dc)

From here, you're free to scale, position, or rotate your designs any way that you feel necessary, as long as it's within the sticker sheet box. 

Each sticker must be at least one inch by one inch and have a space of at least a quarter-inch around it measured from the sticker cut lines and not the artwork itself. 

## Step 2: Outline any text
If you're working with text, [make sure it's outlined](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wBuY6KQR24) before you print. 

To do this, right-click on the text and press ‘Create Outlines’. 

![Creating outlines in Adobe Illustrator](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7e019c69ea1c8e8d19151fb4b030b09141941b45)

## Step 3: Specify your cut lines
Now you can specify cut lines using a one-point stroke. 

A quick way to do this is to select all of your designs, copy them, and paste them on the cut line layer.

![Specifying cut lines in Adobe Illustrator](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a2bdfaf3ca680fabbb47c627789f405d9fb09810) 

Then use the unite function in the pathfinder window. 

![Using the Unite function to create a cut line](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/635bc4247ba7f290f321e13697baf701d660c719)

Once that's done, just apply the cut line swatch as a stroke, and we'll know exactly how to cut your stickers once sent to production. 

If no cut lines are specified, we will automatically determine them for you. You will review this during proofing before print. 

For a more detailed explanation of this, check out our tutorial on [how to create sticker cut lines](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line).

## Step 4: Start your sticker sheets order
Once everything is looking good, you can save your Illustrator file, upload it, and start your order. This tutorial is complete!

![Completed sticker sheets design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/da1c082d190a904e3cabb46b603a021d700e38a2)

## Further tips for designing an awesome sticker sheet:

- Design first and adjust later. Focus on getting your sticker designs laid out roughly and then if you decide that a certain sticker needs to be bigger or spaced further apart, it will be a simple adjustment. 
- Consider making your stickers full bleed. If your designs allow for it, you can make your stickers full bleed by extending your artwork an eighth of an inch beyond the cut line. Keep in mind that whatever is outside of the cut lines will remain on your sticker sheet when the individual stickers are removed. 
- Make the sticker sheet beautiful itself by adding non-sticker elements. A colorful background or a logo can add a really nice touch to the sheet once it's printed.

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

Design an awesome sticker sheet or label sheet template using Adobe Illustrator with this guide.

Sticker sheet template design in Adobe Illustrator

How to remove backgrounds in Photoshop

In this easy-to-follow tutorial, we show how to remove the background from any image using [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html). 

Before you start, take a look at Trace, [our new background remover tool](https://www.stickermule.com/trace). It erases backgrounds from photos instantly, and could save you a lot of time. 

<YouTubeVideo videoId="71o67pJxqLw?rel=0" />

__For best results:__

- Find a high resolution image; the more pixels, the more accurate you can be.
- Make sure the subject stands out from the background and they do not share too many similar colors or textures.

### Step 1
Open your photo in Photoshop and create a new background layer. 

![new-layer](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1c967ad5325b23d084f0a473fe2f0624c3d1b2f5)

On this new background layer go to edit, fill, and then select white for the contents. 

![Fill](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d5c5edc5c7483000e47c57540d03333b8c468aab)

Place this layer below your photo so that as we remove the original background the white one is revealed underneath. 

If your photo is a locked background layer you won't be able to drag another layer below it. All you need to do is double click on it, give it a name, and press enter to convert it to a normal layer so that you can move things below it. 

### Step 2
Grab the quick selection tool and start dragging over the part that you want to keep. 

![selection copy](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8f3c7408bf85ecc9a334afb40bb098aaa308b85b)

The size of your brush determines how much is grabbed with each click or each drag of the mouse. To change it, use the open and closed square brackets to make the brush larger or smaller depending on how accurate you need to be. 

It's likely that as you're making your selection you're gonna highlight areas that you don't wish to. When this happens simply hold alt while using the tool and it will subtract from the selection instead of adding to it. 

The magic wand tool as well as the object selection tool can also come in handy here. Check those out if needed.

### Step 3
Once you've done a fairly good job of selecting your subject from the background we're gonna refine it by going to select and then select and mask.

![select and mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/45c0b25643fe2e2478ac4cf6a949af74157940aa)

Make sure that transparency is set to 100%. This will show you how your current selection is going to look once masked out from the original background. 

Also make sure that the high quality preview is on.

![transparency](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b333056a545ea8ea9065ac61ed974d4461756b45)

Now you can see the temporary white background you made showing through behind. 

If you see a slight gray outline, this is some background elements you picked up when using the quick selection tool. 

To remove this, use ‘shift edge’. This will expand your selection or pull it in. Negative numbers shift edge in, and positive shift it out.

![shift edge](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/229485dcfddda414514ab5a7a9e80221fa1229a0)

### Step 4
Do not shift edge too much. For places with intricate details like hair or fur, use the ‘refine edge’ brush tool. 

![refine edge](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fbf21470da64f1c4acc03b514edbeb89f98dd3d8)

Drag along the edges where the details are present. You will lose a bit of that background and it will look more like a correct crop. Just as with the quick selection tool, you can change the size of this brush with the square bracket keys. 

Lastly if you're finding that overall your selection is looking a bit jagged or there's too many sharp edges, you can use smooth or feather to fix that. 

![smooth](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ab9efdf42d63bba0f7e7fd22384c1213258fc6ee)

Just be careful not to add too much as you still want your selection to look crisp rather than blurry around the edges. 

At any point while you're in select and mask mode you can press P to toggle between what you started with and where you're now at. 

Press okay. 

### Step 5
Rather than actually delete the background around your subject, mask it out. 

With your selection still active, go into your layers menu and press add layer mask.

![add mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8824d13bcf9680bd481241645e6f5af941efae1a)

Layer masks work in black and white: black means hide this part, white means show this part. Right now we want to show the subject (white) and hide the background (black).

At any point, if you want to make the same selection just do Cmd + click  or Alt + click on the layer mask.

You should now be able to move this layer around. Your subject is now separate from their original background. 

### Step 6 (optional)
If you think there are a couple problem areas you want to clean up, you can click on the layer mask in your layer panel and add or remove some of the original background. Use the paintbrush tool in black or white to remove or add details.

![layer mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d61850f7eec6b53748c1b27ab3bb5c077ce4a531)

That is the end of the tutorial!

If you want an easier and faster way to remove backgrounds check out our new tool Trace. Trace is free to use and works instantly.

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

An easy-to follow tutorial on removing backgrounds using Photoshop

Remove the background from any image with Trace

Using Trace - our [photo background remover](https://www.stickermule.com/trace) - requires absolutely no design experience. Upload your image and count to 5 while the technology automatically removes the background.

<Video videoKey="trace" />

## How to remove background without Photoshop

Trace was inspired by hundreds of creators who wanted to do more with their favorite photos. 

The tool cuts out the subject (pet, car, beloved relative) and puts it on a transparent background. Download the image for free or use it for custom stickers, magnets, coasters and more.

Even for an experienced designer, it can take 10 minutes to [erase a background in Photoshop](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-remove-backgrounds-in-photoshop) — now anyone can do it in less than 10 seconds.

## What are the new features of Trace? 

Trace 2.0 has officially been released and like the OG Trace you know and love, it’s decked with features that will continue to make your work easier!

### Trace multiple images on one canvas 

Now, you can remove the backgrounds of up to five images on just one canvas! This means you can include multiple photos in one cool collage! 

### Upload a custom background image, or search images from Unsplash

Before, you could just remove the backgrounds using Trace. Now, after removing the background, you can replace it with a solid color or another background! 

There are lots of background options to choose from. Upload your own custom image, or search the built-in Unsplash library, featuring over 2 million inspiring images that are free to use for your new backdrop. 

### Select traced images to move, scale, and rotate

With the new and improved Trace, you can also move your images. After the background has been removed, you can resize the object or reposition it. You can even rotate it as you like to fit in your new background! 

### Crop your traced images 

Say you have an image that you want the background removed but you also want to remove a part of the main subject. (Maybe it’s a group photo and you only want to retain yourself on the edited image!) With Trace 2.0, you can also crop out other elements in your photo! 

## How to use Trace: A guide 

Want to know how to remove background without the use of Photoshop and other editing software? Just follow these steps:

### Step 1: Create and log into your account 

Use your email to create an account or if you’re already logged into your Gmail account, just connect it to this page. 

### Step 2: Click the “Upload a photo ” button 

Once you click the photo, Trace automatically removes your background! The next thing you’ll see is your photo with the background removed! 

### Step 3: Customize your background or just download it 

If you just want to remove the background, go ahead and click that download button! And yes, you get the image for free! 

However, if you want to customize the background with a plain color or other patterns, feel free to choose from the templates. You may also upload your own background. 

## What else can you do with Trace 2.0?

If those new functionalities aren’t cool enough, you can also convert your new image into a keepsake! After downloading your new photo (for free!), you can also turn this piece of artwork into a sticker, a coaster, a magnet, a poly mailer packaging, or even as buttons! 

This is a perfect gift or giveaway for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions! 

Sounds simple, right? Are you ready to get started?

<ButtonCta text="Remove background from your image" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 2.2rem;">Did we mention it's free?</p>

Upload your image and count to 5 while the technology automatically removes the background.

How to create a sticker cut line in Illustrator

A cut line is a path that gets placed around your design to tell us exactly how it should be cut. Most stickers feature a white border around the design – this is what the cut line creates.

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

Keep in mind that this is __completely optional__ when ordering from Sticker Mule. When ordering [die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) (or any custom shape product) we will automatically create a cut line to match the shape of your artwork.

*Depending on whether your artwork is [vector or raster](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images), the first 3 steps for creating a cut line are different.*

<h2 id="vector">How to create a cut line for vector artwork (steps 1-3)</h2>

[Skip to raster instructions.](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line#raster)

### Step 1
With your design open in Adobe Illustrator, select any strokes that are present in your design.

You can use Outline view to help you find any strokes in your design.
Mac: ⌘ + Y
PC: CTRL + Y

![cut-line-vector-step-1](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/339e8f3ad27800927295217ede788df91aa742ef)

With your strokes selected, select *Object* > *Path* > *Outline stroke*.

### Step 2
Select all the text within your design.

Then right click and select *Create Outlines*.
Mac: Shift + ⌘ + O
PC: Shift + CTRL + O

![cut-line-vector-step-2](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8b658ecc0fa84076321edf0758efaa78776d6554)

### Step 3
In the *Layers* window, hold Option (Mac) or Alt (PC), then drag the layer that your artwork is on, on top of itself.

![cut-line-vector-step-3](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/06c4e7eb6cf86a1a6de0759b9c653f02e1ae6fd9)

This will create a new duplicate layer. This is where you will create the cut line so you can lock the layer beneath.

[Skip to step 4.](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line#step4)

<h2 id="raster">How to create a cut line for raster artwork (steps 1-3)</h2>

[Back to vector instructions.](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line#vector)

### Step 1
Open your design in Adobe Illustrator.

In the *Layers* window, hold Option (Mac) or Alt (PC), then drag the layer that your artwork is on, on top of itself.

![cut-line-raster-step-1](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/235769c06d38e410f92845eb3c182cdbd1bf3d24)

This will create a new duplicate layer. This is where you will create the cut line so you can lock the layer beneath.

### Step 2
With your image selected, use the *[Image trace](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-use-image-trace-in-adobe-illustrator)* window to convert your image into a vector.

Ignore colors or fine details while doing this step. All that matters is getting the perimeter of the shape to match your original design.

When it looks good, click *Expand*. This will create a vector shape.

![cut-line-raster-step-2](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/adf9a2b74ae1dd087f3732c10cf9f1a80f5d642b)

### Step 3
Illustrator will often create a white bounding box around your design – this needs to be removed.

To delete it, right click on your design and select *Ungroup*. Select the bounding box, then tap Delete.

![cut-line-raster-step-3](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7e5518f6669ed2f1c3087e9bc90f444c14c829c7)

<h2 id="step4">How to create a cut line (steps 4-7)</h2>

*Regardless of the image format you began with, the following steps are the same.*

### Step 4
Select everything on your cut line layer.

From the *Pathfinder* window, select the *Unite* icon to transform the entire image into a single shape.

![cut-line-step-4](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3a322f8be0b9a58b8093cf1a19ca6233f937934f)

### Step 5
With the shape still selected, select *Object* > *Path* > *Offset path*.

With the *Offset path* panel open, check the *Preview* box. Adjust the *Offset* amount until you are happy with the width of the border, then press *OK*. (At Sticker Mule, [we required a minimum border](https://www.stickermule.com/support/minimum-border-thickness) of 1/16")

![cut-line-step-5](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f06450b2bcd8d896c70dc12f9e128d4981c7f00f)

### Step 6
Again, select everything on the cut line layer and from the *Pathfinder* window, select *Unite*.

Using the *Direct selection tool* (A) delete any unwanted holes in your shape. (At Sticker Mule, [we allow 1 internal cut](https://www.stickermule.com/support/do-you-allow-internal-cuts) of at least ¼")

![cut-line-step-6](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/aed17ac1135daaee7bea98f3c2982476c0b378c9)

### Step 7
With the shape selected, remove the fill, and give it a 1pt stroke.

![cut-line-step-7](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d6d4d549906e0327b75068b408ea1b2e1c164946)

This is the standard format, most print shops, including Sticker Mule, will use for cut lines.

### Step 8 (optional)
If you end up with two or more cut line objects, you’ll need to bridge them together to create a single shape.

Use the *Pen tool* (P) to create a shape that overlaps the existing objects. Then with all the objects selected, from the *Pathfinder* window, select *Unite*.

![cut-line-step-8](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9468f7efc7b72fb1b09cf5f40ec8adf9180a0845)

When you're done adding cut lines, simply save your Illustrator file and you're finished. You can upload your file to Sticker Mule as-is, and within a few hours you'll receive a free proof showing you exactly what your sticker is going to look like.

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

<ButtonCta text="Get $10 credit" href="https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=7980330701&ref=blog" />

Designer, Hayden Aube, shows how to create a custom cut line for your stickers or magnets.

All about labeling: start to finish 

![All about labeling | Sticker Mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/41ee310ba37ce7eb90de506ec4a0a058b28a4e34)

The right label can make the difference between the success or failure of a product. Making the perfect product label takes a combination of creativity, inquisitiveness and planning. 

Labels have their place as [personalized gifts](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/face-labels), signage for [bespoke products](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/candle-labels) and – of course – to identify [commercial products](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/product-labels). It’s important, however, to think things through before starting your project so as to avoid mistakes. By understanding the process involved in creating stylish and engaging labels, you too can create designs that attract consumers, communicate with customers and provide them with important information.

## What's it all about?

Labels are part of the packaging used to make goods look presentable and appealing. It’s the written information on a container or package. This might include vital elements such as brand colors, a company logo, distinct materials and a notable shape. 

Labels are about more than marketing. Some label details fulfill legal requirements. Whether a product is a brand-new market entrant or a well-known staple, it must comply with legal regulations regarding labeling. 

For nearly every product imaginable, there are varying degrees of mandates that dictate what information companies must provide for consumers. [Food products](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/food-labels), for example, are governed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as are [cosmetics](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/cosmetic-labels). 

## Plan for success

Whether you’re [creating a custom label](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels) for yourself or a client, you must develop a design that’s functional and takes into account all product variables. Therefore, the starting process for creating a label is one of information gathering, rather than creativity. 

If you’re developing a label for someone else, you’ll need information from the client. In some instances, the client will already have a logo that you can use to start the process. In other cases, you have to start from scratch, which should factor into the final price of creating the label. 

You must also consider where the client plans to sell the product. Using this information, you can develop ways to differentiate the offering. 

If the client intends to sell their goods in a supermarket, for example, you must develop a label that will distinguish it from all the other similar products in the same section. If the client, however, will sell their good solely online, you’ll need to come up with a different strategy. 

During this phase, it helps to think about who will use the product. You also need to gather this information from the client because while the product may provide some clue as to who will use it, only the proprietor knows exactly how they plan to promote their goods. 

![All about labeling | Sticker Mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0caea4fa01d9f3f2d1d610e120c2f2b0cf9c5c8c)

## Assessing the big picture 

Regarding the intended product, you’ll want to know specific details, such as what values the ideal consumer holds as well as their education level. Before starting your label design, it’s essential that you understand the “W’s”: 

- Who 
- What 
- When 
- Where 
- Why 
- How 

Knowing that the product is for male teenagers, for instance, isn’t enough insight for you to create the best design. You must also ask yourself what other kinds of similar goods the ideal consumer purchases. This kind of detailed information is needed to design a label that speaks to the right audience. 

After gathering basic information, you’ll need to conduct research. You must further investigate the intended audience by identifying their age, gender, income and other information that you may have overlooked during the initial round of research to ensure that you haven’t missed any important details. These seemingly innocuous facts will inform you throughout the design process. 

You should also learn as much as you can about competing products. You don’t want to create a label that’s too close in appearance to a competitor’s. Moreover, this research will give you an idea of what kind of label design appeals to the audience for that product. 

## Getting the message across

Label design is about more than creating an attractive project. You must also provide information that’s important to consumers. 

Of course, there are certain elements that will take up the most label real estate. This might include the name of the product and the company slogan as well as the company logo. For the rest of the information, however, you must figure out how to distribute it among the remaining space on the label. 

One piece of supplementary information that’s important to display prominently is the universal selling proposition (USP). In fact, the USP should factor into all stages of the design process. 

The purpose of the label is first to attract consumers and then engage them. The way to accomplish this in its entirety is to include the USP conspicuously on the label face. 

If the client has not developed a universal selling proposition, you can work with them to figure out the benefits of the product and promote these concepts on the label. By knowing the USP or product benefits you can make appropriate design decisions during the planning stage of creating the label. 

![All about labeling | Sticker Mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a3225796d2ba80863bbf7e88ae22cdaf0182138e)

## Now the fun part, choosing a look 

Choosing the right color is one of the most important parts of designing your new label. The color that you choose may be influenced by several variables. This could include the type of product, the target audience and the colors used by competing goods. 

Many times, the packaging will heavily influence label design. If, for example, the label will include a significant number of lively images, you’ll want to use bright colors to complete this theme. More importantly, you want the color of the label to help the product stand out from competing goods. 

Label typography encompasses the physical features of the label as a whole. Most labels, for instance, contain a considerable amount of text. Label typography delineates what items are highlighted to consumers, where items are placed and which ones are more important than others. 

Start this part of the planning process by figuring out the typography for the most important elements of the design, such as the product name and slogan. You may, for example, use hand-lettering, rather than pre-existing fonts. This, by the way, allows you to create a design that’s unique to that particular product. 

Additionally, copywriting design optimization is essential for labels, as space is extremely limited. This makes definitive and succinct label copy critical. 

You must also decide what visual elements you’ll use for your label. This includes pictures and illustrations. They're especially useful for creating a sentiment about a good that words alone cannot produce. 

The visual elements that you select will be greatly influenced by the product. If the label is for a mountain bike, for example, your design might include the image of a bicycle. 

## Know your limitations

Now that you’ve figured out what you can do, it’s time to figure out what you cannot do. While you may know exactly what you want and have grand ideas for the design of the label, your concept may not serve your client’s needs. 

Will the product be used outdoors or in wet environments? A paper label won't be a good choice. Look for [waterproof materials](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/waterproof-labels) instead.

Similarly, if you're working with food products, consider using food-safe materials for your labeling.

## Remember the endgame

When a great design idea pops into your head, it’s tempting to head off to the drawing board and start building your concept after only briefly observing the good on which you’ll later place the label. However, it’s important to know not only if the label fits on the good, but that it complements the shape of the packaging. 

Furthermore, you’ll have to take a moment to think about how much of the product you’ll cover with your label. If, for instance, the product packaging isn’t especially aesthetically appealing, you’ll want to create a label that covers more of the vessel. Conversely, if the packaging has visually attractive attributes, you’ll want to leave the packaging exposed and reduce the size of the label. 

Either way, the label and packaging must attract and engage consumers. These variables are essential in determining the presence of your design from a consumer perspective. 

![All about labeling | Sticker Mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fbb845de12adb66ed440baef279cb0a699956f8e)

## Get a second opinion 

There is one more important step to complete before uploading your design idea to the printer and waiting with bated breath for your new labels to arrive. After creating your label, you should interview members of the intended audience to determine how they feel about your creation. You can invite them to take a survey and ask them questions about the new label. You should design the questionnaire to help you understand if you have successfully created the right sentiment for consumers with your label project. 

When consumers respond to questions, dig deeper. Ask them why they feel the way that they do about certain aspects of the label. This is important for helping you to discover the emotional reasoning behind their sentiments. 

Finally, when creating your label, you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, you should include the client throughout all stages of the design process. 

While this may vary in degree with the designer, it’s important that the client stays involved. By working closely with the client, you can increase the likelihood that they’ll approve of the final product. 

Some creators develop label designs with little client feedback. Everyone has their own process. Still, it’s important to consult with the client before finalizing any significant design decisions to ensure that you produce a label that pleases all stakeholders and helps the client to create a positive brand image. With planning, you’ll create a design that attracts consumers to you or your client's cause or business and leaves a long-lasting positive impression. 

Effective labeling helps consumers to remember products and causes. Even if it’s only a vague recollection, they’re typically enough for potential patrons to remember how to find a product or more information. 

Defining one’s brand is one of the most important parts of running any organization. In fact, research shows that 64-percent of consumers buy goods solely based on appearance. 

This kind of result highlights the importance of effective labels. Furthermore, it’s essential to redesign brand packaging occasionally so that it always has a fresh, new look. With appropriate branding and rebranding as time goes on, you’ll keep your or your client’s goods at the forefront of consumer’s minds.

There are countless ways to delight _your_ customers and grow your brand using labels and other custom printed products. Check out more ways Sticker Mule can help your business grow.

<ButtonCta text="100+ ways to use Sticker Mule" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses?ref=blog" />


Making the perfect product label takes a combination of creativity, inquisitiveness and planning.

How stickers spread a simple message around the world

![You are beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d82a465dded95af5ebcdbba49df83983a6b79a73)

Many people believe that they don’t know how to make a difference in this world, but in reality, everyone contributes to making the world a better place in their own unique way. 

The thing is, when we think about making a difference, we immediately think about doing something big, but the truth is that even a small contribution to someone's life can change their entire day or even month – even something as simple as paying them a compliment. 

## Making a difference with sticker art

Matthew Hoffman started the [You Are Beautiful](https://you-are-beautiful.com/) sticker project in 2002; he had no idea just how far his message would spread. The project was run out of a two-car garage until 2018.

In the beginning, he created a batch of just 100 stickers with a simple message: you are beautiful. 

This simple statement was intended as a small but positive affirmation for whoever might happen to spot one of Hoffman’s stickers; just a daily reminder that you are beautiful.

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/68ea0db36ffae4b01fc395d0c817adb857565eca)

Without a doubt, this is a message that struck a lot of people and touched some hearts. Now, fifteen years later, the estimation is that they may have sold close to five million stickers. It goes to show just how much people really care.

Sticker art is an incredible way to say something to the world. They are small, they stick to things, you can hand them out and they never go out of style!

## How the You Are Beautiful sticker art project started

Where did it all start? How was the You Are Beautiful sticker project born? Well, when Matthew Hoffman moved to Chicago, it was his first time in the big city. Surrounded by a lot of visual noise and a lot of audible noise, the city excited him. There were so many different types of people and cultures, all in one place!  
Naturally, anyone new to the busy city life will also feel instantly overwhelmed. You could feel lost in the chaos. Matthew wanted to make something that was quiet and comforting. This project would be something that makes anyone part of the conversation. 

The You Are Beautiful sticker project was one of the very first viral messages, spreading out in the real world rather than online. These stickers instantly spread a simple message around the world. The project brought meaning to a lot of people's lives. 

Sticker art is real, it is a tangible product that won't go anywhere. So, when purchasing these stickers, you know that you are making a real difference; anyone can come across this message in their daily life. Hoffman tried to make stickers that blended with the environment, with bold and colorful letters so that the message could stand out. 

These days, most of us lead a busy lifestyle. We are all part of the rat race, without any of us slowing down. We are so used to chasing things, we forget to see the beauty in life. The purpose of the You Are Beautiful sticker project is to remind us to slow down sometimes and see the beauty in all of us.

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7d1e5c97df19c8decc5bb1c17db0f718bdf41faf)

## How the You Are Beautiful sticker art project changed over the years

Remember, this is a project that started before social media even existed. In those days, people were used to getting mail and using their PO Boxes. People would send Matthew photos with their You Are Beautiful stickers, and even letters; they’d use them to map out where each sticker was in the world.

These days, especially with Instagram and sticker hashtags, there are billions of photos. The world essentially got so much smaller when social media became a thing. 

As the project's success grew, they were soon shipping You Are Beautiful stickers around the globe, in one hundred languages. 

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7f7ab5096aae3ed6d47b91bd198039dfb2862b5b)

## The peoples' voice

‘The project has actively combatted negativity by distributing millions of You Are Beautiful stickers’ says Hoffman. 

‘Through the years, it has grown into various large-scale, wood installations and murals, as well as collaborations with many designers, students, and artists, worldwide. There have been a lot of people creating their own art from the project and putting their own spin on the movement.

One that stood out in particular: someone drew the words in sand with their footprints. They stayed in the photo for scale, and so you could see it was massive. 

It's just amazing to see what people do with absolutely no materials or budget. All it takes is just a little bit of time, which is great.’

## Get your own You Are Beautiful Stickers

The You Are Beautiful project is still ongoing. You can, as always,
[request free stickers](https://you-are-beautiful.com/pages/faq-free-stickers), or place an order for a larger number if you want to blanket your neighborhood with a simple, sweet and positive message.

This is a message that should be spread to loved ones and strangers alike. With a message like this, there should be no political or religious motive, just a positive affirmation of the fact that all of us are beautiful in our own way.

![You Are Beautiful stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c54bb4aa4d243d839e0449d3ee709b3e1d76a7a7)

## Start your own sticker art project

Interested in starting your own sticker project to make a difference in this world? You can easily create custom stickers online to let your artwork speak for itself. You, too, have the opportunity to spread a message using sticker art, and create something meaningful in this world.

Inspired to create your own sticker art, yet? Get $10 off your first Sticker Mule order when you sign up by clicking the button below.

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When Matthew Hoffman started the You Are Beautiful project in 2002, he had no idea just how far his message would spread.

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