Online printing services vs printing at home - How to choose?

Eventually everyone needs printing services to get stickers, brochures, or packaging for their events or endeavors. You can print them yourself at home, but that requires a lot of time and effort and doesn’t necessarily save you money once all is said and done. [Online printing services](https://www.stickermule.com/ "sticker mule online printing service") can be more convenient, affordable and have all the tools you need to get your designs ready for mass production but there are so many services out there and results vary among them all. Here are some considerations and questions you should ask before choosing an online printing service for your business needs or going with printing at home.

![online printing services like sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d826b2aa-9e78-4878-9f26-98b9a8e94da5)
 
 
__What is your printing budget?__

*For budgets under $100*

You may think printing at home is the way to go with smaller budgets or if you want to save money, but there really isn’t a golden rule on that. Online printing works great for smaller budgets too and after the costs of materials, it can oftentimes be even cheaper than doing it yourself, and that’s before even [factoring in the amount of time](https://www.entrepreneur.com/money-finance/how-to-calculate-the-true-monetary-value-of-your-time/320027 "estimate the cost of your time") it takes!

However, printing at home gives you all the control and allows you to experiment a bit more than using a online printing service. So there is definitely a give and take. 

Answering these questions might make the process of choosing a bit easier though;

- Do you have the printing materials (paper and printers) available already?
- Do you have spare time to dedicate to printing?
- Are you handy at designing?
- Are you able to solve technical problems when they arise?

If you answered no to any of these questions, then honestly, online printing may be the way to go. After the time, resources and technical skills needed to create a design and then printing it, you may have spent more money on materials and way more time printing than you anticipated which just hurts your chances of getting a good result with your printing goals.

*For budgets over $100*

For larger budgets, the choice of printing leans more heavily on using an online printing service. The costs and time involved gets much more demanding with higher budgets so unless you have industrial processes in place and the experience needed to scale your printing by yourself, it would be hard to argue not to use a online printing service for your printing needs


__What kind of printing services do you need?__

Before you send your print job to the printer, you will need to select the type of paper, labels, or stickers you’ll want to print on. These options will affect the price and turnaround time of your project. You can choose from glossy, matte, UV or uncoated paper. If you are printing cards, signs or brochures, you might also want to add a UV coating to your print job. This will help protect it from smudging and make it last longer. 
 
If you want to use premium or special materials in your printing job, then the costs of getting a smaller quantity of these materials might not be cost-effective. 
 
Some things you should be able to print at home at smaller quantities;

- Normal paper printing
- Square or circle stickers
- Custom shipping labels
- Color photos
- Heat transfers

Other things that won’t be possible to print at home (no matter the quantity);

- Custom magnets
- [Custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters "custom posters printing")
- Custom packaging
- Die-cut (custom shape) stickers, signs, or decals


__Who will be in charge of the design process?__

If you are hiring a design company to print your stickers, labels, packaging or brochures, you can expect them to have their own designers on staff. They may have their own processes, so they may recommend specific printing services that they normally work with. The design process and costs will vary depending on the company you choose. If you are hiring a designer, you should inquire about their process and prices. 
 
Most online printing companies will provide you with pre-made templates while others will also let you design your print job from scratch. Using the [premade templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates "online printing templates") at companies like Sticker Mule makes the design process much easier if you aren’t a designer yourself and don’t have the budget to hire a designer. It’s the best of both worlds for smaller printing jobs!


__How well does the company handle printing emergencies?__

Sometimes things happen unexpectedly, especially during rush season. You’ll be pressed with extra printing demands and the ability of you or your company to handle these situations will be tested. If you are printing in house or at home, then these situations can be very hard to overcome without experience. It’s these kinds of high-stress situations that make printing for yourself unfeasible at larger scales. Even then, it’s important to find a printing company that can handle your print job without any delays in case something happens. Some companies will charge extra for last-minute printing, while others will not be able to handle it at all. We here at Sticker Mule are proud to provide multiple printing and shipping options depending on how quickly you need things!


__Are there any upfront or hidden costs?__

Some online printing companies will charge you a fee upfront for designing your print job. If you need design services, it’s important to inquire about the design process upfront so you know how much it will cost. It is also important to inquire about the hidden costs of printing. Some companies charge extra for rush printing, shipping and other factors such as the type of paper or binding you choose. Bear in mind that you can avoid hidden costs by choosing a company that offers free design services or ready to go templates.


__How to make your decision__

There are quite a few things to consider before choosing whether or not to print at home yourself or having it sent off to an online printing service like Sticker Mule.
 
Printing at home is an excellent way to save money on printing when printing smaller quantities, while also ensuring that your documents are printed exactly the way you want them. By printing at home, you'll be able to avoid many of the costs associated with professional printing, like shipping, storage and setup fees. Plus, you'll have total control over the quality and appearance of your prints. 
 
However, the more you print, the less this approach makes sense. Even for smaller jobs, online printing might be the cheaper and better alternative especially if you are able to take advantage of deals like Sticker Mule does with it’s 10 for $9 samples.

<ButtonCta text="Get 10 custom prints for $9 sample pack" href="https://www.stickermule.com/samples" />


Find out how to decide between printing at home or printing online in this handy guide

6 ideas on wrapping & decorating your Christmas gifts like no one else

![christmas gift decorating guide](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6013bd38-3205-45e1-9c3b-72cd8ff41380)

‍Christmas is a time for giving, but it can also be a time for creating. The festive season is the perfect opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care about them. If you’re on the lookout for some creative ways to decorate your Christmas gifts this year, keep reading! We think these simple ideas are the perfect way to add an element of surprise and delight when presenting your gifts. Let’s take a look at some inventive ways to add a little extra dash of holiday spirit to your gifts:

__1) Custom packaging tape for the gifts you tape__

![custom christmas packaging tape](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7dd1a401-bf03-43a1-a79b-cc64c37d22ef)

The first festive decor idea we love is [custom packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/holiday-packaging-tape "custom christmas holiday packing tape") for your gifts. This is a really fun and easy way to bring some festive cheer to your gifts. You can use one of our [premade packaging tape templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/packaging/packaging-tape "free designs for packaging tape") at Studio to get started decorating your packaging tape with Christmas pictures or even photos of your family, friends, or pets! This is a sure way to pack your present to bring a big smile to the person you are gifting.

__2) Personalized return address labels for the gifts you send__

![custom christmas return labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/204628bb-75b4-443e-9183-e5106caeb79e)

Another festive decor idea we love is creating your own [personalized return address labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/return-address-labels "custom made return labels"). Christmas is the season of giving, and many of us exchange gifts and letters with friends, family, and colleagues. Sometimes, you have to send gifts to people far away. That’s when it could be a good idea to add a custom return label to your letter, present or box so the person you are gifting knows that something special is inside the box. It’s the little things like this that make all the difference when spreading holiday cheer to your family and friends.

__3) Mule Sauce stocking stuffer__

![mule sauce 6 pack](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/af87433a-cc14-421a-bd92-a7a3d1968f65)

A fun & festive idea that’s great for stocking stuffers is a [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "mule sauce sweet & spicy hot sauce"). This unique gift is perfect for any spicy food fan in your life. It’s a great gift for colleagues, friends, and family members who enjoy cooking and adding a bit of spice to their foods. Our Mule Sauce is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy that even recently [won the first place prize](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/mule-sauce-wins-top-award-at-fiery-food-challenge-hot-sauce-competition "mule sauce first place hot sauce") in a renowned spicy food fest in Texas. That spicy food lover in your life deserves the best, so why not add a bit of top ranked spicy goodness to their stocking this holiday season.

__4) Customized labels for baked goods__

![custom cookie can box labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cdc41c5a-1a8d-45de-a2c9-5187394c0f22)

Another festive decor idea is [customized labels](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels "custom labels for baking goods") for baked goods. If you’re giving baked goods as gifts this Christmas, why not decorate them with festive labels? This is both a decorative and useful way to present baked goods. You can use our premade templates of cute and silly Christmas sticker labels or start a design from scratch and use them to decorate your baked goods.

__5) Personalized shipping bags for smaller items__

![custom shipping bags for christmas](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c7d989fe-4f71-496e-aade-bdee0383279c)

If you’re buying gifts for friends, family members, and colleagues, a useful but yet festive idea to amp up your wrapping game this year is using [personalized shipping bags](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/shipping-bags "custom shipping bags") for smaller items. This is a great way to add some extra Christmas spirit to your gifts. It’s super useful when sending smaller gifts or can even be a special way to package gifts together inside a box. Our custom poly mailers are printed in full color and are lightweight so they are a perfect addition to your gifts this holiday season.


__6) Custom-made buttons for your stockings__

![custom buttons for the holidays](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/229edac7-4f1b-47e3-b9e5-c29469bcdcb1)

Another festive decor idea is making [custom-made buttons](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/photo-buttons "custom photo buttons") for your stockings. Stockings are great ways to give smaller presents, but they also make a great Christmas gift themselves that many people enjoy receiving during the Christmas season, so they can be a great way to show your loved ones how much you care about them. Buttons are a quick and easy way to decorate your stockings and make them look even more special. You can design some Christmas-themed buttons with family members, pets, Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, gingerbread men, or Christmas trees, and use them to decorate your stockings. 

__Well, that's a "wrap"__

There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than by giving gifts to your loved ones. However, you can make these gifts even more special by decorating them using festive wrapping ideas. The holiday season is a great time to show your loved ones how much you care about them, and it’s an excellent opportunity to get creative with your gifts. If you’re on the lookout for some creative ways to decorate your Christmas gifts this year, we hope this post helps spark some extra creativity in your gift-giving. 


Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays 🎄☃️ from the entire Sticker Mule team!



Stand out from the rest of the crowd with these unique ways to make your presents impress that no one else is really doing

Enlarge an image without losing quality in Photoshop, it's possible?

As a photographer, artist, or designer, the ability to enlarge images without losing quality is a valuable skill. Fortunately, with the right software and technique, it is indeed possible to accomplish this, but with varying results. The key is utilizing a process called "interpolation," which involves inserting new pixels into an image based on the colors and tones of surrounding pixels. This can be [done manually](https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=282942&p=1888161 "manually increase size of an image in photoshop") with just increasing the size of the image but this really isn’t well suited for detailed photos and images.

Luckily, there are a few options these days. But it really depends on if you have access to Adobe Photoshop and its Creative Cloud or not. If you do, you are in luck, Photoshop has released a new feature for photographers called Super Resolution. This can increase the size of the image size by up to 4x, but you’ll need access to a plugin called [Camera Raw](https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/kb/camera-raw-plug-in-installer.html "camera raw photoshop plugin") and Adobe Bridge to get started. If you have access to these programs, it just [takes a couple steps](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/enlarge-image.html "how to enlarge photos in photoshop with a plugin") to get the process done.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="fXmYz-Zy1j4" />

If you’ve spent this entire blog post not quite understanding what those pieces of software do or how they work, we are right there with you. Even seasoned pros grow tired with the complexity of this problem, the whole process is way too confusing. Luckily there are some easier ways!

The following two methods will enable you to increase the size of any image without losing quality, which is perfect if you never intended on editing photos in Photoshop!

__1) Use a AI image upscaling service online__

<YouTubeVideo videoId="MnlxadIeVKQ" />

The easiest and fastest way to improve your quality of photos is by using an AI-powered upscaling service which will not only help you save time, but also make sure that all aspects like color balance are preserved. There are many such services out there, but one that is getting quite popular (for good reason) these days is [Upscale by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "enlarge image without losing quality online"). It’s a 100% free image way to upscale images online and it works quite well. You can increase the resolution of any image for free by up to 8x with just a couple of clicks!

The best part of this service is that it’s completely free so you really don’t have much to lose by trying it out and seeing if it’s what you are looking for.

<ButtonCta text="Click to upscale your image for FREE" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />

Like with any AI image upscaler, it’s incredibly fast and easy to use, but it’s not always absolutely perfect. It will work great for a majority of images and photos, but you may need some additional tools to achieve perfection with some images. That’s when a  more extensive solution may work for you; like vectorization of your image.

__2) Use a image vectorization service online__

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nr7tGu9yKh4" />

Like with all the AI image upscale services out there, there are quite a few services these days that can turn your image into a vector so you can scale the image indefinitely. This online solution works great for logos, symbols, and artwork among many other object oriented images. If you are looking to increase the quality of a photo, however, this will not be something that will help. But if you do have an object, transforming your image into a vector will pay off for years to come!

Once you have a vector image, you can scale and increase the size of it as large as you want it! You can even fill an entire movie screen with your new vector image without losing any quality. That’s why it’s such a great resource to have for images that you’ll need to send around a lot, since it will work for any purpose someone might want. 

To get started to vectorize your image, head on over to [Redraw by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "turn an image into a vector"). From there, just upload your photo and we will send you a proof within a couple hours of your new vector image. If you want any changes or don’t like certain things, just keep revising the proof until you are 100% satisfied with it. Once that is done, you just have to pay $14 and you’ll have a brand new vector image that can be used anywhere and practically for any purpose! Success! 

It's also possible to convert an image into a vector a few different ways in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, but again, this approach is a very difficult task for non-Adobe experts. However, if you have the skills, here are [6 different ways to convert an image into a vector](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-convert-any-image-to-vector "convert image to vector") that way.

<ButtonCta text="Click here to turn an image into a vector" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

__So in conclusion__

It is indeed possible to enhance images in photoshop, but there are certain limitations that make it infeasible for images that have a lot of detail. In those cases, you can use an AI powered upscaling service like Upscale to increase the resolution by up to 8x or if that is not enough, then you can also convert your image into a vector image that then can be enhanced or enlarged to however big you’d like it!



Is enlarging or enhancing images in Photoshop possible without losing any quality? Find out inside!

How to make a holographic sticker and 5 tricks to make it shine!

[Holographic stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers "holographic sticker vinyl") are made with a colorful, reflective vinyl that gives your designs a unique shine. I love how they make our designs shine like nobody else. If you want to make your hologram sticker stand out even more, here's some tips for creating eye-catching designs with this reflective vinyl

A creative design is the key to success when it comes to custom holographic stickers. Here's a video guide that will get your imagination flowing and give you some ideas on how best use these tools in Photoshop/Illustrator:

<YouTubeVideo videoId="vD9duBs1M0c?rel=0" />

When you're ready to share your design with the world, you can send it off to a [holographic sticker printing service online](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers "holographic sticker vinyl") and upload your design there. It should take about a week for it to be sent back to you a physical holographic stickers!

However if you're ready to take your design from good to great, here are some tricks that will help make sure the new holographic stickers shine like never before!

### Leave empty spaces on your design
Whatever is printed on the holographic material will blend with the holographic effect. Conversely, leaving any part of your design empty, will let the holographic effect shine through 100% and really make it pop.

![holo-empty-fill](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ee8643bee8ff4f57518743fd7ed0f76dc87d10e7)

In the design above we originally had a grey color to represent the metal on the robot. The grey color looks fine, but by removing the fill we can make the metal appear purely holographic.

### Adjust color saturation
[Different colors blend differently](https://www.stickermule.com/support/holographic-stickers-setup) with the holographic vinyl. In general, lighter colors blend with the holographic material more, while darker colors tend to block out the effect more.

![holo-saturation](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9bdd791406097480637f9450ee885e4d9d8e4164)

In the design above, we wanted to create a higher contrast between the cheeks and the pure holographic metal. To do this, we simply increased the saturation of the red to make it darker, to give it less of a holographic effect.

### Use black and white
While nearly all colors will blend with the holographic material in some way, there are 2 colors that almost completely block it out: black and white.

![robot-holo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cd77f4f29adb526f4baaf86b8e114f0e7526787c)

Using black and white in your design is a great way to create more contrast and make the holographic effects stand out.

### Use color background while designing
When designing with both white fills and empty fills it can become confusing to tell them apart. To help, we recommend putting a colored background beneath your design.

![holo-background](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d4bf7955bc37393b4991a2d0b64a6c7a63df4c57)

The color will help you figure out which parts of your design are set to be totally holographic vs. the parts that are totally white. Just remember to delete the background layer when you’re done!

### Try printing some holographic sticker samples
The best way to figure out what your holographic stickers will look like is getting them in your hands! We offer [custom holographic sticker samples](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-sticker-samples), so you can try a small batch before placing a larger order.

<ButtonCta text="Print your holographic stickers @ Sticker Mule" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers" />

Make holographic stickers with this easy to follow video guide and learn some tricks on how to make them stand out even more!

How to make your own custom QR code sticker for free online

Whether it’s a barcode, matrix code, or QR code, all these visual codes have one thing in common. They are used to encode information and make it easier to access. Quick response (QR) codes are dynamic optical codes that can be read by almost any device. They can be found in almost every industry, including retail and e-commerce, education, logistics and transportation, advertising and marketing, and more. 
Unfortunately, most businesses don’t know how to design a QR code sticker for their marketing strategy or how to use it effectively. If you want to know what a QR code sticker is and how to use it for your business strategy, keep reading!

__What is a QR code sticker?__

A QR code sticker is an advertising tool that can be printed on paper, a sticker, or a poster, and then placed in a location where customers are likely to see it. 

The QR code sticker contains a URL or a phone number and links to the desired destination. To access the information, a user needs to scan the QR code sticker with a QR code scanner. This can be done with a smartphone or a special application designed to read these codes. 

QR codes can be used for all types of industries, including retail and e-commerce, education, logistics and transportation, advertising and marketing, and more. They can be applied to anything, such as a poster, a magazine ad, the side of a bus, a billboard, a product, a poster, and more. The only limitation is your imagination! 

QR codes have been used for many years and are an effective way to drive traffic to your website, generate sales, and engage customers. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from QR codes by using them to promote special sales, hosting online surveys, linking to an online store, and more.
 
__Why use a QR code sticker?__

If you’re still not convinced that QR codes are relevant to your business, here are some great reasons to use a QR code sticker. 

- __Better reach__. With QR codes, you can reach a larger audience than with just text. This is especially true if you’re trying to reach people in different languages. You’re also likely to get better engagement rates as people are more likely to scan a QR code than they are to visit sites spelled in text. 

- __More visual__. People are visual creatures, and they’re much more likely to remember information if they’ve seen it in a visual format. If you add some design elements to the QR code (like a logo or brand color), you’ll make it even more memorable. 

- __Time savings__. A QR code is faster to scan than it is to read a text link. This means you’re likely to see a higher rate of engagement and sales from using a QR code.

For the longest time, people considered QR codes a fad. But as you can see and tell, QR codes exploded in popularity in 2020 and it's safe to say...QR code stickers are here to stay. 

__Things to consider when designing a QR code sticker__

If you’re thinking about using a QR code sticker for your business, keep the following tips in mind to make sure it’s effective: 

- Choose a highly visible location: Where you place your QR code sticker is just as important as what you put on it. If you want people to see and scan your QR code, then it has to be in a highly visible location. Avoid dark corners, dimly lit rooms, or areas that are out of the way. 
- Choose the right color: Be sure to choose a color that contrasts with the surface that you’ll be sticking your QR code on. You don’t want to blend in with the wall or blend into the poster behind you. The color of your QR code needs to stand out.

__3 recommended tools for creating a QR code sticker__

If you’re ready to create a QR code sticker for your business, there are a few tools worth checking out. Depending on your budget and time frame, you can choose from various of easy-to-use apps.
 
__1) A website that creates QR codes__

There are plenty of websites that allow you to create QR codes. But QR-code-generator.com is the biggest website and it comes featured packed with a whole slew of options. It was recently acquired by Bitly, so you can be very confident that it has a lot of real value. To get started, simply head on over to https://www.qr-code-generator.com/

Once there, you’ll see a textbox where you can put anything you want and transform it into a QR code. From URLs, PDFs, and MP3s all the way to Bitcoin wallet addresses, the world of links here is your oyster. If you just want a link to a website, select the URL option at the top and input the URL you want a link to, like below;

![qr code generator online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0ab654d3-aee3-4ee3-8bda-c6657b7c3941)

Once you do that, you’ll see your basic QR code available for download. If that’s all you want, just press the green Download button and you’ll have your QR code sticker!

However, there are a few other options you can do here to make your QR code stand out a bit more. There are 3 free frames that you can use that surround your QR code with words like “Scan Me” to make sure your users know what to do. There are 6 other premium frames that are available, but they will require a paid plan. There is a 14-day free trial available though, so that is something that might work for you.

But that’s how you can create a basic QR code. It’s pretty simple, so give it a try today to start creating your new QR marketing tool!

__2) A design tool like Studio or Photoshop to edit your QR code__

Even though many QR code generators out there have the tools needed to make a nice QR code, oftentimes you’ll need to add some additional text or change some details or orientation of the image. In that case, you’ll need some kind of image design software. The most popular software for this is Adobe Photoshop, however, it’s a bit complex and can be overwhelming for many people. If that’s the case, there are also plenty of online design tools available for free on the internet. 

One such design tool is [Studio from Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool").

![studio custom design tool free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9802afef-adc7-40eb-8bd0-26dbec38360d)

This tool is completely free to use and has the options needed to customize your QR to your exact liking. To get started with Studio, just head on over to [stickermule.com/studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) and you’ll be presented with a bunch of templates that will help you get started. Once you’ve selected a template, or just start your own design by scratch, you’ll have a bunch of features available to you like adding text, adding images and changing the orientation, and adding shapes and colors. This should give you plenty of inspiration and the tools you need to make your QR even more special and stand out even greater.

The really neat thing about Studio is that once you’ve finished designing your QR code, you just need to press the “order prints” button on the upper right to get your stickers printed! It’s super easy so give it a try today.

__3) A phone or barcode scanner to test your QR code__

The last tool you’ll need is either a smartphone/tablet or a barcode scanner with the ability to read QR codes. Luckily, if you don’t have a barcode scanner, these days almost every smartphone can read a QR code through the default camera app that is already installed on your smartphone. 

So to get started, just open up the camera app on your phone and point it at your new QR code. If you see a popup that wants to redirect you to your website, then your QR code works! However, you may want to click through just to make sure the exact website you want is where your QR code takes you. So once you’ve clicked through, and you’ve confirmed that the website is the one you want, you’ve finished setting up your QR code and you’re ready to start printing!
	
 
__How to print your newly designed QR stickers__

So you have a snazzy new QR code that makes it easier for your users to find more information about your organization or business, now what? Well, now you just have to print them and start sticking them around! 

The cheapest way to do this is by yourself with [blank QR code labels from Avery](https://www.avery.com/blank/usage/qr-code-labels "blank qr code labels") and using the included template. You’ll have to open that in Microsoft Word or some other text editor and then drag and drop the QR code into each label spot. Once you’ve done that, you are ready to print them on your printer. Just insert the label sheet into your printer paper stack and press print! 

Printing the stickers yourself may be cheap, but there can be quite a few issues that can happen from doing it yourself. From non-centered QR codes to uneven printing that may make your QR stickers unreadable, there always seems to be something that goes wrong when doing it yourself. So you’ll need to be comfortable with problem-solving tech and proofing issues yourself if you want to go this route. 

If you aren’t comfortable playing around until it is perfect then custom online printing might be the best option for you. Most online printing services have free proofing processes so they’ll make sure the stickers look and print right, you just have to give the approval.

For example, at Sticker Mule, you’ll just need to upload the image of the QR code when purchasing the [custom square stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/square-stickers "custom printed square stickers") and the proofing team will have a design ready for you to approve in an hour or so. You can work with them on fine-tuning the sticker design or just send it off for printing. The only thing you need to do then is wait for the stickers to arrive by mail in about a week!
 
 __Conclusion__

QR codes are an excellent way to bring more traffic to your website, generate sales, and engage with customers. A QR code sticker is an easy and effective way to display this code. If you want to start using QR codes in your business, the first step is to design a QR code sticker. To do this, choose a highly visible location for your code and select the right color. Then, select a tool to create your code and customize it with your URL and branding.

<ButtonCta text="Start designing labels online" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />



Find out how to create your own custom QR code stickers for free and start printing them!

8 creative ways how to increase brand awareness with your logo

You may know a lot about your brand and what it stands for, but does the rest of the world? How can you make people remember your brand when they see your logo or other elements of your [brand identity](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2021/12/20/how-a-strong-brand-identity-can-bring-in-customers/?sh=351c7f585b3a "brand identity important")? Brand awareness is an important part of any business, as it allows customers to recognize your company more easily. With more brand awareness, you can expect increased sales and better partnerships with other businesses. Here are some tips on how to increase brand awareness with your logo.
 
![t shirt with logo for brand awareness](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/76bfccf6-4e00-4078-a731-f4719f624a24)

__1) Make a custom t-shirt with your logo and wear it around town__

A simple way to increase your brand awareness is to wear your company’s apparel every now and then. If you have your own custom t-shirts and sweatshirts, wear them as often as possible. If you don’t have a custom shirt yet, consider getting a [custom t-shirt at Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom logo t-shirts at sticker mule") or another shirt printing service with your logo or branding. The investment is usually quite low, think $20 for quantities of 1, and it can get much cheaper with the more shirts you order. Either way, this will help to spread the word about your business and get people talking about your logo and brand name. People will ask you about your shirt and you can talk about your company and products. You can also take pictures of yourself wearing your t-shirts and post them to social media. This will allow you to reach a wider group of people and help to increase brand awareness in real-life and social media much faster. 

![custom poly bags with logo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3b00435e-a765-4766-9eb4-2011f82294ee)

__2) Ship products in your custom poly bags__

Another way to increase brand awareness is by using your [custom bags for shipping products](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/poly-bags "custom poly bags with logo"). Many online sellers use brown boxes for shipping, but if you are shipping items to customers who don’t know your brand, these boxes are all the same and don’t really stand out. Using custom poly bags is a simple way to make your shipping brand stand out. You can use your logo and name on these bags to make them stand out even more. People will see these bags when they receive a shipment and they will remember your company name. Even better, many people live in multi-family residences and your shipments can be seen by even more people if left around the mailboxes! This is a great way to increase brand awareness, especially if you are shipping products to people who don’t know your brand.

__3) Create custom calendar magnets to hand out__

Calendar magnets are a great way to advertise your brand. They are inexpensive and easy to customize to your brand and logo. You can create [custom calendar magnets](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets "custom magnets") for businesses events and local events in your area. Many people find these smaller calendars very helpful and will proudly display them at home or even public environments like schools and businesses where even more people can see your branding. This is a great way to create brand awareness and get people to notice your logo. You can also take these calendar magnets to events in your area and hand them out to people. People love freebies and this is a useful one, so it’s a win-win for everyone!

![car bumper magnets for brand awareness](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e154b20f-1c93-4797-a8da-50b1c839e35d)

__4) Create a custom bumper magnet for your car with your logo__

Bumper magnets are another great way to increase brand awareness. Bumper sticker magnets are easy to stick on and take off, which allows you to take them on and off as you please. You can stick your [custom bumper magnet](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/bumper-magnets "custom bumper magnets for brand awareness") on your car, truck, or any other vehicle you drive. This is a great way to increase brand awareness because people will see your bumper magnet every time you drive your car. This is especially useful if you drive to work every day and live in a moderately large city, you can spread brand awareness to thousands each day! Over the years, one small bumper magnet could be responsible for millions of views, which is quite the return on investment. That’s why we think bumper magnets are a sure fire way to stand out and increase brand awareness.
 
![custom window cling with logo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2a50ea32-1315-4c3e-bb12-089cf6943f2d)

__5) Add a custom window cling of your logo near your entrance__

Another easy way to increase brand awareness is by adding a [custom window cling of your logo](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/window-clings "custom window clings for business brand awareness") near your door. This is a great way to grab the attention of people walking by your business. You can create a window cling for a sale, new product, or upcoming event. You can also use this as a way to show support for a cause. You can use this custom window cling to show support for a cause that is near and dear to your company. This is a great way to increase brand awareness and show support for causes and events in your community.

![custom stickers with logo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6df1f875-03dd-46ab-93ed-647b0240cb49)

__6) Create custom stickers with you logo__
You won't believe how many people will take a [custom sticker of your company's logo](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/logo-stickers "custom logo sticker") if you leave it at the point-of-sale or add them to shipments. There's just something about an unexpected goofy, cool, or unique sticker that makes people happy. That, and people love free stuff. Put those together and you have one happy customer. But better yet, you never know where a customer might display a sticker and getting your brand out there can only help increase your brand awareness. This is a classic brand awareness tactic that still works great today and you should give it a try!
 
![custom tape for packaging brand awareness](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bbfeb756-9a5c-4d63-94e4-dfc3fe66898f)

__7) Create packaging tape with your logo to tape packages__

Another simple way to increase brand awareness is by using [packaging tape with your logo](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape "custom shipping tape with logo") on it. You can set up a giveaway or contest where you give away custom packaging tape with your logo on it. This is a great way to increase brand awareness and put your logo in front of many people. You can use this packaging tape to seal packages for customers or to seal your packages when shipping items. This is a great way to increase brand awareness and make customers remember your company.

![custom pins with logo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7c1d9cb2-50bc-4de4-9e55-ab7da6c23e4a)
 
__8) Add your logo to custom pins to add to bags or clothing__

Custom pins are a unique way to increase brand awareness. You can [create custom pins](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-pins "custom pin maker online") with your logo, name, or other design elements. These are great to add to bags or clothing as a badge of sorts. You can wear these custom pins on your clothing as a way to show people you work for your company. You can also use these pins to seal bags or boxes containing products. This is a great way to increase brand awareness and show customers that you are proud of your company.
 
__Bottom line__

[Branding is a critical part](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/06/16/why-branding-your-business-is-important-in-2022/?sh=4d8bf4ba2cb2 "branding importance in 2022") of any business, and while it’s important to make your logo recognizable, it’s also important to make your company recognizable. It’s not enough to just have a great logo, you also need to make it clear what your company does, what your company values are, and who your target market is. Branding can be done with your logo, but it can also be done with your mission statement, your values, and your target audience. In order to increase brand awareness, you need to make sure that all of these things are clear and easy to understand.


There are many cost-effective ways to increase your brand's awareness. Here are 8 different ways you can start your brand awareness campaign today!

Top 7 photo background remover apps & services in 2022

There are a lot of services out there promising to remove backgrounds automatically from photos. Most do a pretty good job for basic and heavily contrasted background colors. But which one is the best of the best? Which one can remove the bg from a tricky photo and pick out just the item focused in the middle?

Well to answer that, we set our mules out on a quest to see which service did reign supreme and the results are telling! 

To test each service to the limit we picked a photo that we wanted to make some [custom die-cut (custom shaped) stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) out of. We used a photo with a gradient background (since we found those are a bit trickier for some services) and used the same photo to test out all the background removing apps out there.

We tested close to 20 services and we've narrowed it down below to the top 7 places to remove backgrounds online;

__1) StickerMule.com/trace__ (Best Free App)
![sticker mule remove bg](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b4bb18bf-21f9-49d6-bef2-becb12a60228)

*ahem* Did we mention we have a tool to [remove backgrounds online](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "trace bg remove") all for free? It's called Trace and it definitely performed well under the pressure of our test. It was able to figure out that the person was the main focus of the photo and remove all of the background smoothly and correctly. That would make Trace a great service by itself, but combined with the fact that I can download the processed image in full HD for free makes a compelling case that Trace is indeed the best tool for removing a bg from a photo online right now.

__[Visit Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "remove background online free at trace")__


__2) Photoscissors__
![photo scissors background remove](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/62a92d6b-eabb-4400-8f5f-192dd4e0b593)

Photo Scissors was able to do a perfect cut out of the background for basically every photo we tried. Why isn't it #1? While the service was excellent, the downloading was a bit tricky. The non-paid download didn't want to open up in Photoshop for some reason and copying it from the photo preview app resulted in a black background. The pro version worked perfectly though. If paying is not a deal-breaker, then this is an excellent service to remove backgrounds automatically.

*Visit PhotoScissors.com*

__3) PhotoRoom__
![photoroom background remover](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c6e9a44e-a31e-45d2-bbab-058d7eed047a)
Photoroom was one of the easiest apps to use to remove the bg from a photo. You just had to drag and drop the photo and press the download button to get the full-sized image right away. There is no cost associated with it from what we can tell, so there is no doubt that this service is a top 3 photo background remover

*Visit Photoroom.com/background-remover*

__4) Removal.ai__
![removal ai background remover automatic](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c543f8b1-1e81-4147-95c8-dd0867485f49)
Removal.ai was a quick process and it was able to remove all the background without much issue. Just like Photoroom above, it looks pretty snazzy but you only get 1 free full HD download per account. It costs only $0.20 per image (at the cheapest level) for additional images, so it's one of the best priced paid apps out there.

*Visit Removal.ai*

__5) Remove.bg__
![remove bg background removing service](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c12fd1df-82a8-4fa1-93b1-a4dc6e2e13d0)
Remove.bg is the service that started it all. It was the first mainstream service that allowed you to remove the background automatically without the need of using photoshop or other image programs. For the most part, this service is still great. The cheapest plan churns out images at $0.23 so it's still pretty affordable. Like every service that made it on this list, they do picture background removing very well.

*Visit [Remove.bg](https://www.remove.bg/ "remove bg from photo")*

__6) Retoucher.online__
![retoucher bg deleter online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5b423044-3069-4b4d-a1b1-b52aa8f25353)
Retoucher did better than a lot of other services we tried, so it definitely deserves a spot on this list. They also allow one free HD image download per day, so you can get some fair use out of this service. However, if you plan on doing a bit more than that, it may get pricey without a monthly subscription. The pay-as-you-go plans start at $0.60 which is on the higher level of these services. But they do have cheaper options if you opt in for a monthly plan.

*Visit Retoucher.online*

__7) Experte.com/background-remover__
![experte background removal online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8690c2d1-bed7-4efe-bfb3-72622ac95be5)
Last but certainly not least, is Experte. They handled this test great, but with some other tests we did, it did struggle a bit. However, it looks like this is a totally free service for both personal and business use, so it's definitely great to know about since it won't set you back anything!

*Visit Experte.com/background-remover*

________

Well there you have it, the top 7 best background removing apps & services in 2022. Each one of these services is a great tool to have in your toolbox, but some may be a bit cheaper or a bit more effective than others. We hope you learned a bit about all the great background remover services out there and found some new ones out too!

________

<ButtonCta text="Remove backgrounds from photos for free @ Trace" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />


See the results of our testing of the best photo background remover apps

Sticker Mule launches double-sided printed custom yard signs to help you stand out!

Sticker Mule has launched a new campaign that enables you to produce a double-sided printed yard sign with custom graphics. 

![custom lawn signs printing online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bc34140b-fdf9-4390-bb01-9e88de96122f)

[Custom yard signs](https://www.stickermule.com/products/yard-signs "custom yard sign printing near me") are staple marketing tools used by all sorts of people, businesses, and organizations. From celebrating graduations or birthdays to promoting politicians or real estate properties…custom printed lawn signs are where it's at! The problem is that most of the printed yard signs on the market today have only one surface: Either they’re blank on the reverse side or have some kind of stock message printed on it. It’s not easy to find a custom yard sign with both sides available for printing so you can add your own custom message -- until now!
 
With this launch, Sticker Mule now offers a way for businesses and organizations of all sizes to create their own personalized yard signs with custom graphics on both sides. Additionally, the process of creating these double-sided printed yard signs is easier than ever before. Here are details about how you can take advantage of this new product from Sticker Mule.
 
__Customized yard signs made easy__

Creating personalized yard signs with custom graphics on both sides has never been easier. All you have to do is select your product, select your size, upload your art, and choose your quantity. That’s it! You don’t have to worry about special paper or printing requirements. Sticker Mule has made it easy for you to create printed yard signs that have the look and feel of a traditional printed sign, with the customization only possible with modern digital printing. Now you can use both sides of your printed yard sign to promote your business, brand, or product.
 
__How to create your own custom yard sign__

If you’re ready to produce a personalized yard sign with custom graphics, here’s how to get started. Choose your product, size, and quantity. Upload your art, either by uploading a design or using an image from your computer. Then choose whether you’d like Sticker Mule to generate a design or if you’d like to provide your own design. Once you place your order, Sticker Mule will produce your custom yard sign and ship it within 3 business days. Note that custom yard signs have a minimum order of ten. You can use one of [our design templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "custom design templates") to create a custom yard sign with your contact information, hours of operation, or any other information you’d like to include on the sign. Or you can use your own design for a personalized yard sign with custom graphics on both sides.
 
__The benefits of a custom yard sign__

Custom lawn signs have many benefits. They’re highly visible, especially when placed in high-traffic areas. Printed yard signs are a great way to promote your business, brand, or product. They’re easy to create, easy to distribute, and cost-effective. Plus, custom yard signs are versatile. You can use them indoors or outdoors, on their own or with other marketing tools. Lawn signs are great for driving foot traffic to your storefront or event.
 
__What you can create with a personalized yard sign__

You can create personalized yard signs with custom images, designs, and messages. Which means lawn signs are a great way to communicate messages or promote your business, brand, or product. Some examples of things you can do with a custom yard sign;

- Celebrate the graduation of your kid
- [Promote a political message or campaign](https://www.channel3000.com/political-yard-signs-everything-you-need-to-know/ "why political yard signs are important for free speech")
- Advertise a garage sale or home for sale
- Spread a funny or inspiration message

![funny custom yard signs](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/57d1d228-7ddb-4474-bf59-98b4d26b6b09)

Yard signs are an easy and effective way to promote your business, brand, or product. Now you can create  yard signs with custom graphics on both sides with Sticker Mule. We hope you like the new product and can’t wait to see what you create!

<ButtonCta text="Start designing your own custom yard sign" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/yard-signs" />



Custom yard signs for graduations, birthdays, real estate, businesses, and events are now available at Sticker Mule

Mule sauce wins #1 hot sauce at a top Texas hot sauce competition

Mule sauce is already [the internet's favorite hot sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "best hot sauce online"). Now it can add being the top ranked hot sauce to its repertoire! 

![mule sauce number 1 award at fiery food challenge in texas](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d9ac6773-2c01-43a6-a148-dcacb640c12c)

Earlier this month, it won the top spot in the Spicy Sweet Sauce category out of the 710 hot sauces submitted in the [Fiery Food Challenge at Zest Fest](https://zestfest.net/fiery-food-challenge/ "zest fest hot sauce competition texas") in Dallas, Texas on Oct 2nd, 2022. The internet already knows how tasty the combo of a gentle sweetness mixed together with a slight rumble of heat is, but it's an honor to be awarded recognition in the Lone Star State. What makes Mule Sauce so special? Most likely it's the unique blend of flavors and heat. The difference between Mule sauce and other hot sauces comes from the sweetness in addition to the spice. Mule Sauce isn’t just hot—it also adds just the tiniest of sweet flavor to pizza, ribs, and anything else that can use a kick!
 
 
__Winning first place at Zest Fest__


The Fiery Food Challenge is an annual competition that brings together the best chefs, hot sauce makers, and food lovers from across the country to compete in various spicy challenges. This year’s event was held at Zest Fest in Dallas, Texas. Mule Sauce took first place in the Spicy Sweet Sauce category. Mule Sauce’s win at the Fiery Food Challenge was the culmination of years of work by the Sticker Mule team. What began as experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create a unique, but approachable, flavor for all types of palates has turned into being rated a top hot sauce in Texas!
 
__What makes Mule Sauce so special?__

Mule Sauce is different from other hot sauces because it has the perfect blend of spicy and sweet. There are many hot sauces that are either extremely spicy or extremely sweet, but rarely do you find a sauce that is both. Mule Sauce is able to bring and ideal amount of sweetness to complement the spiciness of the peppers creating an optimal balance of flavor in every single drop.
 

__Where to find Mule Sauce?__

Mule sauce is currently available online at [StickerMule.com](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "best hot sauce online"), as well as [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Mule-Sauce-Habanero-Yellow-jolokia/dp/B08W8VXQB9/ref=asc_df_B08W8VXQB9/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=508018064837&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2264298714667548359&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021719&hvtargid=pla-1192719708616&psc=1 "amazon hot sauce"). The recommended retail price is $7.99 per bottle, but prices may vary. 
 
__Final words__


The spicy sweet flavor of Mule Sauce is a great fit for any occasion. You can create delicious and unique dishes using Mule Sauce as a condiment or dipping sauce. You can also use it to spice up your next batch of wings or even your next batch of nachos. Mule Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it a sauce that can be enjoyed by both hot sauce enthusiasts and those new to the spicy side of life. No matter what you decide to put Mule Sauce on, one thing is for certain: you’re in for a real treat! We hope you enjoyed reading about the award-winning Mule Sauce. Now that you know all the facts, you can try it for yourself and see what all the hype is about!



Mule Sauce is now an award winning hot sauce! Find out why it's the internet's favorite hot sauce inside

Mule Sauce Wins #1 Spicy Sweet Hot Sauce at the Fiery Food Challenge in Texas

How to turn your photos into stickers: the easiest and quickest way online

![how to turn photos into stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5846bf19-f652-4b41-b775-11489b13f9db)

Stickers are [all the rage](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/07/argentina-panini-world-cup-stickers/ "messi custom sticker mania") these days and if you want to stand out from the crowd in-person or even on your social media profiles and chat apps, making stickers based on your own photos is one of the easiest ways to do it. But let’s be honest: Creating stickers from scratch isn’t exactly easy. Unless, of course, you have a little bit of insider knowledge about how to make them in a jiffy. So if you want to know how to turn your photos into stickers like a pro… read on.
 
__What you’ll need__

First, let’s run through what you’ll need in order to make your own stickers. To start, you’ll need a computer with internet access. You also need a digital version of the photo you want to use. Ideally, the photo should be at least 5 inches wide by 5 inches tall. But don’t worry if your photo isn’t exactly the right size. You can still make your own stickers, even if your image isn’t perfect. Next, you need to decide which photo(s) to use. You can use a single photo, or you can create a sticker pack that contains multiple images. If you want to create a sticker pack, be sure to select photos that have a consistent theme. For example, you could create a sticker pack that features photos of your dog. Or you could create a sticker pack that’s centered on your hobby, like photography.
 
__Find the right sticker company__

To create stickers from your photos, you need to find a [sticker maker](https://stickermule.com/ "sticker maker online") company. This is the company that will help you create and print your stickers. There are lots of different sticker companies out there. So how do you choose the right one? The best way is to read customer reviews for different sticker companies. This will help you find a company that offers high-quality stickers at a reasonable price. After you’ve found a reputable sticker company (like [Sticker Mule’s photo stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/photo-stickers "custom photo stickers")), you’re ready to move on to the next step: designing your own stickers.
 
__Designing your own photo stickers__

Now that you’ve chosen a sticker company and you know what photos you want to use, it’s time to design your own stickers. To do this, you’ll need to log into your account on the sticker company’s website. This is where you’ll create your own sticker pack, choosing everything from the design to the size of your stickers. If you have a unique shape, a [die cut sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) (a sticker that is cut in the custom shape of the object of your sticker) could be a great idea. Otherwise a [square](https://www.stickermule.com/products/square-stickers), [rectangle](https://www.stickermule.com/products/rectangle-stickers), [oval](https://www.stickermule.com/products/oval-stickers), or [circle sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/circle-stickers) should work but you’ll have to do some editing to make it fit into those exact shapes. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to order your stickers and have them shipped directly to your door. It will take around a week for your stickers to be printed and delivered. And that’s it! Now you know how to turn your photos into stickers.
 
__Conclusion__

Stickers are an easy and fun way to customize your digital life. They can help you stand out from the crowd and make your social media posts more interesting. If you want to learn how to turn your photos into stickers, you can follow the steps outlined above.

<ButtonCta text="Create photo stickers online" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/photo-stickers" />



Find out how to create your own stickers from your favorite photos and images

Blog