How to create custom package inserts that work

So you’ve got your next order nearly all packed up. You’ve checked the packing list. You’ve made sure the order won’t get damaged on its way… and now you’re about to seal up the box.

Wait!

Where’s the package insert?

## What is a package insert?

A package insert gives you the opportunity to earn more sales, nab a new customer or even clear some old inventory. All it takes is a simple slip of paper or [printed flyer](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-flyers "custom printed flyers").
Package inserts don’t have to be anything more than a note. Many Etsy sellers send a simple, handwritten thank you note with every order. Or a printed business card with a coupon code. Like this:

![Thank You Insert 10percent off](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/736322e69ec43288ce7cec5d8d51329e8408a07f)

But that’s just the beginning of what you could do.

I know - you’ve got enough to do already. You just want to get this package out the door. Is messing around with a package insert going to be worth it?

In a word: Yes.

 ## Why you should create customized package inserts 

Still not convinced that package inserts should be part of your regular packaging and shipping routine? 

### Package inserts get noticed

We’ve written about how special the unboxing moment is for shoppers. Including a package insert in the box means your message is part of that magic moment. Package inserts – especially nice ones – get read. Maybe it’s because they remind us of the gift cards that come along with presents.

### It costs little to nothing to deliver the package insert

You’re already shipping the box. It’s unlikely that the few extra grams of weight from the package insert are going to cost you any more.

### Package inserts can be made for pennies each

If you’re a micro-business, you could just handwrite your package inserts. Use nice stationery paper or any interesting craft paper. For a more automated or scalable approach, you can also create package inserts from [custom printed flyers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-flyers "custom flyers quick") featuring some of your branding and maybe even a coupon! 

(Speaking of coupons, just for reading this far down our blog post, here's [$10 off your next order](https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=7980330701&ref=blog) today at Sticker Mule!)

### Package inserts can be customized

Personalization is one of the biggest trends in ecommerce right now. Witness how many Etsy stores offer personalized goods. Package inserts are a fantastic way to personalize a message, or to send an offer targeted to a particular customer group.

### Package inserts convert 

The average conversion rate for package insert marketing programs is .35%. It can range from .15 to 1%, but .35% is average. And that’s for acquisition – for inserts sent to someone who doesn’t know your company. If package inserts work that well for acquiring customers, they could get double that conversion rate (or better) from your existing customers.

How well your package inserts convert depends on a lot of things, of course. But one of the best ways to draw attention to them is to make them interesting in the first place.

## What do package inserts include?

Spending the time to create a handwritten note is great. But if your business is too busy to write a note for every order, consider printing.

You can have inserts printed as if they were business cards, postcards or even [flyers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-flyers "custom flyer printing"). All these formats are affordable, which means the ROI on using package inserts can potentially be HUGE.

Want to stand out a little more? Use a format that might get used again. Like a bookmark. Nice quality bookmarks might cost a little more to make (or take a little more time to make) but if they’re nice, they’re likely to get saved and used. That means more “impressions” for your insert. Adding a nice quote to the bookmark, and toning your branding down can help, too.

Another option is a gift tag. You can buy nice [custom-made gift tags on Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/242304833/printable-thank-you-tags-customer-gift). Or you could make your own. Or you could just punch a hole in the corner of a business card. Voila – your business card has become a gift tag.

![Thank you for your order](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c1b0d5511190d762a16bb8ed5530d25a0f1cd02b)

Do you want to create your own [business card sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/business-card-stickers)?

You can still personalize printed inserts, of course. Consider leaving the salutation empty on the printed versions. Then just write in each customer’s name before you drop the insert into the box. Got even three seconds more time for that insert? Sign your name to the card.

### Use more than one package insert

Sometimes it’s nice to vary the package inserts, too. You could even A/B split test your package inserts to see which offers tend to do best. Or you might want to include a specific package insert for large orders, for instance. Or a different package insert for first-time orders.

If you have a standard package insert, and only use an alternative insert once in a while, consider getting the standard one printed. Then handwrite the one you use less often.

Or print your own inserts at home. There’s plenty of stylish paper that would stand out and can work in a standard printer. Just avoid most handmade papers with home printers… they can really mess up the insides of your printer.

Of course, you could also [customize your package inserts with stamps or stickers](http://www.onsuttonplace.com/etsy-what-ive-learned-and-tips-for-success/), too. There’s more than one way to get a message inside a box!

![custom-packaging-sutton-place-designs](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/157734d46ad5f5e93dae62995f661d69b6b7536b)

So now you’ve got ideas for possible formats for your package inserts. So now, what should yours say? You could…

### Offer free shipping on their next order

Free shipping is one of the all-time best offers. It might not feel like the most creative option, but it’s proven to work.  

### Offer a discount on their next order

Either percent off or dollars off.

### Ask for the customer to leave feedback about their order

Research has shown that the more reviews a product has, the faster it sells. So getting people to leave feedback can be a great way to increase sales.

### Offer a list of special sales items

Got some inventory you want to move, but don’t have enough of it to offer it to everyone? Make up a couple of flyers and put them in the boxes of people who bought related items. This gives them a special deal and lets you free up some space.

### Offer a discount they can share with a friend

Make it just one friend, and give your existing customer a benefit, too. Like “Know someone who would like [Your Online Shop]? Here’s a coupon for them to get 20% off their first order. When they use it, we’ll send you a coupon for 10% off your next order, too.”

### Offer samples 
We’ve written about product samples in the past. These are technically package inserts, so you might want to consider adding a few samples, too.

Or just give them an interesting little gift. This Etsy store has a printed business card to use as a thank you note. On its own, it’s nice… but not noteworthy. But when they add the cute little [customized paperclip with a rose](https://www.etsy.com/listing/260951692/flower-planner-clip-planner-paper-clip)? Then they’ve given the customer a gift.

[![customized-paperclip](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/664dbbfc777f8fecc8b635c5e5911da55ded1567)](https://www.etsy.com/listing/260951692/flower-planner-clip-planner-paper-clip)

Gifts like this are even better if they’re associated with your business. If this seller created faux fabric flowers, then this little paper clip gift would have added meaning.

### Ask them to share about their purchase on social media

This type of user-generated content is great for business. If you ask nicely, you can use these social shares in your marketing, too. 

For instance, you can re-share any posts from customers. Or you can add a little “as seen on social media” section to your website or your email updates.

At [Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/), we include an insert in every purchase that is signed by the staff member that worked on the order. On the other side we ask if they'll share a photo or video on Instagram and mention [@stickermule](https://www.instagram.com/stickermule/). We see hundreds of photos and videos every week and often repost them on our Instagram feed.

![Sticker Mule Cheers Insert Card](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e6f6fc043df88facdc702fa92e536107557d2078)

Look at samples and try to [create your own *Thank You* stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/thank-you-stickers)

## How to create customized package inserts

Catalog companies have been using package inserts for decades. They’re one of the oldest and most effective marketing tactics around. That’s why these retailers use their own package inserts… but also why there are package insert swap programs, too.

Yep – you can pay to have your package insert put into another company’s packages. Usually this sort of swap only happens with big companies, so the swaps are bought by the thousands. 

But you could possibly set up a smaller swap, too.

You’d need to find a company that is complementary to yours, but not a competitor. They could be larger or smaller than you. If you were on a tight marketing budget, you could just swap inserts if the company ships about as many packages as you.

Or if you had a little budget, you could pay about $20 to $30 per thousand to get your packages inserted into another company’s boxes.

If you can work out a deal with even a couple of complementary companies, your package insert program could become a reliable way to find new customers, too.

One thing to remember as you test this new marketing channel: Track how often the customers you get through package inserts re-order. In other words, track what the lifetime value of your customers is, based on the different marketing channels you get them through.

Who knows… maybe your package insert customers tend to order six times each, making their lifetime value well over $200. If they re-order that much, you might be able to afford $37.14 to get them in the first place.

Also track each package insert partner separately. Some sellers may end up being better partners for you than others.

Package inserts are an easy way to increase loyalty and attract new customers. They work even for small online crafters and shops because they’re so affordable. All you need is a few seconds and a pen and paper.

## Create your own personalized package inserts

Are you including a package insert or a thank you note with your orders? If you are, what does it say? Is there a particular offer that seems to work best?

Want to get started making your own package inserts? Why not start with some [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom printed stickers") or [labels](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels "custom labels")? Get $10 off your first order when you sign up by clicking the button below.

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

Package inserts get noticed, convert, and can be customized. Learn how to use inserts in your orders & packaging. 

Die cut stickers vs. kiss cut stickers 

What's the difference between a [die cut sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers "custom die cut sticker printing") and a [kiss cut sticker](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers "custom printed kiss cut stickers")?  Although they look similar, a die cut sticker has a backing that is cut to the exact shape of the design. A kiss cut sticker typically has a square backing around the design that's bigger than the sticker. 

When using the same artwork, both types of sticker can be cut into any shape and they both look exactly the same when applied to a surface. So, which should you choose?

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

[Die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers "custom die cut stickers") are cut straight through the vinyl and paper backing to fit the exact shape of your design. This makes for a great looking sticker even before it's applied.

[Kiss cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers "custom kiss cut stickers") are only cut through the vinyl -- the paper backing stays intact. You can print on the vinyl around a kiss cut sticker to add extra style to your design.

![die-cut-stickers-vs-kiss-cut-stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1d8fffe31ef19dc89d0ff887e624ccca66f63e2c "Die cut stickers vs. kiss cut stickers")

When should you order die cut or kiss cut stickers? [Die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) are more popular because people tend to prefer their presentation.

[Kiss cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers) are ideal for delicate designs as the backing helps protect your sticker while it's being transported. Kiss cut stickers also tend to be easier to peel so they're worth considering if you need to quickly peel lots of stickers. Because you can print on the vinyl around the sticker, they're great for adding extra design detail or information.

## What is a kiss cut sticker?

A kiss cut sticker is a type of sticker that has been cut into a specific shape using a die-cutting process. This process involves using a sharp blade to cut through the vinyl material of the sticker, leaving the adhesive backing intact. The result is a sticker that is easy to remove from the backing and apply to any smooth surface. One of the most popular uses for kiss cut stickers is for labeling and branding. These stickers are great for companies to put their logo or product name on and it can be used for items such as laptops, water bottles and more. They are also popular among artists, as they can create intricate designs and shapes that can be applied to a variety of surfaces. They are versatile and durable and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.

### Examples of kiss cut stickers

![kiss-cut-stickers-append-to-js](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a6757134158aab38fa0720adb3084429028b54f3 "Example of kiss-cut stickers") 
![kiss-cut-stickers-jill-and-nathan wedding](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fe6c029630c9f1ad8b5451bbead0436462e62724 "Example of kiss-cut stickers")

## What is a die cut sticker?

A die-cut sticker is a type of sticker that is cut into a specific shape using a die-cutting process. In this process, a sharp metal die with the desired shape is used to cut through the vinyl material of the sticker, removing the excess material and leaving the design in its specific shape. This allows for a wide range of possibilities when it comes to the size and shape of the sticker, as the die can be custom made to cut the sticker into any shape. This process is the opposite of kiss-cut, where the backing is not cut, just the top vinyl.

### Examples of die cut stickers

![die-cut-stickers-dayton-clean-coders](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/61375789b3d21fccd586524b2f03b1e22206aec4 "Example of die-cut stickers") 

![die-cut-stickers-dropbox](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d26fa5a1d5731a2630032ea9a3c3b519c44dbff8 "Example of die-cut stickers")

Looking for some sticker-making inspiration? [Check out the different ways people use our stickers.](https://www.stickermule.com/uses "Uses for die-cut stickers and kiss-cut stickers") 

Then get started making your own, with little investment, try creating 10 stickers for just $1 by clicking on the button below

<ButtonCta text="Get 10 stickers for $1" href="https://www.stickermule.com/dollar" />

A die cut sticker has a backing that is cut to the exact shape of the design, while a kiss cut sticker includes additional backing around the actual sticker. 

How to print your own packaging tape (video tutorial) 

Designer, Hayden Aube, shows off his favorite techniques for creating a seamless [packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape) design in Adobe Illustrator.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="NM_PztxoC7A?rel=0&showinfo=0" />

When ordering from Sticker Mule, our artists will work with you to transform your design into a seamless pattern, but if you’d like to do it yourself, follow along.

## Step 1: Create your document
Create a new document. The size of your artboard will determine the size of your pattern.

## Step 2: Layout your tape
Using the *Rectangle tool* (M), create a rectangle that matches the size of your artboard.

Remove the stroke, and give it a fill with you desired background color.

Position the rectangle directly at the center of your artboard and lock it in place.

## Step 3: Add design elements
Place any design elements you want to include in your pattern over the existing background.

Be sure to have some of the design overlapping the edge of the artboard. This will help to create the seamless pattern.

## Step 4: Reposition overlapping elements
Duplicate each object that is overlapping the edge of the artboard (*Copy*, then *Paste in Front*).

Next, move each object to the opposite side of the artboard. Use *Object* > *Transform* > *Move* to move it exactly the same width or height of your artboard.

## Step 5: Make your clipping mask
Using the *Rectangle tool* (M), create another rectangle that matches the size of your artboard, then align it to the center of your artboard.

With everything selected, right click, and select *Make clipping mask*.

## Step 6 (optional): Add to Swatches
With everything selected (including the background), drag the artwork to your *Swatches* panel. This will create a pattern that you could then apply to any shape.

## Step 7: Print your custom packaging tape
Once you have a pattern you’re happy with, you can [upload it to Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape "upload custom packaging tape design to print") for printing. 

As with all of our orders, you’ll receive a proof in 4 hours and our custom packaging tape ships in 4 days or less with free shipping. Samples of custom packaging tape featuring your design are just $4.

<ButtonCta text="Try a custom tape sample for $4" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape-sample" />

<ButtonCta text="Print custom packaging tape in bulk" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/packaging-tape" />

See how to create your own custom packaging tape for boxes and then print them on Sticker Mule to get it to your doorstep in days!

6 ideas for poster making and 5 free poster templates

[Poster making](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters "custom poster maker ideas") can be a fun and effective way to communicate a message or convey information. Whether you are creating a poster for a school project, a community event, or a scientific conference, there are several key elements to consider when designing your poster. 

Follow these ideas to create a poster that gets your message across and resonates with your target audience.

![poster maker ideas](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d0e0c46e-c60a-4ae6-a835-b405f36e2929)

### 1)  Design a visually appealing layout

Make your design pop with the right combination of text, images, and graphics. But — and we can’t stress that enough — don’t go overboard with an excessively fancy style. 

When designing your poster, simple is often best. [Research has shown](https://books.google.com/books?id=oV1tXT3HigoC&lpg=PT57&vq=maximize%20legitibility&pg=PT57#v=onepage&q&f=false "maximize legibility ") readers are more likely to understand and accept as true a message communicated in an easy-to-read format. So use a consistent color scheme and font to create a cohesive look and make sure to leave enough white space to avoid a cluttered appearance. 

You can use images and graphics to illustrate your points and make your message more memorable, but be sure to use them in moderation and ensure they are relevant to your message.

### 2)  Use strong, clear headlines to convey the main message

A pithy headline is a perfect way to grab the attention of your audience and convey the main idea of your poster. Remember: attention is a scarce resource, so make sure your headline is clear and concise — something that immediately catches the eye. 

Use subheadings if you need to provide more detailed information, but be sure to keep them short and to the point.

### 3)  Employ white space to create balance and clarity

Don’t forget the role of white space in a clear and readable message. Also known as negative space, this is the area around and between the elements of your design. White space is a key element of design, as it gives your message balance and clarity, making it easier to read and understand.

With clever use of white space, you can also draw attention to specific elements of your design and make them stand out.

### 4)  Illustrate your points with images and graphics

There’s a good reason why we say an image is worth a thousand words. Sure, it’s cliché — but it’s often true. Because we are visual creatures, the right image in the right place can make your message infinitely more engaging, hammering your points home in a powerful and memorable fashion. 

Once again, though, just be sure to use imagery and graphics in moderation and only when relevant to your message.

### 5)  Make your poster interactive with QR codes or games

Another way to make your poster more engaging is with interactive elements, such as QR codes or games. QR codes can be scanned with a smartphone to access additional information or resources, while some kinds of games — such as a hidden object game — can be a fun way to make people stop and look at your poster

### 6)  Consider your purpose and audience

What is your poster for? Who is going to be looking at it?

These are two questions you should always ask yourself while designing your poster. 

From visual style to your choice of words, everything can hinge on your target audience. Where a poster for a scientific conference may call for somewhat technical language and detailed information, a poster for a community event may go with a more straightforward tone, including images and graphics that appeal to a wider audience.

## 5 free to use but professionally designed poster templates

In addition to providing free, [professionally designed poster templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "free poster templates") below, we also offer a free online poster maker — [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "online editor and template for making posters") — that you can use to customize and edit the templates. Our online poster creator is user-friendly and easy to use, even if you don't have any design experience, and will be sure to supply you with some fresh ideas for poster making.

To get started, simply [choose the poster template](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "choose poster template") you want to use, then add your own text, images, and graphics using our editor. There are plenty of font styles and sizes to choose from, as well as tools to adjust the layout and formatting of your poster. You can also use the maker to add interactive elements, as suggested above.

Using our poster maker is a quick and easy way to create a professional-looking poster tailored to your needs and message. And did we mention it’s free? Give our poster maker a try right now and see what you can create!

### Independent design meetup template ([start designing](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "see more poster templates"))
![independent design meetup poster template](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/835238d7-c504-45d1-964f-ec1694f5cdd8)

### Farmer’s market poster template ([start designing](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "start making posters templates"))
![farmers market free poster template](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/03d4cf00-0ac6-4112-9d79-f01965524573)

### Live music every night poster template ([start designing](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "online free poster template"))
![concert venue free poster template](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8a577209-ff79-4eba-af5b-9f57b866eb1c)

### Hellbound skate contest poster template ([start designing](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "free poster templates online"))
![skate contest free poster template](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5cf293b0-1c7a-42e4-8acf-9f70978a8c41)

### St Patrick's Day festival poster template ([start designing](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "free posters templates"))
![st patricks day fesitival free poster template](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/455842e7-60ac-4592-affd-7d0156d2baa9)

These are just a sample of the [free poster templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=poster "free poster templates") you can find over at Studio. 

When you design your poster using Studio, you can easily download and save your design in a print-ready format — or send it directly to Sticker Mule for printing in just one click.

With Studio to design your poster, and Sticker Mule to print it, you’ll be able to create a professional-quality poster without the need for expensive software or equipment. Plus, Sticker Mule offers fast turnaround times and worldwide shipping, so you can have your printed poster delivered right to your doorstep in the blink of an eye. (At least metaphorically.)

<ButtonCta text="Get started making your posters today for free!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters" />






Read these 6 ideas for poster making before creating a custom poster and find 5 free to use poster templates

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!

How to skip proofing (and save time)

At Sticker Mule we’re always looking for ways to save you time. Now, when you upload perfect artwork, you can skip proofing to get your order even faster.

<WistiaVideo videoId="rwsjxpvji0" />

After checkout, we automatically scan the artwork in your order to estimate if a proof is necessary. If your artwork looks perfect we give you the option to skip proofing.

If you’re concerned about your artwork you can still request a proof as normal.

### What is perfect artwork?
If your artwork file is high quality and includes any necessary [cut line information](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line), we call that “perfect artwork.”

Some examples include:

- [Vector artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images)
- [Template artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/templates)
- [High resolution images](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale)
- [Repurposed artwork](https://www.stickermule.com/support/reuse-artwork)
- [Redraw designs](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw)
- [Studio designs](https://www.stickermule.com/studio)

Skipping proofing is just one more way Sticker Mule helps you save time and get your orders faster. Upload perfect artwork and try it today.

<ButtonCta text="Shop custom products" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />

At Sticker Mule we’re always looking for ways to save you time. Now, when you upload perfect artwork, you can skip proofing to get your order even faster.

How to design the best custom bike stickers

Bike stickers, whether for your mountain bike, sports bike, dirt bike, or really any bike, are one of the best ways to customize your bike and make it feel like your own. Used by both teams and individuals, bike name stickers and other custom bike stickers are a unique way to distinguish your bike from others. Plus, they are designed to be durable and weather-proof, so your bike stickers will be able to withstand all kinds of weather and terrain. 

If you’re not sure how to design your bike sticker or what types of things you should be keeping in mind during the design process, our guide will help you design the best bike sticker ever.

## Why have a custom bike sticker?

The first thing to consider in the design process is establishing why you need a custom bike sticker. 

It might sound a bit obvious, but having a clear reason for why you need it informs the design process and makes expectations clear from the start. For example, if you’re designing a sports bike sticker for your team, you will need to consider how many people there are, whether any extras are required and whether you want just your logo, names, or a combo.

![A bike covered in stickers parked by a wall](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e10cc9fad8105512c6719f40dbc9629a9beb6654)

If it’s just for you, you’ll want to consider what you would like to express with your bike sticker design. Is it just a matter of identification, or is it a representation of a hobby, interest, or thought? For example, some people like to get mountain bike stickers of their country’s flag or a street bike sticker with a funny sign or slogan. 

There are a lot of custom bike sticker designs out there that will be a good fit. But again, knowing what you want and having clear expectations will always be a good thing in this process. 

Why? Because this information, in turn, will help in designing the actual bike sticker because you will know exactly what needs to go on it right from the start. Custom bike sticker designs completed by a professional will usually offer free proofs, and you will go back and forth on the design. However, having clearly defined designs will help reduce the number of amends needed.

![Custom bike frame sticker](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7945d86260b08386b807a0088ba9f01429bfb0f4)

## What should my bike sticker design be?

We’ve touched upon this a little earlier, but it bears some more discussion. If you’re thinking about how to make bike stickers and how to design a bike sticker, there is a lot of inspiration out there. 

We’ve compiled some examples of the [best bike stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/bike-stickers) if you’re looking for inspiration, and here is some advice for the design to ensure you get the best look possible:

- Do you want it to stick invisibly or have a die-cut shape for your mountain bike sticker or BMX bike sticker? 
- Do you want a longer text phrase or something short like just your name or your team member’s names? And what kind of font would you prefer?
- If you’re going for a symbol or a logo of some kind, what kind of colors will look best for your custom bike stickers, and do you already have a design file that can be used for proofs?
- What is your timeline for the bike stickers? Do you need it before a specific day, and does anyone else need to approve the custom bike stickers? (i.e., other team members for custom mountain bike stickers, etc.)

In terms of how to design your bike stickers, there are a few ways to go about this. You could create your own design on programs such as Illustrator or other free alternatives, browse on the internet for examples, or use your team’s colors and logos. 

If you’re designing just for yourself, you can opt for bold colors to make your bike sticker stand out, or pick unique words and phrases and create a die-cut shape design for a cool look! 

### Custom bike sticker sizing

It’s also necessary to think about quantities and the actual size of the sticker. Size-wise, depending on your bike, dirt bike stickers, street bike stickers, and mountain bike stickers, among others, can start from 2x2 and go up to 5x5, so you can choose a small and subtle design or something larger and more eye-catching depending on your needs. 

Bear in mind that pricing for your custom sticker design will depend on the quantity you’re ordering, with higher quantities commanding a bit of a discount, which is great for teams. Even if you’re ordering individual stickers for yourself for your BMX bike or a dirt bike sticker, you’ll be able to find affordable options. 

## What are the best stickers for my bike?

Once you have a design picked for your bike sticker, what are some of the key things you need to look out for when you’re thinking about how to design your bike sticker?

![Personalized bike frame sticker](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a976e8af0421801c1ae995c4f5582576d43cee6d)

### Vinyl material

Generally, for the best results, you should use vinyl for stickers. This is the best material as it is durable and prints colors and designs well.

### Weather-proof 

Whether it’s a mountain bike sticker or a dirt bike sticker, or any kind of bike sticker, it needs to be able to withstand rough terrain and weather without being damaged! You should ideally be looking for vinyl stickers that are UV-resistant at the very least. The best stickers for your bike should also be scratch and rain-resistant.

### Durable 

How long will your custom bike stickers last? Most bike stickers can last for at least 5-7 years, especially if they are laminated and can resist damage from the elements.

Ultimately, when you’re thinking about how to design a bike sticker, your primary focus should be endurance. How long will it last, and how much does the bike sticker design resonate with you? You don’t want to pick something you’ll get bored of too quickly if it’s for your individual needs. If designing for a team, you want to ensure that your bike sticker looks professional and high-quality. 

If you’re not sure what bike sticker designs are best for your needs, or you just need a bit of guidance on how to design the best bike sticker, get in touch! At Sticker Mule, we’re experienced in creating unique bike stickers custom-designed for you, and we’re here to make your vision come to life.

<ButtonCta text="Shop bike stickers" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/bike-stickers" />


Custom bike stickers make your bike stand out. If you’re not sure how to design a bike sticker, here are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Design Your Own VSCO Stickers

## What are VSCO stickers?
To understand VSCO stickers better, we first need to talk about VSCO kids! The name VSCO comes from the popular photography and photo editing mobile app that is used to apply filters to their photos. A VSCO girl or VSCO kid belongs to a subculture of Gen Z that emerged in 2019 and gained popularity on Instagram and Tiktok. They are known to dress and accessorize similarly, which make them distinguishable from everyone. Some notable VSCO kid styles are oversized t-shirts, Birkenstocks, friendship bracelets, scrunchies, and water bottles decorated with lots of stickers!

[VSCO stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/vsco-stickers) are known for their cute aesthetic with a pastel color palette, and hand drawn quality to them. Most VSCO designs are of animals, plants, nature, and inspirational quotes or funny statements. One distinguishable look that is associated with VSCO stickers is the white padding that borders around the design. 

## Where can you use VSCO stickers?

VSCO stickers are usually seen on:

-	Water bottles like hydroflasks
-	Phone cases
-	Laptops or laptop cases
-	Mirrors
-	Airpod cases
-	Lockers
-	Instax, Polaroid or other instant cameras
-	…or virtually anywhere with a smooth surface!

## Are VSCO stickers waterproof?
Different VSCO stickers are made of different materials. Some stickers are made with just simple sticker paper, which makes them lose their quality and adhesive when getting wet. Other stickers are made with differing qualities of vinyl. 

Vinyl stickers are sunlight damage resistant and they are able to keep their vivid, bright colors for a long time. Vinyl stickers are also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about your stickers peeling off when you are washing your water bottle! 

## Where do I find VSCO stickers?
VSCO stickers are available online from a lot of major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and others. You’ll also be able to purchase VSCO stickers from popular marketplace sites like Etsy. There are a lot of artists and small businesses that offer their designs as VSCO stickers on their own websites. 

Bigger retailers sell huge bundles of stickers for cheap, while smaller businesses and independent artists sell their stickers at a slightly more expensive price point. While there are a whole lot of designs and sellers to choose from, most of these options do not offer customization or allow you to make your very own sticker design.

## How do you design VSCO stickers?
There’s a lot of ways to design your own VSCO sticker. You can design using programs like [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-remove-backgrounds-in-photoshop), [Illustrator](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers), or [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). You can also draw your artwork digitally using apps like Procreate and Affinity. 

One stand-out feature of a VSCO sticker is its hand-drawn aesthetic, pastel color palette, as well as the white border that pads around the design. So, for this instance we will use Procreate to draw our own design:

### 1.	Create a new canvas in Procreate.
![Design VSCO stickers in Procreate](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b034616e8f19c433008fe932ee6fbb66dda9f62c)

### 2.	Draw your design and fill in all the colors.

![Draw VSCO design in Procreate](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/964bd426e8d593fbb7cfb0b62171c8449f6e2af7)

### 3.	Add in your text.

![Add text for VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/099aaeba3b1ecc2ce542e3f2d514ea5419d50a39)

### 4.	Hide the background color layer and create a new transparent layer for the white border under your drawing.

![Hide background color layer VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cb025829f5f2b1e5584012f73e260bf510f4be28)

### 5.	Draw and fill-in a white border around.

![Fill in white border VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/990714e75dbd198d5c9e97cba3b154773ec0c146)

### 6.	When you’re happy with your work, export and save! 

![Export VSCO stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/11fd37c9cbf8a1976f843d184dceda527ff8bda4)

You will now then be able to print your design from your device using your home printer and sticker papers! 

Keep in mind that when printing your own design using inkjet vinyl sticker paper, expect to get a lower quality sticker. Some inkjet printer ink does not adhere well to vinyl, ending up smeared on the paper. Stickers made this way are also not guaranteed as waterproof.

## How do you make VSCO stickers without a printer?
You can always purchase VSCO stickers from a lot of retailers like the ones mentioned above, but you will not have the option to personalize or use your own design. With Sticker Mule, you’ll be able to have your very own VSCO sticker design printed and cut! 
Getting your design uploaded to Sticker Mule is super easy! 

1.	On Sticker Mule’s homepage, select custom stickers. You will be then able to pick from a wide variety of sticker styles like die cut, round, rectangle, sticker sheets, clear, transfers, and even holographic! 

![VSCO stickers by sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3af8f2d887d218eea2873d438934e6df047c139d)

2.	Pick the type of sticker you like. 
3.	Select the size and quantity of stickers you want to order. 

![VSCO stickers select size quantity](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ffa5f222c576e006d8b95652e895f6b585772ce4)

4.	Upload your artwork. You will also be able to type in specific instructions if necessary.

![VSCO stickers upload artwork](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ecb950519397b9db5e4fd5d656b587cf711fd8e3)

5.	You’ll see your sticker design in your cart! Checkout and put all the necessary information needed, like your shipping address and payment information.

![VSCO stickers checkout](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/551b9e4de12be509316870e18318a2d82b4b399a)

6.	Review your proof shortly after checkout and request changes until you’re happy. Sticker Mule’s proof approval process lets you work directly with them to ensure your stickers will look exactly how you want.
7.	You will get your die cut stickers with 4 day turnaround and free shipping!
Sticker Mule is the easiest way to get your VSCO stickers printed! You’ll be able to order prints of your custom stickers in any shape or size (yes, even holographic!) on premium vinyl that is durable and weather resistant. Sticker Mule’s custom stickers feature a special laminate that protects them from exposure to sunlight and water. You will also rest easy knowing that you can put your sticker-filled water bottle in the dishwasher and still have the stickers looking brand new after washing! 

<ButtonCta text="Print VSCO stickers" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/vsco-stickers" />

Learn how to design and print your own personalized or customized VSCO stickers in this step-by-step guide! 

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