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

How to Turn Your Photos into Stickers: The Easiest and Quickest Way

Custom stickers are taking over NYC!

Sticker Mule is on a mission to get out the word to New York City about where to get their [sticker printing](https://stickermule.com/ "custom sticker printing nyc") done. 

![custom stickers new york city subway sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f021b894-a2a9-4a3e-a18c-3d3574d3881f)

If you are in NYC or anywhere in the [tri-state area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-state_area), you may notice a big increase to the amount of mules (like Herman below) you’ll see around in the next few weeks. 

![herman sticker mule mascot mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/aba1d9d6-45e1-4856-992b-408fdd891331)

That’s because we’ve committed to spreading awareness through the magic of [omnichannel advertising](https://blog.hubspot.com/service/omni-channel-experience) throughout the northeast United States. We are advertising some of our favorite videos, including our hugely popular [10 for $1 sticker ad](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4EHHB176OU) that includes some of the best animation you’ll ever see on your silver screen. In addition to TV, we will also advertise on radio, streaming services, in subways, on expressways, and everything in between!

Our biggest (at least physically) ads are in Times Square and tower over 30 ft spreading sticker goodness to all the people of New York City. This is in addition to dozens of other billboards on major highways and highly trafficked areas in New York.

![new york times square custom sticker ad](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5b4a169c-9f3c-4073-9c4a-6f9d9de448ed)

Since our creation in 2011, we’ve strived to provide the [best quality custom printing service online](https://stickermule.com "print stickers at sticker mule"). But it doesn’t just stop at our printed products, our entire company is committed to going above and beyond. From our top-rated customer support to launching new products like [t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom shirts printing") or even new technology like the happy social network, [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/ "the happy social network stimulus"). We’ve aimed to be the best with everything we do and hopefully we can spread this knowledge to the New York area and beyond! 

If you are in the Albany or New York area, hopefully you’ll see some of our ads out in the wild. But don’t worry, if not, this is just the beginning of big things for Sticker Mule and we can’t wait to share more in the near future. 


Where to print custom posters? Sticker Mule of course!

We’re excited to announce the newest Sticker Mule product – [custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters)!

<YouTubeVideo videoId="cDRG_nx2fH0" />

This may be a bit controversial, but there's a case to be made that [custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters) are the OG blog or social media post. Before even MySpace or Blogger was a thing, posters quickly transformed your thoughts into an easily spreadable mode of communication that could be viewed by thousands at a time. Some may say that [the dancing baby](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_baby) was the first viral sensation, but nay we say, it was the poster when it went "viral" in the 1890's with the invention of [Lithography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithography). 

![poster online custom printed](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/68b3042f-4ee0-4b9f-8dba-f57f82f8f34e)

Regardless of where you stand on the topic though, ever since the 1890's, poster printing hasn't really evolved and it's been a bit unattainable for us normal folk. You first had to probably find a designer or design it yourself using expensive design tools. Then, once the poster is actually designed, you had to find a place that can print large sizes which many local convenience store printers just don't do. Well just like the 1890's, that's all over.

Sticker Mule is happy to announce that we are now printing __[full sized posters with no minimums](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters)__ and with free quick delivery in the USA! 

To help you design your custom poster, we offer hundreds of pre-designed [poster templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/events/posters "poster design templates pre-made ") that you can edit to suit any need. Use custom posters to promote your event, idea, movie, art, business, and more.

![custom poster templates create your own](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5cc43641-15b5-4f67-9600-9165dff416d4)

<ButtonCta text="Print your own custom posters" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters" />

StickerMule makes custom printed posters online

Our 25+ Favorite Graphic Design Resources in 2022

Here at Sticker Mule, we've noticed that a lot of our customers are aspiring digital artists. To help them become the kick ass graphic designers, we've prepared this  tutorial especially for them! 

Whatever your working preferences, having the right selection of graphic design tools at your disposal is essential in order to work effectively and do your creative ideas justice. Made up of both hardware and software, the range of tools available to graphic designers is vast, as are their price tags, so being able to select the right tools that match your current level of expertise is critical.

From tablets and laptops, to [free photo background removing apps](https://www.stickermule.com/trace), here’s our must-have tools for the graphic designer beginner.

## What are the basic tools needed by graphic designers?

### Hardware

First of all, you’re going to need some basic devices and tech to complete your graphic design projects. 

__1. A high-end smartphone__

If ever you needed an excuse to splash out on a top of the range smartphone, kickstarting your graphic design career or hobby is it!

While the majority of the population will get by with standard specs on their mobile devices, a graphic designer will likely demand a little more from it.

*Making edits*

A top end smartphone, with a large screen can be a gamechanger for your productivity levels, allowing you to edit on the move. 

*A great camera*

A graphic designer is always on the lookout for opportunities to take some top-class original photography to use either as inspiration or to use directly in their designs. You can expect a high-end smartphone to come with a high-end build in camera, meaning you’ll always be equipped to snap that critical shot when the opportunity arises. 

__2. A powerful laptop__

It’s well known that designers tend to have a strong preference towards Macs over PCs for their work. Precisely why, is a tricker question to answer! Google designer, [Austin Knight](https://austinknight.com/writing/designers-prefer-macs), asked a bunch of designers why they prefer Macs. Ultimately, it comes down to legacy (the Mac was developed for designers), better font rendering, better user experience, plus…. They’re pretty!

MacBook Pro's are typically seen as the best option for any designer ([Techradar](https://www.techradar.com/news/best-laptops-for-graphic-design) crowned the Apple MacBook Pro with 13-inch screen as “the best laptop for graphic design in the world”). However, it has also been argued that you get more power for your money with an iMac. 

If you’re [designing stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers) (and we hope you do!) you're essentially designing for print so having that extra power will make your life easier, helping all of your software, such as Photoshop, to run more smoothly. 

__3. A graphics tablet__

A graphics tablet (or pen tablet, or drawing tablet) looks similar to a standard tablet device, however, it is a very different piece of equipment. A graphics tablet connects to your main device, your Mac for instance. It has a touch-sensitive drawing surface which you can ‘draw’ on with a stylus which then acts as a cursor on your monitor. With a bit of practice, it becomes much easier to control than your typical mouse.  

[Wacom](https://www.wacom.com/en-us/discover/draw) is the most popular manufacturer of graphics tablet, so you’d be in good company beginning your search there. It’s compatible with both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

*Who needs a graphics tablet?*

Not every type of graphic designer will need to have a graphics tablet, but if you are someone who wants to work on many different types of graphic design projects, or would like to work on animation or illustration projects, then a graphics tablet would be an important tool for you.

### Software & Design Tools

Once you have your hardware items, now it’s time to equip them with the software. You have a number of options here. You can go straight for the well known Adobe Creative Suite (now called the Adobe Creative Cloud) which includes the likes of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and more. 

Or, if you’re not in a position to make that financial commitment, it might be a good idea to try out some online alternatives. Let’s run through your options.

#### Photoshop

Photoshop is used by almost any kind of designer such as web developers, graphic designers and photographers. It’s most commonly used for image editing, retouching and creative mockups.

__Online Photoshop alternatives:__

__[GIMP](https://www.gimp.org)__

This is an open source, free, image editing tool. It only required a small download and includes many of Photoshop’s most popular features.

__[Pixlr](https://pixlr.com)__

Pixlr is a free online photo editor based in the cloud. It’s built by Autodesk, the makers behind other powerful tools such as AutoCAD, so it certainly comes with pedigree. It’s a simpler, smaller solution to photo editing compared to Photoshop but is easy to use and fast! Perfect for beginners. 

__[Lunapic](https://www1.lunapic.com/editor/)__
 
Lunapic is another free, online graphic editor. It’s got plenty of options and functionally to play with and you can also edit video.

#### Illustrator

Illustrator is a vector-based editing software. It is different to Photoshop, which is pixel-based. It is used to create designs such as logos, graphics, vector illustrations and fonts. The advantage of vector-based software over pixel-based is that a vector graphic does not lose quality as it is scaled up or down in size. This makes it a better option for anything that is intended for print.

__Online Illustrator alternative__

__[Inkscape](https://inkscape.org)__
 
Like Illustrator, Inkscape is a vector-based software, but is open source and free! The options are comprehensive, allowing you to do most of what you can do on Illustrator. It’s also regularly updated. 

#### InDesign

InDesign is a desktop publishing software, frequently used for creating print materials like brochures, flyers, magazines and even books.

__Online InDesign alternative__

__[Scribus](https://www.scribus.net)__

Scribus is an open source desktop publishing application. It’s free, and a great alternative to InDesign, allowing you to easily layout designs for print materials.

#### Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a timeline-based video editing software used by everyone from filmmakers and TV broadcasters to journalists, students and YouTubers.
 
__Online Premiere Pro alternative__

__[iMovie](https://www.apple.com/lae/imovie/)__

If you’re like most designers and opt for a MacBook for your graphic design work, then Apple’s iMovie program is a highly reliable and beginner-friendly alternative to Premiere Pro, covering you for basic effects, transitions and cuts.

__[DaVinci Resolve](https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/)__

While iMovie is great for beginners, it wouldn’t be right not to mention DaVinci Resolve. It’s a wholly comprehensive, free editor featuring advanced trimming, editing, and effects. It might be a little complex for beginners, but if you’re looking for something free, with some advanced features, look no further than DaVinci Resolve.

#### After Effects

After Effects is the industry standard, animation-based tool used for visual effects and motion graphics. While Premiere Pro focuses on video editing, After Effects is the tool that help you create the extra flourishes that make all the difference, such as title sequences and 2D cartoon animations. 

__Online After Effects alternative__

__[Blender](https://www.blender.org)__

Blender is free to use and can accomplish pretty much anything After Effects can, so it is a genuinely powerful alternative. However, beginners should be warned that it does have a reputation for being more difficult to use.

## What are the best graphic design resources?

Now that you’ve got a handle on the fundamental devices, software and online tools you’ll need for your graphic design, here’s a handy rundown of some additional tools you can add to the mix for some extra touches and details. 

[![free remove bg background](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3b1d3c04-dffa-43a6-aefb-568da027e135)](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free online ai background remover")

- For free background removal
  - [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace)  
- For fonts
  - Fontshop
  - Google Fonts
  - Emotype
  - BeFonts

[![online free design software](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9e1205e9-56aa-45b8-8bc4-89f0a2d28ae4)](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design app")

- For design software online
  - [Canva](https://www.canva.com/)
  - [Studio - Design](https://www.stickermule.com/studio)
- For icons
  - Noun Project
  - Flat Icons 
- For stock photos
  - Shutterstock
  - iStock
  - Pixabay
  - Unsplash
- For resizing high-quality images
  - [Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale)
- For vectorizing images 
  - [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw)
- For free stock videos
  - Coverr
  - Mixkit
  - Motion Places
  - Videvo
- Social Media Mockups
  - AdParlor 
- Device mockup generator
  - ScreenPeek
  - Shotsnapp
- Brand design mockup
  - Mockupworld 

## What are the best websites for design inspiration?

As you progress with your designs, you may, like most creatives have at one time or another, find yourself in need of some inspiration! Well, don’t worry. Here are some great sources to help inspire your creative juices.

__[__Behance__](https://www.behance.net/)__

Behance is an online platform that allows designers to showcase their portfolios whether they be graphic design, fashion, illustration, photography or web design. Not only is it a great outlet for designers to display their work, it’s a fantastic museum of creative excellence to spend some time exploring to inspire your own creative ideas. 

Oh, and it’s also free to use!

__[Dribbble](https://dribbble.com/)__

This is another fantastic resource for your design inspiration or to showcase your work. It is free to use, BUT if you want to use it as a channel to showcase your work, bare in mind that it is an invite-only community. However, there’s nothing to stop you from using it as a source of inspiration with amazing designs to browse in branding, illustration, print, product design, typography and web design.

__[Httpster - Websites ](https://httpster.net/)__

If websites are your jam, check out Httpster for a treasure trove of web design inspiration. 

## What websites or apps can I use to make money out of my designs? 

Let’s get down to the business side of things.

You might be content to keep your graphic design projects as a fun side hobby. Or, you might be interested in exploring how you can make money from your designs. Aside from working professionally in a design role, there are other ways in which you can monetize your love of design. Here are a few means to consider.

__1. Start a Patreon campaign__

Patreon is an online platform designed to help creators of any type get paid for the art they create. All you need to do is set up a free account, create a page telling people who you are, what you do and why they should make a financial contribution to your work. Artists usually offer some small incentive in return such as exclusive material. 

__2. Take on freelance gigs__

There are tonnes of vibrant platforms out there where potential customers are matched with willing designers. You could sign up to Fiverr, for example and list some4.  ‘gigs’ you’re willing to do for $5. Once you’ve completed a number of these $5 gigs, you become eligible to offer higher priced gigs and earn more money.  

__3. Sell your graphics to stock image sites__

Maybe you have some stunning photography as a result of that high-end smartphone we discussed. Or perhaps you have some original graphics gathering dust. These are just two examples of design work that you could potentially sell to stock imagery sites like Shutterstock. 

__4. Create customized stickers in Sticker Mule and sell them__

Etsy is a great platform for designers to sell their work. Browse Etsy and you’ll find custom prints, canvases, t-shirts and... stickers! Check out this interesting [thread on Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Etsy/comments/ckrc5y/just_hit_100_sales_on_our_etsy_selling_stickers/) about how one illustrator turned their designs into [customized stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers) with Sticker Mule and hit 100 sales selling them on Etsy. 

Choosing the right graphic design tools can be challenging, especially for beginners. There’s a lot of choice out there and a lot of eye watering price tags. Our advice is to keep it simple in the beginning. Focus on getting a suitable laptop with a high res monitor, a high end camera (or smartphone) and a graphics tablet if you want to try some illustration (you can’t go far wrong with a Wacom). 

When it comes to software, the Adobe Creative Cloud will equip you with all you need but keep in mind that there are some very impressive free software alternatives available that would definitely be worth checking out if you’re not ready to splash out on the Adobe Cloud.

Happy designing!

<ButtonCta text="Design your first customized sticker" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />

Choosing the right graphic design tools can be tough for a beginner. Here we discuss the key hardware, software and how to make money from your designs!

How Roman Pizza uses Mule Sauce

We asked [Roman Pizza](https://www.romanpizzamenu.com/) #HowDoYouMuleSauce - this is how they answered. 

<YouTubeVideo videoId="bYITOrMmyAg" />

Pizza is the perfect partner for [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce). Try it on a classic white [pizza with broccoli](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/spicy-broccoli-pizza-recipe) or add some snappy flavor to a cheese or Margherita pie.   Mule Sauce packets are just the right serving size for your slice-to-go. Need more to dip your crust? Opt for a bottle of Mule Sauce to make a pool of hot, sweet flavor.

We want YOU to tell us #HowDoYouMuleSauce. Post a photo or video of your favorite way to use Mule Sauce on social media, and don’t forget to add the hashtag #HowDoYouMuleSauce and tag @StickerMule in your post.

<ButtonCta text="Get Mule Sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce" />

Learn how local pizza place, Roman Pizza, does Mule Sauce.

How to make a classic beer cocktail with Mule Sauce

We asked [Frog Alley Brewing Company](https://frogalleybrewing.com/) #HowDoYouMuleSauce - this is how they answered.  

<YouTubeVideo videoId="N4x1evNpKl8" />

Make a Michelada, a classic beer cocktail, with a kick of heat from [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce). Here’s how:

__Ingredients:__

- Light-bodied beer
- Lime
- Salt
- Mule Sauce

__Steps:__

1. Take your favorite light-bodied beer (like a lager, pale ale, or Frog Alley’s kolsch). Pour into a glass, or feel free to mix it up right in the bottle or can
2. Add a squeeze of lime from 1-2 lime wedges (add as much as you like)
3. Shake some salt into your beer - equal to a small pinch
4. Spice it up with as many dashes of Mule Sauce as you like
5. Drink up!

We want YOU to tell us #HowDoYouMuleSauce. Post a photo or video of your favorite way to use Mule Sauce on social media, and don’t forget to add the hashtag #HowDoYouMuleSauce and tag [@StickerMule](https://www.stimulus.com/stickermule) in your post.

<ButtonCta text="Get Mule Sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce" />

Learn how to make a Michelada, a classic beer cocktail, with a kick of heat from Mule Sauce.

Custom wall decals & stickers for kid's room

Decorating children’s rooms can sometimes be more demanding than tackling the interior design of adult rooms. Children grow up so quickly, and their likes and dislikes change so rapidly! No wonder it’s a major challenge to create a room that will grow with them! 

But instead of looking at a long-term plan that will work through childhood, and trying to make the time, effort, and money spent worthwhile, how about reconsidering your options? Choose an easy, safe, and economical decorating option that you can change with minimal effort.

If you’re stuck for inspiration... How about stickers?

## Why use stickers as wall decals for children’s rooms?

Back in the day, kids used to love sticker books – collecting lots and lots of themed, colorful stickers, and filling up the empty spaces.

Today, stickers have evolved and developed, and literally come of age! Stickers and decals now [have a multitude of uses](https://www.insider.com/tiktok-renter-friendly-apartment-hallway-ceiling-hack-target-wall-decals-2021-4 "viral wall sticker trend"), and they have become a powerful decorating tool for children’s rooms. As a result, more and more people are using them as a cheaper, easier, and more effective option than paint, stenciling, wallpaper, or other more traditional decorating tools. 

They have also become a decorating tool that you can use to involve your kids so that they are part of the process. 

## How do you use stickers as decorating tools for children’s rooms?

Wall stickers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Made from some sort of self-adhesive fabric, they can be used in a multitude of ways to add color and character to rooms. 

Better still, custom stickers make it possible for creative parents to design amazing rooms for their kiddies. Less creative parents can come up with an idea and get help from specialist companies that manufacture quality products. Either way, you’re going to get something that adds a unique decorating touch to the room.

Whatever you have planned, wall stickers for kids’ rooms open up possibilities beyond most people’s imaginations. 

The options available for décor use today are awesome!

First of all, wall stickers and decals can be designed to look like posters. For instance, [custom stickers for children’s rooms](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/wall-decals) can be a standard poster size – 24 inches x 36 inches (610 mm x 910 mm). Or they can be bigger, up to 96 inches wide by 56 inches high (2.5 m x 1.5 m). That’s big, and it can make a statement and add character to any boy or girl’s room. 

The possibilities are endless! You can print out a shape, a tree, a face, a car, a doll’s house, or maybe a horse, a dog, or a cat!

Just be sure to choose [good quality wall stickers and decals for kids rooms](https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics). Top-quality vinyl and fabric-like material last the longest. Some high-quality designs can be reused though they might not be quite as sticky the second time around. 

## How do you use stickers to create a theme in children’s rooms?

Whatever design medium you decide to use for your children’s rooms, a theme of some sort will add impact and character. 

If your kids are very young, you can decide on the theme, but if they are older, consider asking for their input. After all, they are going to be the ones waking up or going to sleep in the environment you are creating.

Theme options are vast and varied. Here are some ideas:

- Trees and forests are popular themes. You can start out with one or more tree wall stickers, depending on the effect you want to create. Opt for one type of tree or mix two or three designs. Add flowers to the branches or stick butterflies, birds, and/or bees around the tree wall stickers. Introduce a few leafy pot plants to add interest and life to the room.

- Flowers can be used on their own, to create the effect of a flower garden, or flower wall stickers can be used to form a border around the room, just below the ceiling or at dado height. You could make the theme a fairy garden, creating a little extra magic in the room. If you have flowers in your garden, get your kids to pick some now and then and have a vase of flowers in the bedroom too. 

- Cat and dog wall stickers are also popular with children, and again, the possibilities are endless. If your son or daughter has a special pet, you could have a custom sticker made that is life-size or even larger than life – depending of course on the size of the animal. Dog wall art stickers can be used on their own or you can add balls or paw prints. You might prefer to have a silhouette of two or three cats, perhaps playing with birds or just sleeping. 

![Children-Room-Wall-Graphic](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cfd77a102245adba9da5021d7de29b7975730f56)

- Teddy bears are another wildly versatile option. You could have one big teddy above your child’s cot or bed, or a line of them matched with a real teddy collection. Or what about a teddy bears’ picnic? You could use kids’ cartoon wall stickers for the bears and combine them with tree wall stickers. Or have a big custom bear wall sticker made and stick it up with a few pots of honey and lots of bumblebees. 

- If your kid likes sports, you can also redecorate featuring their team and the sporting heroes they adore. For example, football wall stickers range from action designs to balls and shirts. You could have silhouette figures dribbling or kicking balls, or real-life football stars. You could frame your kid’s first football shirt and have action stickers all around it. Or if they’re into martial arts, make judo or karate the theme with one or more martial arts wall stickers on a feature wall, perhaps with your child’s name in vinyl lettering above the stickers. 

- Cars and trucks and motorbikes are also one of the more popular children’s rooms themes. Make the theme more definitive by focusing on racing cars or race track stickers and decals. If they’re collecting hot wheels or any other racing car toys, include them in the decor by having them on display. 

Whether the idea of flower wall decals, kids cartoon wall stickers, or any other wall stickers and decals appeal to you, you need stickers that are durable. If you’re going with custom wall stickers, Sticker Mule works from photographs or any type of artwork. You’ll get free online proofs and free worldwide shipping. 

Our wall decals are what children’s room designers love to use so try it for yourself!

<ButtonCta text="Get your own wall graphics now" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/wall-graphics" />

Thinking of redecorating your child’s room? We’ll tell you how you can use vinyl wall decals which are safe and easy to remove! 