The overall flow
A sticker is usually "photo with the background removed + white outline + (optional) shadow + (optional) caption." The key is to keep only the person or object in the photo, remove the background, and wrap it in a white outline so it stands out on any background color. The Sticker Maker automates all of this when you upload a photo.
Step 1: Choose a photo that cuts out cleanly
AI background removal works best when the outline of a person, animal or product stands out clearly from the background. For pet photos, pick one where the fur color isn't too close to the floor or wall. For portraits, avoid backlighting and choose a photo where the face and body are clearly visible. Product photos on a plain background (such as white) separate even more cleanly.
Step 2: Automatic background removal
When you upload a photo, the AI automatically separates the subject from the background and makes the background transparent. Processing happens right in this browser and your photo is not sent to a server. The result may not be perfect on thin, complex edges like hair or the tips of fur; in that case, making the outline in the next step a little thicker hides it naturally.
Step 3: Add a white outline and shadow for the sticker look
The classic messenger-sticker look comes from the white (or any color you like) outline around the subject. A thicker outline looks bolder and more toy-like; a thinner one stays closer to the photo. Adding a light shadow makes the sticker look like it's floating, even in chats with a dark background.
Step 4: Add a caption and speech bubble
A short caption at the bottom, like "Hi!", "Thanks!" or "OK!", makes the feeling or intent clearer. Putting a round or cloud-shaped speech bubble behind it keeps the text readable on top of the photo. For the font, choose the mood you want (handwritten, bold display and so on) from the OFL-licensed fonts bundled with the site.
Choosing the size for your use
| Use | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram / LINE stickers | 512×512px (one side exactly 512px) | Per Telegram's official documentation. PNG or WEBP, transparent background supported |
| Print stickers | 50mm, 70mm, etc. (converted at 300 dpi) | For real printed stickers: planner decorations, packaging and more |
| KakaoTalk emoticon proposal (Korea) | 360×360px | Unofficial reference size mentioned in many creator guides. Always confirm the official submission spec after logging in to Kakao Emoticon Studio |
KakaoTalk is the most popular messenger in Korea. To formally propose an emoticon set there, you usually need to prepare 32 still emoticons in the same character and tone. You can use this tool to quickly make several drafts, settle on the composition and tone you like, and then draw the full set of 32.
Quick summary
- Upload photos to the Sticker Maker (you can add several).
- Wait while the AI removes the background (it takes a little longer the first time because the model loads once).
- Adjust the white outline width, color and shadow to your style.
- Add a caption and speech bubble if you need them.
- Choose the size preset for your use and save as a transparent PNG or WebP.
- If you made several, download them all at once as a ZIP.
Good vs. bad examples
- Good: a pet large in the center of the frame, in a color that differs from the background, so it separates cleanly.
- Bad: a person photographed small and far away, blending into the background, which can leave a jagged edge.
- Good: a short caption (a word or two) that's still readable at small sticker sizes.
- Bad: a long sentence as the caption, which becomes too small to read at Telegram's 512px.
Common mistakes
- Turning copyrighted characters, celebrity photos or other people's faces into stickers and sharing them without permission. This can raise right-of-publicity and copyright issues.
- Treating the 360×360 KakaoTalk reference size as the official spec and submitting with it. Check the latest official spec in Kakao Emoticon Studio before proposing.
- Leaving the outline at 0 with a busy background photo, so the cut-out edge shows plainly.
For your first stickers, start with a slightly thick outline (6–10px). Even if the background removal isn't 100% perfect, the outline covers rough edges naturally.
Checklist
- Does the subject stand out from the background in color and brightness?
- Did you choose the right size for the use (Telegram/LINE, print, KakaoTalk)?
- Is the caption short and readable at a small size?
- Is the photo free of copyright and right-of-publicity issues?
FAQ
Are the Telegram and LINE sticker sizes accurate?
Yes. Per Telegram's official documentation, a static sticker must have one side of exactly 512px and the other 512px or less, in PNG or WEBP with a transparent background.
Do some photos not cut out well?
Photos with a clear outline, such as people, pets and products, work well. Subjects with colors close to the background, or thin, complex edges like hair, may not be perfect. Making the outline a little thicker helps hide rough edges.
Is the KakaoTalk emoticon proposal size correct?
360×360px is a reference size mentioned in many creator guides, but Kakao Emoticon Studio's official submission spec can only be checked after logging in, so we present it as an unofficial reference. Before submitting a proposal, always confirm the latest spec at emoticonstudio.kakao.com.
Can I make stickers from other people's photos or characters?
You may not turn copyrighted characters or other people's photos or likenesses into stickers and share them without the rights holder's permission. Only use photos you took yourself or images you have permission to use.