Ever feel like your group chats are missing a little personality? Or maybe you’ve captured a perfect expression of your pet that belongs in a WhatsApp conversation, but it’s currently just a standard rectangular photo.
Learning how to convert photos to stickers used to be a time-consuming process. You would need steady hands, professional software, and patience to trace the edges manually to get that classic white border.
However, in 2025, modern AI tools have simplified this process significantly.
Whether you want to use the built-in feature on your iPhone, use professional design software like Photoshop, or use a dedicated AI generator that lets you customize styles with text prompts, this guide covers the practical methods to turn your ideas into stickers.
Method 1: The AI Way (Image & Text to Sticker)
If you are looking for a web-based solution that offers more than just a simple cutout, imgtosticker.com is a powerful option.
Unlike basic background removers, this tool is designed specifically for sticker creation. It supports "Face to Sticker" (converting your photo) and "Text to Sticker" (generating stickers from scratch).
Key Features:
- AI Auto-Cut: It automatically removes the background and adds the classic white border and shadows.
- Style Prompts: You aren't stuck with just one look. You can input a "Style Prompt" (e.g., Cyberpunk, Retro style) to tell the AI how to stylize your image.
- Negative Prompts: Want to ensure your sticker is clean? You can specify things to exclude (e.g., hat, helmet, sunglasses).
- Text to Sticker: Don't have a photo? You can describe what you want (e.g., "a green turtle riding a bicycle"), and the AI will generate it.
How to use it:
- Go to imgtosticker.com.
- Upload: Click "Upload photo" (Supports JPG, PNG, WEBP). A clear, front-facing photo with good contrast works best.
- Customize (Optional): Enter a Style Prompt if you want a specific vibe, or leave it blank to let the AI decide.
- Generate: Click "Generate."
- Download: You will get a high-quality transparent PNG ready for use.
Best For: Creating unique, stylized avatars (e.g., Cyborg Vampire style) or custom emojis for Discord and Twitch.
Method 2: How to Make Stickers on iPhone (No App Required)
For iOS users, Apple introduced a convenient feature in recent updates (iOS 16+). While this method does not add the white border or allow for style prompts, it is the fastest way to extract a subject for iMessage.
- Open Photos: Go to your iPhone Photos app and select an image.
- Long Press: Touch and hold the subject of the photo. You will see a glowing line appear around it.
- Tap "Add Sticker": A menu will appear. Tap "Add Sticker" to save it to your keyboard's sticker drawer.
- Use It: You can now insert this cutout directly into iMessage or drag it into Instagram Stories.
Best For: Quick, casual replies within the Apple ecosystem.
Method 3: Manual Control with Canva & Photoshop
If you need precise control over the cut lines or are designing stickers for physical printing on vinyl, industry-standard design software is the best choice.
Canva (Social Media Friendly)
- Upload: Add your photo to a blank canvas.
- Remove Background: Select the image and click Edit Photo > BG Remover (Requires Pro subscription).
- Add Outline: Go to Effects > Shadows > Outline. Change the color to white and adjust the "Size" slider.
Adobe Photoshop (Professional Print)
- Select Subject: Go to Select > Subject.
- Mask: Click the "Add Layer Mask" icon.
- Stroke: Double-click the layer to open Layer Styles. Check Stroke, set position to "Outside," color to White.
Comparison: Which Tool Fits Your Needs?
Here is an objective look at the differences between these methods.
| Feature | imgtosticker.com | iPhone Feature | Photoshop / Canva |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Type | Photo & Text Prompts | Photo Only | Photo Only |
| White Border | Yes (Automatic) | No | Manual Setup |
| Custom Styling | Yes (via Prompts) | No | Manual Filters |
| Background | Transparent PNG | Transparent | Transparent |
| Platform | Web (All Devices) | iOS Only | Desktop / Web |
| Skill Level | Beginner | Beginner | Intermediate |
Where Can You Use These Stickers?
Once you have your transparent PNG from imgtosticker.com or other tools, the possibilities are endless. Here are the most popular use cases:
- WhatsApp & Telegram: Create a personal sticker pack of your friends or pets to use in group chats.
- Discord & Twitch: Upload your stylized face as a custom emote or sub badge. The transparent background makes them perfect for chat reactions.
- Social Media Overlays: Use them on Instagram Stories or TikTok Reels to create "collage" style content.
- Physical Merch: Since the AI generates high-quality files, you can print them on sticker paper for laptops, water bottles, or phone cases.
Best Practices for Better Results
To get the cleanest cuts and the best look, keep these tips in mind:
- Lighting Matters: The clearer the image you upload, the better the generated result. Avoid photos where the face is obscured by shadows.
- Be Specific: If using the Text to Sticker feature, descriptive prompts work best (e.g., instead of "cat," try "a cute cat wearing sunglasses, vector art style").
- Use Negative Prompts: If the AI keeps adding things you don't want (like a hat you didn't ask for), type "hat" in the Negative Prompt box to remove it.
- Check Resolution: For digital use, standard resolution is fine. For printing, ensure you download the highest quality version available.
Conclusion
Creating custom stickers is a fun way to personalize your digital world. You can use imgtosticker.com to turn a simple selfie into a "Cyborg Vampire" or a "Retro" masterpiece using AI, rely on the iPhone for quick texts, or use Photoshop for manual precision.
Go ahead, upload a photo or type a prompt, and see what you can create!