We’ve all been there: you take an awesome photo, and you want to send it in a fun, personal way. Or maybe you have a pet who’s just too cute for words, and you need that photo as a sticker to share in your messages.
Lucky for us, iPhone users can do just that! Making stickers from your own photos is easier than ever, and if you’re rocking iOS 16 or later, you’ve got everything you need right in your phone. Let me walk you through the process of turning a simple photo into a sticker and sharing it with friends in no time.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s check off what you need to make your own stickers:
- An iPhone running iOS 16 or later – Make sure your phone’s updated to get the best sticker-making experience.
- A photo from your Photos app – Grab a pic of your favorite subject (a cute pet, your friends, or even a memorable moment).
- iMessage or Notes app – You’ll use one of these to save and share your new sticker.
With those three things, you’re ready to start creating.
How to Make a Sticker From a Photo on iPhone (Step-by-Step)
Making a sticker on your iPhone is as simple as a few taps! Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Photos App
Start by launching the Photos app. Scroll through your albums or search for the photo you want to turn into a sticker.
Credit: Gemini
2. Find the Photo You Want to Use as a Sticker
Once you’ve found your photo, tap on it to open it. Whether it’s a funny face, an adorable pet, or a moment you want to highlight, this is the picture that’ll become your new favorite sticker.
3. Tap and Hold the Subject
Now, here’s the fun part. Tap and hold the subject of the photo—whether it’s a person, your pet, or an object. You’ll see a glowing outline appear around the subject as it pops out of the background.
4. Release Your Finger
Once the glowing outline is in place and the subject has been lifted from the background, release your finger. Voilà! You’ve just isolated your subject and it’s ready to become a sticker.
5. Tap “Add Sticker” (iOS 17 or Later)
If you’re using iOS 17 or later, you’ll see an option to Add Sticker. Tap it, and the sticker will automatically be saved to your sticker tray in iMessage. Now, it’s ready for use!
6. For iOS 16: Copy and Paste It Into Notes or Messages
If you’re rocking iOS 16, you won’t have the “Add Sticker” option, but don’t worry—it’s still easy. Tap Copy instead. Then, open up your Notes or Messages app and paste it there. This will save the sticker in your app so you can use it later.
How to Use Your New Sticker in Messages and Photos
So, you’ve got your brand-new sticker—now what? Here’s how to use it in your conversations and other creative projects.
Using in iMessage
- Open any conversation in the iMessage app.
- Tap the stickers icon in the app drawer.
- Find your custom sticker under “Recents” or “Custom.”
- Drag and drop your sticker onto the message, and bam—you’re all set!
Adding Sticker to a Photo on iPhone
- Open the Photos app and select the image you want to edit.
- Tap Edit, then choose the Markup tool (the little pen icon).
- Tap +, then Stickers.
- Choose your custom sticker and position it wherever you want on the photo. It’s the perfect way to add some flair to your pictures.
How to Make a Sticker Out of a Photo on iPhone Without iOS 17
Don’t have iOS 17? No worries, you can still create stickers, although you’ll need to take an extra step.
If you’re using iOS 16:
- Tap and hold on the subject of the photo to lift it.
- Tap Copy to save the image.
- Open apps like Files, Notes, or even Canva.
- Paste your photo there and save it as a PNG. You can use this file as your sticker, ready to be shared across apps.
Pro Tip: You can also use third-party apps like Sticker.ly or PicsArt to save and export your stickers, giving you even more flexibility.
Creative Ways to Use Stickers on iPhone
Now that you know how to make and use stickers on your iPhone, let’s get creative with them! Here are some fun ideas for using stickers in your daily digital life:
Decorate Screenshots or Family Photos
Want to add a fun touch to a family photo? Or maybe you’re sharing a funny screenshot from a conversation? Stickers can bring personality to your pictures, making them more engaging and memorable.
Send Fun Reactions in Group Chats
Forget just sending a thumbs-up emoji. With custom stickers, you can share your own reactions in a more creative way. Whether it’s a reaction to something funny or a cute animal, stickers elevate the conversation.
Personalize Your Digital Planners or Notes
Use stickers to personalize your digital notes or planners. Whether you’re keeping track of your to-do list or journaling, stickers can add a playful touch to your digital organization.
Add Pet Stickers to Social Media Stories
Got a pet that’s photogenic (or maybe just hilarious)? Turn your pet photos into stickers and sprinkle them throughout your Instagram or Snapchat stories for a bit of fun.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make stickers on iPhone without any apps?
Yes! With iOS 17, you can turn any photo into a sticker natively without the need for third-party apps. Just use the Photos app to lift your subject and save it as a sticker.
Q2: How to add a sticker to a picture on iPhone?
To add a sticker to a photo, open the photo in the Photos app, tap Edit, and then use the Markup tool to insert your custom sticker.
Q3: Where are my custom stickers saved?
Your stickers are saved directly in your iMessage sticker drawer under “Custom” and “Recents”. You can drag and drop them into conversations whenever you like.
Q4: Can I use stickers in other apps besides iMessage?
While iMessage makes it easy, you can also use your stickers in apps like Notes, Photos, and Canva by saving them as PNGs or sharing them directly.
Stick It to ‘Em
Creating stickers on your iPhone isn’t just fun—it’s a great way to personalize your messages and photos. Whether you’re turning your favorite pet photo into a sticker for your next group chat or adding one to your digital planner, stickers can give your iPhone a creative, personal flair. Next time you’re snapping a pic, try lifting your subject and turning it into a sticker. Who knows, you might just create the next viral sticker trend!
Ready to get creative? Start turning those pics into stickers and let your phone’s personality shine.
