Artwork Preparation Guide

Artwork Guidelines for Custom Stickers

Prepare your artwork before uploading to help keep text, logos, illustrations, and important details clear in the final sticker.

Use the highest-quality source file available, check your design at the final sticker size, and keep important artwork away from the cut edge. The recommendations below cover the most common artwork preparation questions.

File Types Resolution Cut Line Background Text Color Checklist
Quick Answer

Start With the Cleanest Artwork File You Have

Vector artwork is ideal when available because it can be resized cleanly. High-resolution raster artwork can also work well. Avoid screenshots, heavily compressed images, and very small files whenever possible.

01

Use the Best File Type Available

Whenever possible, upload the original artwork file rather than a screenshot or an image copied from a website or social platform.

Preferred

Vector Files

Vector artwork is well suited to logos, lettering, icons, and illustrations because it can usually be resized without losing edge quality.

AI · EPS · SVG · PDF

Also Good

High-Resolution Images

Raster images can work well when the source file is large and clear enough for the final sticker size.

PNG · JPG · JPEG

Avoid When Possible

Low-Quality Sources

Screenshots, thumbnails, messaging-app images, and heavily compressed files may contain visible blur or compression artifacts.

Tip: If you have both a JPG and the original vector or transparent PNG, upload the original source file.
02

Check Resolution at the Final Sticker Size

A file can look sharp when viewed small on a screen but become soft or pixelated when enlarged for printing. Always judge image quality at approximately the size the sticker will actually be produced.

Use original artwork Start with the largest and cleanest version available.
Avoid enlarging tiny images Increasing dimensions does not recreate missing image detail.
Zoom in before uploading Check edges, small text, faces, line art, and gradients carefully.
Consider final size Fine details that look clear on a monitor may become difficult to read on a small sticker.
03

Leave Space Around Important Artwork

Stickers that follow the shape of your artwork need enough breathing room around important elements. Avoid placing critical text, faces, thin borders, or logo details directly against the intended cut edge.

ART

Better

Important artwork has comfortable spacing around the edge.

ART

Riskier

Important artwork sits too close to the cut boundary.

For custom shapes: keep the silhouette simple enough to cut cleanly and avoid extremely narrow, fragile projections where possible.
04

Use Transparency When You Do Not Want a Background

If you want the sticker shape to follow your artwork without a rectangular background, upload artwork with a transparent background when possible.

Transparent Background

Useful for logos, illustrations, characters, lettering, and artwork that should appear without a surrounding white or colored rectangle.

Visible Background

Keep the background in the artwork when it is intentionally part of the design, such as a badge, circle, square, pattern, or full-color shape.

Important: A white background in a JPG is normally part of the image. If you want that area removed, use a transparent file when available.
05

Keep Text and Fine Details Readable

Small typography and very thin artwork can become difficult to read when a design is reduced to sticker size. This is especially important for QR codes, URLs, social handles, ingredient-style text, and detailed line art.

  • Avoid extremely small text unless the sticker itself is large enough to support it.
  • Use strong contrast between text and its background.
  • Avoid very thin strokes that may visually disappear at small sizes.
  • Keep important information away from the cut edge.
  • Review the design at approximately actual print size before ordering.
06

Expect Some Difference Between Screen and Print

Screens produce color with light, while printed artwork is created with physical inks and materials. For that reason, the final printed color may not look exactly the same as it does on a phone, tablet, or monitor.

Use your intended artwork file Avoid relying on screenshots as a color reference.
Check dark artwork carefully Very dark tones with little contrast can become difficult to distinguish.
Check subtle gradients Extremely subtle color differences may appear differently in print.
Review proofs carefully Confirm artwork placement, text, spelling, and overall appearance before approval.
07

Special Artwork May Need Extra Attention

QR Codes

Keep the code sharp, high contrast, and large enough to scan comfortably. Avoid placing decorative artwork too close to the functional code area.

View QR Code Sticker Guide →

Logo Artwork

Use the original logo file whenever possible. Vector versions are especially useful for maintaining clean edges and typography.

View Logo Sticker Guide →

Illustrations

Check line thickness, small facial details, lettering, texture, and the overall silhouette at the final sticker size.

View Stickers for Artists →

Clear Stickers

Think about which areas of your artwork should remain transparent and how the design will interact with the color of the surface beneath it.

Explore Clear Stickers →
08

Artwork Checklist Before You Order

✓
Use the original artwork file

Choose the cleanest and highest-quality version available.

✓
Check the final sticker size

Make sure text and fine details remain readable when reduced.

✓
Review the background

Confirm whether you want transparency or a visible background.

✓
Protect important details

Keep essential artwork away from the intended cut edge.

✓
Check spelling and content

Review names, URLs, dates, QR codes, and other important information.

✓
Review your proof carefully

Use the proof stage to confirm the final artwork before production.

Artwork FAQ

Common Artwork Questions

What file type is best for custom stickers?

Original vector files are ideal for many logos and illustrations because they can usually be resized cleanly. High-resolution PNG and JPG files can also work well when they contain enough detail for the intended sticker size.

Can I upload a JPG for custom stickers?

Yes. A clear, high-resolution JPG can work well. Keep in mind that a visible white or colored background in the JPG is normally part of the artwork.

Do I need a transparent background?

Only if you want the surrounding background removed from the printed design. Transparent PNG or vector artwork is useful for logos, characters, lettering, and other artwork that should not include a rectangular background.

Can you print a low-resolution image?

Low-resolution artwork may produce softer or more pixelated results, especially when enlarged. Use the original or highest-resolution source whenever possible.

Why does my artwork need space around the cut line?

Leaving room around important elements helps prevent text, faces, thin borders, or other critical details from sitting too close to the sticker edge.

Will the printed color exactly match my screen?

Not always. Screens and printed materials reproduce color differently, so some variation between on-screen artwork and the final printed result can occur.

Artwork Ready?

Create Your Custom Stickers

Once your artwork is ready, choose the sticker format that best fits your design, surface, and intended use.

Create Custom Stickers Explore Sticker Types