How to Make a Sticker from a Photo on iPhone
Turn any photo into a sticker on iPhone: cut out people, pets or objects with AI background removal and use them in messages, chats and designs.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Your dog's funniest face, your friend's dramatic pose, your new sneakers — almost any photo can become a sticker. All you need is a clean cut-out of the subject.
Two ways to make a sticker
Option 1: The built-in iOS way
On iOS 17 and later, open a photo in the Photos app, touch and hold the subject until it lifts, then choose Add Sticker. It's quick for messages.
Option 2: Save a cut-out with Erase Spark
If you want a saved image you can use anywhere — chat apps, design tools, printed sticker sheets — make a cut-out:
- Open Erase Spark and choose Remove Background.
- Pick your photo.
- The AI isolates the subject.
- Save it to your Photos and use it wherever you like.
Pick the right photo
| Good sticker photo | Why |
|---|---|
| Clear subject, plain background | Clean edges |
| Expressive face or pose | Stickers are about emotion |
| Sharp, no motion blur | Blur makes fuzzy outlines |
| Whole subject in frame | Cut-off ears or hands look odd |
Pets with fluffy fur are the hardest — good light helps. See our tips on cutting out pets.
Make it more fun
- Clean it up first. Use Remove Object to erase anything stuck to the subject, like a leash or a hand.
- Add something silly. With Replace Object, give your cat a party hat or turn a cup into a donut before cutting out — ideas in AI replace prompts.
- Add a white outline in a design app for the classic sticker look.
Printed stickers
For printed sticker sheets, start with the sharpest, highest-resolution photo you have, cut out the subject, and place several cut-outs on one page in a design app.
Related guides
Try it on your photos
Erase Spark makes one-tap cut-outs on iPhone and iPad. Free to download.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a sticker from a photo on iPhone?
On iOS 17+ touch and hold the subject in Photos and choose Add Sticker, or remove the background in Erase Spark and save the cut-out.
Can I make stickers of my pet?
Yes. Use a sharp photo with good light; fluffy fur needs contrast with the background for clean edges.
How do I add a white border to a sticker?
After cutting out the subject, add an outline or stroke effect in a design app.
Can I print stickers made from photos?
Yes. Use a high-resolution photo, cut out the subject and arrange the stickers on a sheet for printing.