Creating a sticker from a photo or screenshot

To make a sticker on Snapchat, take a photo or video using the app's camera, then tap the scissors icon in the bottom toolbar. This opens the sticker creation tool. Snapchat will automatically detect the main subject — a person, object, or shape — and outline it. You can adjust the outline by dragging the edges inward or outward to include or exclude parts of the image.

Once you're satisfied with the outline, tap the checkmark to confirm. Snapchat will cut out your subject and save it as a sticker you can use in Snaps, Chats, and Stories. The sticker appears in your sticker tray at the bottom of the camera screen, grouped under "My Stickers" so you can find it later.

If the automatic detection misses parts of your subject or includes unwanted background, use your finger to draw directly on the outline. Snapchat lets you erase sections by swiping backward or add sections by swiping forward along the edge.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Snapchat's camera, take a photo or video, then tap the scissors icon to start the sticker tool.
  • Snapchat automatically detects and outlines the main subject, but you can adjust the outline by hand if needed.
  • Confirmed stickers save to your "My Stickers" folder and stay available for future Snaps and Chats.
  • You can also create stickers from existing photos in your camera roll by opening them in Snapchat's memories or using the upload option.

Making stickers from your camera roll

You don't have to take a new photo to create a sticker. Open Snapchat and swipe up from the camera screen to access Memories. Find the photo you want to turn into a sticker, tap it, then look for the scissors icon. The same cutting and outlining process applies — Snapchat will detect the subject and let you refine the edges before saving it as a sticker.

If you want to use a screenshot or photo from outside Snapchat, you can also import it directly. Some versions of the app let you tap the gallery icon on the camera screen to upload a photo, then proceed with the sticker creation tool. Check your app version, as this feature may not be available on all devices or in all regions.

Using stickers in Snaps and conversations

Once a sticker is saved to your "My Stickers" folder, you can add it to any Snap or Chat. While viewing your camera or composing a message, tap the sticker icon (usually a smiley face or star) at the bottom of the screen. Scroll to find your custom sticker, then tap it to place it on your Snap or message. You can resize it by pinching, rotate it by twisting two fingers, and move it anywhere on the screen.

Custom stickers stay in your sticker tray indefinitely unless you delete them. You can organize them by creating folders or simply scroll through your collection each time you want to use one. Snapchat also suggests stickers based on what you're snapping, so your custom stickers may appear in the recommendations if they match the scene.

Deleting or managing your stickers

To remove a sticker you no longer want, open your sticker tray and long-press the sticker. A menu will appear with options to delete it or view details about when you created it. Deleted stickers cannot be recovered, so make sure you're removing the right one.

If your sticker tray becomes crowded, you can organize stickers into custom folders. Long-press a sticker and select "Create Folder" or "Add to Folder" depending on your app version. This keeps your most-used stickers easy to find without scrolling through dozens of options.

Sticker quality and best practices

Stickers work best when the subject has clear edges and contrasts with the background. A photo of a person against a plain wall will cut cleanly, while a photo of a tree against a forest may confuse the outline tool. If Snapchat struggles to detect your subject, try taking the photo with better lighting or a simpler background.

Keep in mind that stickers are stored locally on your device. If you switch phones or reinstall Snapchat, your custom stickers will not transfer automatically. If you have stickers you want to keep long-term, take a screenshot of them or save the original photo separately.

Sharing stickers with friends

Your custom stickers are private by default — only you can see them in your sticker tray. Snapchat does not have a built-in way to send a sticker file to another user. However, you can share the sticker itself by adding it to a Snap or Chat and sending that to a friend. The recipient will see the sticker in that message but won't have it saved to their own sticker collection.

If you want a friend to have the same sticker, you'll need to send them the original photo and have them create their own sticker from it using the same process. This is the current limitation of Snapchat's sticker system — stickers are tied to individual accounts rather than shared across users.

Troubleshooting sticker creation

If the scissors icon doesn't appear after taking a photo, make sure you're using a recent version of Snapchat. Older app versions may not have the sticker tool, or it may be disabled in your region. Check your app store for updates and reinstall if necessary.

If the outline tool struggles to detect your subject, try a different angle or background. Snapchat's detection works better with distinct objects and clear lighting. If a sticker fails to save, check that you have enough storage space on your device and that Snapchat has permission to access your camera and photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a sticker from a video instead of a photo?

Yes. When you record a video in Snapchat, you can tap the scissors icon just as you would with a photo. Snapchat will let you choose a frame from the video to turn into a sticker, or you can create a sticker from the entire video clip, which will animate when you use it.

Do my custom stickers sync across devices?

No. Stickers are stored on the device where you created them. If you log into Snapchat on a different phone, your custom stickers won't appear. You'll need to recreate them on the new device using the original photos.

What happens if I delete a sticker by accident?

Deleted stickers cannot be recovered from Snapchat. However, if you still have the original photo, you can create the sticker again by following the same process. Keep your original photos saved if you think you might want to recreate a sticker later.

Can I edit a sticker after I've created it?

You cannot edit the outline of an existing sticker, but you can delete it and create a new version with a different outline. You can also resize, rotate, and reposition a sticker every time you use it in a Snap or Chat without affecting the saved sticker itself.

Why does Snapchat keep suggesting stickers I don't use?

Snapchat's sticker recommendations are based on the content of your Snap — if you're photographing a dog, it might suggest dog-related stickers. These suggestions come from Snapchat's built-in sticker library, not your custom stickers. You can ignore them and scroll to your "My Stickers" folder instead.