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Project Overview

Stickers are versatile marketing tools and products. This guide covers everything from simple round stickers to complex die-cut shapes.
Time to Complete: 30-90 minutes Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

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Types of Stickers

  • Kiss-Cut Stickers
  • Die-Cut Stickers
  • Sheet Stickers
  • Roll Stickers
  • Transfer Stickers (Decals)
What: Cut through sticker, not backingResult: Individual stickers on sheet, easy to peelShapes: Any shape (die-cut around design)Best for: Custom shapes, logos, detailed designs✅ Most popular choiceExample: Logo sticker with custom outline

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Common Sizes

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Individual Stickers

SizeUse CaseTypical Cost (100 qty)
1” × 1”Tiny logo, seal$20-40
2” × 2”Small logo, icon$30-60
3” × 3”Standard logo$40-80
4” × 4”Large logo$50-100
3” × 2”Rectangle, name tag$35-70
Bumper (3” × 11.5”)Bumper sticker$60-120
Circle 2.5”Round logo$35-70
Custom shapeAny size/shapeVaries

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Sticker Sheets

SizeCommon Use
8.5” × 11”Full sheet, multiple stickers
4” × 6”Small sheet
2” × 3.5”Business card size sheet

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Design Specifications

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Standard Kiss-Cut Sticker

SpecificationValue
Minimum Size1” × 1”
Maximum Size12” × 12” (varies by printer)
Resolution300 DPI minimum
Color ModeCMYK (or spot colors)
File FormatPDF, AI, or EPS
Bleed0.0625-0.125” (1.5-3mm)
Safety Zone0.0625” (1.5mm) inside cut line

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Shape Options

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Standard Shapes

  • Circle
  • Square / Rectangle
  • Oval
  • Custom Die-Cut
Most popular: Clean, classicSizes: 1”-12” diameterDesign tip: Centered compositionBest for: Logos, icons, badgesExample:
    ┌─────┐
   ╱       ╲
  │  LOGO   │
   ╲       ╱
    └─────┘
Specify: Diameter (e.g., “3 inch circle”)

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Creating Custom Shapes

1

Design Your Sticker

Create artwork in FigmaSize: Actual sticker size (e.g., 3” × 3”)Include: All visual elements
2

Create Cut Line

Method 1: Offset Path
  • Duplicate artwork
  • Create outline 0.125” around edges
  • This becomes cut line
Method 2: Custom Shape
  • Draw path around design
  • Smooth curves
  • No sharp angles < 90° (hard to cut)
Method 3: Use Shape
  • Circle, square, etc.
  • Easier, but less custom
3

Mark Cut Line

In Figma:
  • Create stroke layer for cut line
  • Use distinct color (e.g., magenta)
  • Name layer “Cut Line” or “Die Line”
Specifications:
  • Stroke: 1pt
  • Color: Magenta or as printer specifies
Note: Some printers want separate layer
4

Bleed

Extend design: 0.0625-0.125” beyond cut lineWhy: Ensures no white edgesBackground: Must extend to bleedImportant: Colors/images reach past cut

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Material Options

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Vinyl Stickers

  • White Vinyl
  • Clear/Transparent Vinyl
  • Holographic
  • Metallic
Most common: Opaque white backgroundCharacteristics:
  • Bright colors
  • Weather-resistant
  • Durable (2-4 years)
Best for: General use, outdoor✅ Standard choiceFinish: Gloss, matte, or clear laminate

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Paper Stickers

  • Matte Paper
  • Gloss Paper
Characteristics:
  • Writeable surface
  • Matte finish
  • Natural look
Best for: Product labels, handmade goodsDurability: Indoor onlyCost: Lower than vinyl

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Adhesive Types

  • Permanent
  • Removable
  • High-Tack
Strength: Strong bondRemoval: Difficult, may damage surfaceBest for: Long-term application, products✅ Most common

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Finishes & Coatings

  • Gloss Laminate
  • Matte Laminate
  • Crack-and-Peel
  • No Laminate
Appearance: Shiny, vibrantProtection: UV, water, scratch resistantBest for: Outdoor, high-useFeel: Smooth✅ Most popular

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Designing Great Stickers

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Design Best Practices

Stickers are small: Design should read clearlyAvoid:
  • Tiny text (< 8pt)
  • Fine details
  • Complex patterns
Use:
  • Bold shapes
  • High contrast
  • Large text
Test: View at actual size
High contrast: Better visibilityExamples:
  • Dark on light
  • Light on dark
  • Bold outlines
Avoid: Similar tones (hard to read)Test: Grayscale viewTip: Add stroke/outline if needed
Keep clear: 0.0625” (1.5mm) from cutWhy: Cutting toleranceImportant elements: Further from edgeBleed: Extend backgrounds beyond cutExample:
┌─────────────┐ ← Bleed edge
│ ┌─────────┐ │ ← Cut line
│ │ [TEXT]  │ │ ← Safe area (important content)
│ └─────────┘ │
└─────────────┘
Option: Add white border around designBenefits:
  • Easier to see on any background
  • Cleaner look
  • Hides slight cut variation
Width: 0.125-0.25” typicalPopular: For logo stickersExample:
┌──────────────┐
│ ┌──────────┐ │ ← White border
│ │  DESIGN  │ │
│ └──────────┘ │
└──────────────┘
CMYK: For full-color designsSpot Colors: For brand accuracyTransparent areas: Plan if using clear vinylTest: Convert to CMYK early, check colorsRemember: Screen ≠ printSee Color Guide

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Text on Stickers

Minimum sizes:
  • Readable text: 10pt+
  • Fine print: 8pt minimum
  • Headlines: 24pt+
Font choices:
  • Bold fonts better than thin
  • Sans-serif often clearer
  • Outline helps readability
Stroke/outline:
  • Add stroke to text for visibility
  • Especially on complex backgrounds

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Step-by-Step: Round Logo Sticker

1

Set Up Document

Frame size: 3.25” × 3.25” (3” circle + bleed)Press F, create frameName: “Sticker - 3 inch Circle”
2

Add Cut Line

Create circle: 3” diameterCenter: In frameStroke: 1pt, magenta (or printer’s spec)No fill: Just outlineLock layer: Name “Cut Line”, lock it
3

Add Bleed Area

Create circle: 3.125” diameterCenter: Same as cut lineThis marks: Bleed extentUse as guide: Design extends here
4

Design Sticker

Background: Extend to bleed circle (3.125”)Logo: Center, keep 0.0625” from cut lineText (if any): Large, bold, clearEnsure: Design extends beyond cut to bleed
5

Check Safety Zone

Important content: At least 0.0625” inside cut lineTest: Create inner circle 2.875” diameterVerify: All critical elements inside this
6

Export with Print for Figma

Select frameSettings:
  • DPI: 300 ✓
  • CMYK: Yes ✓
  • ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 ✓
  • Bleed: 0.0625” ✓
  • Crop marks: Optional
Export PDF
7

Submit to Printer

Specifications to provide:
Shape: 3" circle (diameter)
Material: White vinyl
Finish: Gloss laminate
Quantity: [number]
Adhesive: Permanent
File: [filename].pdf
Include: Cut line visible or marked

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Ordering Stickers

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Quantity & Pricing

QuantityUnit Cost (3” circle)Total
50$0.60-1.20$30-60
100$0.40-0.80$40-80
250$0.25-0.50$65-125
500$0.20-0.40$100-200
1000$0.15-0.30$150-300
5000+$0.10-0.20$500-1000
Factors affecting cost:
  • Size (larger = more)
  • Quantity (bulk discounts)
  • Material (vinyl vs paper)
  • Finish (laminate adds cost)
  • Shape (custom die may cost more)
  • Colors (spot colors may affect price)
  • Sticker Mule
  • StickerYou
  • UPrinting
  • Local Print Shop
Specialty: Custom die-cut stickersQuality: ExcellentMOQ: 10-50 (very low!)Turnaround: 4-14 daysPrice: PremiumBest for: Samples, small batches, quality

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Sample Before Bulk

Always order samples first!Why:
  • Verify colors (screen ≠ print)
  • Check material/finish
  • Confirm size
  • Test adhesive strength
  • Catch any errors
Cost: $10-50 for sample packSaves: Hundreds/thousands on wrong bulk order

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Common Uses

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Marketing & Branding

  • Logo stickers: Brand awareness
  • Packaging stickers: Seal boxes, add branding
  • Promotional stickers: Giveaways, events
  • Business stickers: With contact info
  • Thank you stickers: Customer appreciation

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Product Labeling

  • Product labels: Ingredients, branding
  • Jar labels: Homemade goods, candles
  • Bottle labels: Beverages, sauces
  • Packaging labels: Identify products

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Personal & Fun

  • Planner stickers: Organization, decoration
  • Laptop stickers: Personalization
  • Water bottle stickers: Custom designs
  • Sticker packs: Collections, art

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Sticker Design Checklist

Before ordering:
  • Size confirmed: Actual dimensions specified
  • Shape defined: Circle, square, custom cut line
  • Resolution 300 DPI: All images high quality
  • Bleed added: 0.0625” beyond cut line
  • Safety zone respected: Important content 0.0625” inside cut
  • Colors CMYK: Converted and verified
  • Text readable: Minimum 8-10pt
  • Cut line marked: Visible or specified
  • Material chosen: Vinyl, paper, finish
  • Adhesive type selected: Permanent, removable, etc.
  • Quantity determined: Based on needs and budget
  • Proofread: Spelling, details accurate
  • Sample ordered: Before bulk production (recommended)

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Troubleshooting

Problem: Not enough bleedSolution:
  • Extend design 0.125” beyond cut line
  • Or add white border
  • Increase safety margin
Prevention: Follow bleed requirements
Normal: Screen (RGB) ≠ Print (CMYK)Solutions:
  • Order sample to verify
  • Use Pantone for brand colors
  • Calibrate monitor (if possible)
  • Accept some variation
Remember: Physical sample is truth
Problem: Font size too smallFix: Increase to minimum 10ptTest: View at actual sizeRemember: Small stickers = larger text needed
Problem: Cut line not includedSolutions:
  • Ensure cut line layer visible
  • Use distinct color (magenta)
  • Check printer requirements
  • Or submit separate cut file
Ask printer: Format they need

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Learn More

Color Management

Get colors right for print

DPI & Resolution

Image quality essentials

Spot Colors

Brand color accuracy

Export Settings

PDF export configuration
Pro Tip: Order a small sample pack first! Test colors, material, and adhesive before committing to 1000+ stickers.