Your iPhone can turn any photo into a custom sticker by lifting the subject out of its background, then let you use it in Messages and other apps. It is a fun, free feature built into recent iOS versions, and it takes only a few taps.
What you'll need
- An iPhone running a recent iOS version
- A photo of a clear subject
Step by step
- Open a photoIn the Photos app, choose a picture with a clear subject, like a person, pet, or object, against a distinct background for the best cutout.
- Touch and hold the subjectPress and hold your finger on the main subject. A glowing outline appears as iOS lifts it away from the background.
- Tap Add StickerIn the pop-up menu that appears, choose 'Add Sticker'. The cutout is saved to your personal sticker collection.
- Add an effect (optional)Tap the sticker in your collection and choose 'Add Effect' to give it an outline, shiny, puffy, or comic look.
- Use it in MessagesOpen a chat, tap the plus or Apps icon, choose Stickers, and tap your sticker to send it or drag it onto a message bubble.
Handy tips
- Photos with a subject that stands out from the background produce the cleanest cutouts.
- Your stickers sync across your Apple devices, so ones made on your iPhone show up on your iPad too.
- You can also make animated stickers from Live Photos the same way.
FAQ
Why can I not lift the subject out of my photo?
The subject may blur into the background, or your iPhone may be on an older iOS version. Try a clearer photo, and update iOS if the feature is missing.
Where are my saved stickers kept?
In the sticker drawer, reachable from the Messages app or the emoji keyboard's sticker section, and they sync across your Apple devices.
Can I delete a sticker I made?
Yes. Open your sticker collection, press and hold the sticker, and choose Delete.