How to print photos on sticker paper

Ever wanted to turn your favorite photos into stickers? Maybe it’s your pet pulling a funny face, a snapshot from a trip, or a picture you want in your journal. Printing photos on sticker paper is an easy way to bring those memories into everyday life. It works for scrapbooks, water bottles, laptops, or little gifts. All you need is the right paper, a printer, and a few minutes.

Why should you listen to us? We print stickers every day, so we know what works. Having photos saved on your phone is nice, but holding them as real stickers is a whole different feeling.

What you’ll need to make your own photo stickers

Before you hit print, make sure you’ve got the right tools. We don't want to waste anything. Nothing fancy is required, just a few basics:

• Printer – An inkjet works best, but some sticker papers are also laser compatible.
• Sticker paper – You can choose paper for a more eco-friendly result or vinyl if you want durability.
• Photos or designs – Digital files from your phone, camera, or editing software.
• Scissors or a craft knife – For cutting your stickers to the right size.
• Cutting machine (optional) – A Cricut or Silhouette makes clean, precise cuts.
• Protective finish (optional) – Use laminate sheets or a clear spray to keep stickers from scratching or fading.

That’s it. Once you have these, you’re ready to turn any photo into a sticker you can actually hold.

Step 1 – Prepare your photo

Start with a high-resolution image so your photo stickers don’t look blurry. Crop and resize to fit your sticker sheet, and keep in mind the different designs you might want to create on one sheet.

If you want to get creative, edit in Canva, Photoshop, or any free software. Pro tip: leave a little space between photos so you can cut them easily with scissors or a craft knife.

See our print-ready checklist.

Step 2 – Choose the right sticker paper

Not all sticker paper is the same, and choosing the right one makes a big difference in the final quality.

• Glossy paper makes colors bright and photo-like.
• Matte gives a softer, more subtle finish.
• Vinyl is the best option for durability because it's waterproof and dishwasher safe.

Always check that the paper is compatible with your inkjet or laser printer before you print.

Even with less durable sticker paper, you can still make the stickers dishwasher-safe after printing.

Step 3 – Set up your printer

Load the sticker sheet with the printable side facing correctly. In your printer settings, choose:

• Paper type = labels or glossy photo
• Print quality = high or best setting
• Borderless printing if you want edge-to-edge stickers

Do a quick test print on plain paper to check alignment and colors before using your sticker sheet. This helps you avoid wasting materials and can prevent curling later.

See our picks for top printers for stickers.

Step 4 – Print your photos

Print directly onto the sticker paper. Let the sheet dry completely for 15 to 30 minutes before handling. This will help avoid smudging and keep your stickers looking sharp.

Step 5 – Cut and finish your custom stickers

Cut your stickers with scissors or a craft knife. A cutting machine like Cricut or Silhouette gives cleaner edges and works well if you’re making multiple stickers or bigger batches for a small business.

Want extra durability? Add laminating sheets or a clear spray sealer to protect your stickers from scratches, water, and fading. This makes them perfect for laptops, bottles, or scrapbooking projects where you want your favorite photos to last.

Pro tips for the best results

• Check your file type. Save your photos as PNG or PDF for crisp edges and better colors.
• Check the size. Smaller stickers can look pixelated if the photo isn’t high-resolution. Start with your favorite photos in the best quality you have.
• Keep colors true. If your printer settings look too dark or light, adjust brightness in your editing software before printing.
• Think about use. Stickers for laptops, bottles, or scrapbooks might need extra durability, while simple paper labels don’t.
• Try custom shapes. Instead of standard squares or rectangles, cut your stickers into fun shapes that match your design.
• Try different designs. Mix photos with text, borders, or backgrounds to make your photo stickers stand out.

When to print at home vs order professionally

Printing at home is great if you just want a few photo stickers for a journal, scrapbook, or to decorate personal items. It’s fun, affordable, and you can experiment with different designs whenever you like.

But if you need stickers that are waterproof, long-lasting, or cut to precise shapes, that’s where professional printing makes the difference. At Sticker it, we print custom stickers every day using high-quality materials and equipment that most home printers can’t match. The result is professional, durable stickers that look as good on packaging as they do on a laptop or water bottle. Our most popular option is die cut stickers!

So try printing at home for small batches or craft projects. And when you want something that stands out for your brand or small business, trust the people who live and breathe stickers.

Making stickers is easy!

Photos are meant to be seen, not buried in a phone gallery. Printing them as stickers is an easy way to enjoy those moments every day. A few sheets of sticker paper, a printer, and some scissors are all it takes to start making stickers that feel personal and fun.

And when you are ready for the kind of quality that lasts, waterproof, scratch resistant, and cut to any shape, we are here for you. Sticker it prints thousands of custom stickers every day, so you know your designs are in good hands