Set Up Your Artwork for Success
To ensure your Shape Stickers print beautifully follow these guidelines when preparing your artwork:
File Setup Checklist
- Resolution: 300 DPI or higher for sharp, high-quality printing
- Color Mode: CMYK for accurate color reproduction
- Accepted File Types: AI, PDF, EPS, PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF
- Preferred Files: Vector formats (AI, PDF, EPS) or high-resolution raster images at 300 DPI
Size & Layout Guidelines
- Minimum Size: 1" x 1"
- Maximum Size: 11" x 14"
- Safety Margin: Leave at least 1/8" (0.125") of clear space inside the cutline to avoid unintentional cropping
- Text & Line Weight: Use fonts 5 pt or larger and line weights of at least 0.5 pt for readability
Shape Sticker Considerations
- Bleeds: Full-bleed designs are accepted—extend your background color or image at least 1/8" (0.125") beyond the cutline
- Rounded Corners: Recommended to prevent edge lift, especially for stickers exposed to friction
- Custom Shapes: Available at no extra charge—just ensure your cutline is clearly defined in a separate vector layer
- No Neon or PMS Matching: We print in full-color CMYK only and do not support Pantone or neon inks
Application & Finishing Notes
- Finish: Stickers are printed with a protective UV laminate—glossy or matte depending on the material and your choice
- Adhesive Compatibility: Built to last on clean, dry surfaces—great for water bottles, car bumpers, gear cases, and other outdoor gear.
Need more assistance? Check out our artwork setup guidelines.
Why 300 DPI Matters?
Artwork resolution plays a crucial role in print quality. Here's why 300 DPI is the standard for printing:
- Sharp, Detailed Prints: High DPI ensures your design looks clean and professional without pixelation.
- Accurate Colors: More pixels result in more precise color representation.
- Professional Quality: Avoid blurry, distorted prints that may harm your brand’s image.
- Customize Your Stickers: Pick your your material, shape, size, and quantity from the dropdowns above.
- Upload Your Artwork: Upload your design file right away—or upload it after checkout.
- Accepted formats: AI, EPS, PDF, PNG, PSD, TIF, TIFF, JPEG, JPG. View artwork setup guide.
- Pro Tip: Use the Special Instructions box to share any design notes you'd like reflected in your proof. What to include.
- Place Your Order: Head to checkout and complete your order.
- Want to save designs and reorder faster? Create an account at checkout.
- Need it fast? Choose Rush Printing and expedited shipping (extra fees apply). Learn more about Rush Printing
- Pro Tip: Sign up for our emails to get 20% off your first order. And check our coupons page for the latest deals.
- Review & Approve Your Proof: We’ll email a free digital proof showing your design layout, cutline, and size. Approve it or request edits—we don’t print until you say go. See what’s included in your proof.
- Print & Ship: Once you approve your proof, we get to work. Your Custom Stickers will be printed and shipped before you know it!
Need help? Our real human support team is ready to assist or visit the Help Center.
Why Choose Custom Shape Stickers?
Custom Shape Stickers are perfect for brands, creators, and marketers who want their designs to stand out—literally. Each sticker is laser-cut to the unique shape of your artwork, creating a professional, eye-catching finish. Made from durable, water-resistant BOPP material, they’re built to last indoors and out.
With bold color, strong adhesive, and individual cutting for easy peeling, they’re great for everything from packaging to giveaways.
Popular Uses for Custom Shape Stickers
- Branding & Packaging: Add a fun, high-quality finish to your products, mailers, or shopping bags. Shaped stickers help logos and designs pop on any surface.
- Promos & Giveaways: These individually cut stickers are easy to hand out at events, trade shows, and festivals. Great for sticker swaps or swag bags.
- Merch for Creators & Artists: Sell or share your art in sticker form. Die-cut shapes let your illustrations shine without a boring background.
- Window & Outdoor Use: Thanks to their durable material and long-lasting adhesive, shape stickers work great on laptops, cars, water bottles, and storefront windows.
- Limited Runs & Special Editions: Need a custom touch for your next drop? Minimums start at just 10—perfect for seasonal promos or small-batch designs.
Application Tips
- Easy to Peel & Apply: Each sticker features a pre-scored backing for quick, frustration-free use.
- Works on Most Surfaces: Best applied to clean, dry, smooth surfaces like glass, plastic, or cardboard.
- Indoor & Outdoor Ready: With weather-resistant lamination, these stickers are tough enough to last outside for 12–18 months.
- Writable with Sharpie: Great for adding notes, names, or prices—especially on matte finishes.
Shape stickers often require thoughtful sizing—choosing the wrong dimensions can distort your design or dilute your brand’s impact.
Here are a few size comparisons to things we see all the time.
- 1 inch (quarter-sized): Great for small items or subtle branding
- 2 inch (Oreo-sized): Ideal for laptops, bottles, and packaging
- 2 x 3.5 inch (business card size): Perfect for promos, events, and handouts
Frequently Asked Questions
- White (Paper Backing) – Our most versatile option, available with Glossy or Matte laminate. Great for bold colors and everyday use.
- Holographic – Features a rainbow shimmer effect that reacts to light. Choose Glossy for extra shine or Matte for a satin glow.
- Glow in the Dark – Charges in light and glows in the dark. Available with Glossy finish only.
- Glitter – Adds an eye-catching sparkle with no mess. Comes in a Glossy finish.
- Glossy UV – Adds shine and makes colors vibrant and bold.
- Matte – Soft, non-glare finish with a premium feel.
- Glossy – Crystal-clear with a smooth, shiny surface.
- Matte – Frosted look for a more subtle, elegant appearance.
- Glossy UV – Maximizes the rainbow shimmer for a high-impact effect.
- Matte UV – Softens the holographic reflection, creating a smooth, metallic finish—perfect for gold, silver, or bronze tones.
- Glossy only – These specialty materials are only available with a glossy finish, which enhances their glow or sparkle effects.
What sticker shapes can I order?
You can choose from circle, square, rectangle, oval, and bumper sticker shapes—each available in your choice of material and laminate finish (where available). These popular formats give you flexible design options for product packaging, promotions, and branding.
All shapes are laser-cut for clean edges and a professional finish.
What materials and finishes can I choose from?
You can customize your stickers with one of the following base materials:
All finishes are water, oil, scratch, and UV resistant—and provide 12–18 months of outdoor durability.
Are Custom Shape Stickers waterproof and durable?
Custom Shape Stickers are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. They hold up well in rain, snow, car washes, and coolers, making them ideal for outdoor gear, water bottles, and cars. However, they’re not designed for full submersion, and repeated dishwasher use may degrade the lamination—we recommend hand washing to extend sticker life.
Custom Stickers are also highly durable and resistant to scratches, oil, and fading—so your designs stay vibrant through everyday wear and tear.
Should I choose Glossy or Matte laminate for my stickers?
It depends on the look you're going for—and the material you choose. Here's how each laminate affects your custom shape stickers:
White Stickers
Clear Stickers
Holographic Stickers
Glow in the Dark & Glitter Stickers
- White (Paper Backing) –A versatile choice for logos, packaging, and promotions. Glossy makes colors vibrant; Matte gives a smooth, glare-free finish.
- Clear – Great for glass, plastic, or any surface where you want a sleek, “no-label” look.
- Holographic – Eye-catching with a rainbow shimmer—perfect for bold designs and limited-edition drops.
- Glitter – Adds sparkle and fun. Ideal for event swag, stickers for kids, or anything that needs to shine.
- Glow in the Dark – Glows after light exposure. Great for novelty designs, spooky themes, or nighttime visibility.
How does the holographic or glitter effect work?
Holographic material reflects light to create a rainbow-shifting metallic finish, while glitter adds a sparkling texturethat shines under light. For both effects, lighter designs shimmer more, and darker colors create a subtler look.
How do Glow in the Dark Stickers work?
Glow in the Dark Stickers are made from phosphorescent material that absorbs light and re-emits it in the dark. To activate the glow, simply expose the sticker to natural or indoor light for a few minutes—it will glow for hours afterward.
Will Custom Shape Stickers stick to curved surfaces?
Yes! Thanks to our flexible polypropylene material and strong adhesive, these stickers apply smoothly on bottles, jars, and other curved containers, staying put without wrinkling or peeling.
What’s the difference between Die Cut and standard shapes?
Die Cut Stickers are trimmed exactly to your artwork’s outline for a fully custom silhouette, while standard shapes (like circles, squares, rectangles, and ovals) follow pre-set contours. Both use the same high-quality materials and laminates.
Which material should I choose for my Custom Shape Stickers?
Each material offers a unique finish and feel. Here's how to pick the right one for your project:
All materials are durable, water- and UV-resistant, and custom-cut to your design.