The fastest way: use the Markup tool in Photos

Open the photo you want to turn into a sticker in the Photos app, tap Edit, then tap the three dots and select Markup. Tap the plus sign at the bottom, then Magnifying Glass to find the sticker tools. You'll see a pen icon with a circle around it — that's the drawing tool. Draw around your subject to create a selection, then lift your finger. iPhone will automatically separate your subject from the background.

Once the subject is isolated, tap Copy, then open a new blank canvas in Notes or a design app. Paste your cutout. The background will be transparent, so you can now add a new background behind it — a solid color, a gradient, or another image. This works best when your subject has clear edges and contrasts with the original background.

Key Takeaways

  • The Markup tool in Photos can separate your subject from its background automatically, leaving you with a transparent cutout to place on a new background.
  • If Markup's automatic selection doesn't work cleanly, you can draw your own selection line around the subject by hand.
  • Apps like Pixelmator Pro, Affinity Photo, and Procreate give you more control over selection and background removal than the built-in tools.
  • Once your subject is on a transparent background, you can add a solid color, gradient, or image behind it in Notes, Photos, or a design app.

Drawing your own selection if automatic detection fails

If the automatic selection doesn't work — for example, if your subject blends into the background or has soft edges — you can draw the selection yourself. In Markup, use the pen tool to trace around your subject by hand. You don't need to be perfect; iPhone will snap to edges as you draw. When you lift your finger, the app will refine the selection based on what it detects.

This method takes longer but gives you more control. If you make a mistake, tap Undo and try again. Once you're happy with the selection, tap Copy and paste it onto your new background.

Using third-party apps for more control

Pixelmator Pro ($4.99 one-time purchase) has a selection tool called "Select" that lets you paint over the area you want to keep, and it will automatically detect and remove the background. Affinity Photo ($11.99 one-time purchase) offers similar tools plus layer masks, which let you hide parts of a layer without deleting them — useful if you want to adjust your selection later.

Procreate ($12.99 one-time purchase) is designed for drawing but also handles background removal well if you import a photo. All three apps let you work with layers, so you can keep your subject and background on separate layers and adjust them independently. These apps are worth the cost if you plan to make stickers regularly.

Adding a new background after removing the old one

Once your subject is on a transparent background, you have several options for what goes behind it. In Notes, paste your cutout, then tap and hold to bring up the menu and select Add Sketch. You can draw a background, or paste a photo behind the sticker. In Photos, use the editing tools to add a color or blur effect to a new layer underneath.

If you're using a design app like Canva (free version available) or Adobe Express (free version available), create a new canvas, add your background image or color, then paste your cutout on top. This gives you the most flexibility — you can resize, rotate, and position your subject exactly where you want it.

Why transparent backgrounds matter for stickers

A sticker with a transparent background can be placed on any other image or color without a hard rectangle around it. If you add a white or colored background to your sticker, it will always show that background, even when you paste it over something else. Transparent backgrounds are what make stickers look like they actually belong on top of another image.

Most apps that accept stickers — Messages, Notes, third-party messaging apps — expect transparent backgrounds. If your sticker has a solid background, it will look pasted on rather than integrated. This is why removing the original background is the first step.

Saving your sticker so you can use it again

After you've created your sticker with a new background, save it to your Photos library or to your Files app so you can find it later. In most apps, tap Share or Export, then choose Save Image or Save to Files. If you're using Procreate or Pixelmator, export as PNG — that format preserves the transparent background.

If you plan to use the same sticker in Messages or Notes repeatedly, you can add it to your sticker library. Long-press the image in Messages, tap Add Sticker, and it will appear in your sticker drawer. This only works if the image has a transparent background.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is saving your sticker as a JPEG instead of PNG. JPEG doesn't support transparency, so your transparent background will become white or another solid color. Always export as PNG if the app gives you the choice.

Another mistake is cutting too close to your subject. Leave a small margin of space around the edges so the sticker doesn't look cramped. If you're using Markup and the automatic selection cuts off part of your subject, undo and try drawing the selection yourself instead.

Finally, don't assume the first background you add is final. Most apps let you undo or delete layers, so experiment. If a solid color doesn't work, try a gradient or a blurred photo. The best stickers often have straightforward, non-distracting backgrounds that let the subject stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a background to a sticker that already has one?

Yes, but you'll need to remove the old background first using Markup or a third-party app. Once the background is transparent, you can add a new one. If you try to add a background on top of an existing one, you'll end up with two backgrounds stacked, which usually looks wrong.

What's the difference between PNG and JPEG for stickers?

PNG supports transparent backgrounds; JPEG does not. If you save a sticker with a transparent background as JPEG, the transparent areas will become solid white or another color. Always use PNG for stickers you plan to place on other images.

Why does my sticker look blurry after I add a background?

This usually happens when you resize the image after adding the background. Resizing down and then back up loses detail. Create your sticker at the size you plan to use it, or start with a high-resolution image so you have room to resize without losing quality.

Can I use a photo as a background for my sticker?

Yes. Paste your cutout on top of a photo in Notes, Photos, or a design app. The photo will show through the transparent areas around your subject. This works best when the photo is straightforward or blurred so it doesn't compete with the sticker itself.

How do I add my sticker to Messages so I can use it anytime?

Save the sticker to your Photos library as a PNG with a transparent background. Open Messages, start a conversation, tap the app drawer (the grid icon), then tap the sticker icon. Tap the plus sign, find your image, and tap Add Sticker. It will appear in your sticker library from then on.