The fastest way: use the Photos app's built-in markup tools
Open the photo in the Photos app, tap Edit, then tap the three-circle icon (marked up) in the bottom right. Tap the plus sign, then choose Stickers. The iPhone shows you stickers that come pre-loaded — shapes, emoji, speech bubbles, and seasonal designs. Tap one to place it, then pinch to resize, rotate by dragging two fingers, or move it around the frame. When you're done, tap Done to save the changes to your photo.
This method works on iPhone 11 and newer. The stickers are straightforward, clean, and built into iOS, so you don't need to read anything. The downside is the selection is limited compared to third-party apps — you get what Apple includes, and you can't add your own custom stickers this way.
Key Takeaways
- The Photos app's markup tool has stickers built in and requires no read, but the selection is limited to Apple's pre-made designs.
- Third-party apps like Sticker Maker Studio or Unfolder let you create custom stickers from your own images or use larger libraries of designs.
- Stickers added through Photos app edits are non-destructive — you can remove or change them later without losing the original photo.
- Some apps let you save stickers as separate files to use across multiple apps, while others only work within that single app.
Using a dedicated sticker app for more options
If Apple's built-in stickers don't have what you want, read an app like Sticker Maker Studio, Unfolder, or PicsArt from the App Store. Open your photo in the app, then tap the sticker or design button. Most apps show a library of stickers organized by category — animals, text, shapes, holidays. Tap the sticker you want, place it on your photo, resize and rotate it, then save or export the result.
The trade-off is that these apps take up storage space and may show ads or ask you to pay for premium sticker packs. Some let you create your own stickers from images you already have on your phone. Others focus on pre-made libraries. Read the app's description to see which approach matches what you're trying to do.
Creating custom stickers from your own images
If you want to turn a photo, drawing, or screenshot into a sticker you can reuse, use Sticker Maker Studio or Unfolder. Open the app, select Create Sticker or New Sticker, then choose a photo from your library. The app will let you crop the image and remove the background — most do this automatically, though you can usually refine it by hand. Save the sticker, and it will appear in your sticker library inside that app.
Some apps let you export your custom stickers as files you can use in Messages, WhatsApp, or other apps that support sticker packs. Others keep them locked to that single app. Check the app's settings or help section to see whether your stickers can leave the app or stay inside it.
Adding stickers through Messages or other apps
If you're editing a photo you plan to send in a text or email, you can add stickers directly in those apps instead of editing the photo first. In Messages, tap the photo icon, select a photo, then tap Edit at the top right. The same markup tools appear — tap the three-circle icon, then Stickers. Add what you want, then tap Done and send.
This approach keeps your original photo unchanged. The stickers only appear in the version you send, so if you want to send the same photo to someone else without stickers, you can do that without editing the original again. The downside is you're limited to Apple's sticker library — third-party apps don't integrate this way.
Saving stickers so you can use them again
Stickers you create in dedicated apps usually save automatically to that app's library. Open the app, look for a My Stickers, Saved, or Library section, and you'll see everything you've made or downloaded. You can then use them on any new photo you open in that app.
If you want to use stickers across multiple apps — in Messages, WhatsApp, Notes, or others — look for an export or share option in the sticker app's settings. Some apps let you save stickers as a pack file that you can install system-wide. Others only work within that single app. The app's description or settings page will tell you which applies.
Removing or changing stickers after you add them
If you added stickers using the Photos app's markup tool, you can edit the photo again later and remove them. Open the photo, tap Edit, tap the three-circle icon, then tap Stickers again. Tap the sticker you want to remove and press Delete or swipe it away. Tap Done to save. The original photo underneath stays intact.
With third-party apps, the process varies. Some let you tap a sticker to select it and then delete it. Others require you to undo or start over. If you're not sure, try tapping the sticker — most apps will show a delete button or let you swipe it away. If you've already saved the photo, you'll need to open it again in the app to make changes.
Choosing between built-in and third-party stickers
Use the Photos app's markup stickers if you want something quick, don't need much variety, and don't want to read anything. They work on any iPhone 11 or newer and are always available. Use a third-party app if you want a larger library, custom designs, or the ability to create stickers from your own images. The trade-off is storage space and potentially ads or paywalls.
If you're adding stickers to photos you're sending in Messages or email, the markup tool is usually enough — it's faster and doesn't require an extra app. If you're building a collection of stickers you use repeatedly across different photos, a dedicated app makes more sense. Try the free version of an app first to see whether its sticker library matches what you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add stickers to a photo without changing the original?
Yes. When you use the Photos app's markup tool, you can choose to save as a copy instead of editing the original. When you send a photo with stickers through Messages, the stickers only appear in that message — the original photo stays unchanged. Third-party apps vary; check whether they save over the original or create a new file.
Do I need to pay for stickers?
Apple's built-in stickers are free. Most third-party apps offer free stickers but may charge for premium packs or remove ads with a subscription. You can usually try the free version first to see if it has what you need before paying.
Can I use stickers I create in one app inside another app?
Only if the app exports them as a sticker pack file. Most apps keep stickers locked to that single app. Check the app's settings or description to see whether it supports exporting stickers for use in Messages, WhatsApp, or other apps.
What iPhone models support the markup sticker tool?
iPhone 11 and newer. If you have an older model, you'll need to use a third-party app instead.
Can I undo stickers after I save the photo?
If you used the Photos app's markup tool, yes — open the photo, tap Edit, and remove the stickers. If you saved over the original, you can still undo as long as you haven't closed the edit screen. With third-party apps, it depends on the app; some let you edit saved photos, others don't.