Creating weatherproof labels for your products

Labels are much more than stickers used to identify products and packaging. 

Designed with aesthetics in mind, they look attractive and appealing. If used on products at point of sale, they can play a major role in attracting the attention of shoppers and persuading them to buy.

## Why is label design important?

A wide variety of types of labels are commonly used as a vehicle for branding, and they can be a very effective vehicle too! Branding defines your products and prompts customers to choose them over other similar products, even if yours are more expensive. It is more than just the name of one product. It’s an identity! 

Labels are used to identify what products are and what packaging contains – often at a glance – with just a name and single-sentence description. Whether in the form of a wrapper, a box, or some other type of container, it’s a form of [packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-packaging-design). 

When goods are shipped, another layer of tough packaging is commonly used to protect the product. A label designed for this will typically include the name of the person the goods are being shipped to, for identification, and might incorporate the name of the product and manufacturer, and a definitive logo. 
Labels are also used to display information about products. Typically they display the ingredients, measurements and/or quantities, directions for use, any cautionary (or hazard) details, and the manufacturer’s contact information. If there is a trademark, it will also be shown on the label. 

When designed for the packaging that contains a product for shipping, there may be less information on labels, but the information presented plays a vital role in terms of identification. If the packaging contains the product at point of sale, there will likely be more information as well as all important branding. 

Wherever they are going to be used, you need to create designs that are fit for purpose, and labels that will withstand wear and tear when products are being transported, displayed, or when they are in use. This is why weatherproof labels and waterproof stickers are so popular. 

## Why should you use weatherproof labels?

Many factors need to be considered when creating designs and labels for products. The primary function of the label and its intended use is paramount. 

For instance, if the label is for liquid or semiliquid products including drinks, shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and hand soap, or they contain oil or chemicals, then it’s a good idea to make waterproof stickers that will withstand drips, spills, and moisture. If products or packaging are likely to be used or even stored outdoors, even undercover, [waterproof stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/waterproof-stickers) are a must.

Even products that are used inside, whether in homes, factories, or offices, will benefit from weatherproof labels that last longer and are considerably stronger and resistant to scratching and fading than run-of-the-mill paper labels. 

Thick, scratch-resistant vinyl is an ideal material for weatherproof stickers and labels, especially those manufactured with a heat-proof adhesive that will resist rain, dirt, and sunshine. 

High-quality vinyl stickers are printed with inks that ensure they are weatherproof and can stand the test of washing. 

They can be printed and cut to your exact specifications and used on a multitude of different surfaces.

Waterproof labels can also be cut to size and in just about any shape. The preferred material is durable [biaxially orientated polypropylene (BOPP)](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/what-is-bopp), a type of plastic film that is stretched in two directions when it is produced to improve its flexibility and strength. 

Available as an opaque or transparent material, BOPP is considerably thinner than vinyl and it can be printed using chemical or water-based inks. Tough and incredibly long-lasting, it is resistant to water and most chemicals and it withstands UV light so it doesn’t fade when exposed to sunlight. 

### Shapes and sizes of waterproof labels

Designing weatherproof labels for your products can be an enormous challenge, partly because there is so much choice. 

Before you even work out what should be included on the labels in terms of a logo, images, and wording, you need to decide on shape, size, and colors, if any, that will be used. 

The most common shapes are square, rectangular, oval, or perfectly round. But custom weatherproof and waterproof labels and stickers can also be die-cut to the exact shape of a unique design. This adds interest and character and makes a product, whether in a bottle, can, sachet, tube, or box, stand out from its competition on the shelf or in print. 

The size will be determined by the product (or container) you are labeling as well as the sizes your supplier manufactures. They could be as tiny as 25 mm x 25 mm (1 in x 1 in) or as big as 254 mm x 254 mm (10 in x 10 in) or more, depending entirely on the item you are sticking the label onto. Most, including die-cut labels and stickers, come on a roll. 

Of course, size will also be affected by the volume of information that needs to be incorporated. Sometimes it’s necessary to compromise, and you might decide to put more info on the packaging than on the product itself. Alternatively, you might choose to add an insert with the packaged product. 

### Colors used for weatherproof labels and stickers

Whether you opt for thick vinyl weatherproof labels or high-quality, ultra-tough waterproof labels, your color options are virtually limitless. But colors are often determined by branding requirements, typically starting with a logo. At the same time, branding is much more than a color and/or logo. It has to do with the company mission and vision, and whatever it is you and your products stand for. It communicates your commitment to providing a consistent product or products that your customers can rely on. 

Branding is what helps to grow a business and a brand or brands within the business. Color elicits emotions and you can use it to evoke different responses in people. 

This is why it’s important to choose colors carefully, and wisely, when you make waterproof stickers and labels. 

As a rule of thumb, less is usually more, and if you choose a color theme for your business, you can run this right through your entire product range, even if the products and their labels are quite different from one another. 

### Opaque vs. transparent product labels 

Remember that you can design and make waterproof stickers from an opaque or transparent material. This choice will also affect the colors you decide to use on your labels as will the surface that the labels will be stuck to. 

For instance, if you’re labeling a product in a glass jar or plastic bottle, an opaque label or sticker will hide whatever is in the container. But if you opt for a transparent label, the color of whatever is in the container will show through. So you’ll need to take this into account. 

![weather-proof-labels-6](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cb8d148f81a8cf41232c322663f56a1d0ddc1d55)

## How do you choose the best weatherproof and waterproof labels for your products?

When you create and make waterproof stickers or weatherproof labels you want a product you can rely on that will withstand wear and tear and, depending on circumstance, also the harsh elements of nature. 

Sticker Mule manufactures thick, hardy, [vinyl labels and stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/weatherproof-stickers) that are oil and scratch-resistant and dishwasher safe. (Yep you read that right! You’re getting it straight from the Mule’s mouth!) 

Our waterproof labels are from high-quality BOPP material that won’t tear or fade! It is also resistant to fading and exposure to water. Did we mention it is dishwasher safe? (Even automatic ones!) 

## How do you order weatherproof labels?

__Step 1:__ Submit your design! Don’t forget all the pointers we mentioned above!

__Step 2:__ Get a quote online according to the size and quantities you want to order. 

__Step 3:__ Patiently await your free online proof to check how it turns out. You can continue to make changes to your design until you’re happy with the labels you have ordered. 

Sticker Mule also ships worldwide for free. Once you’ve ordered, you’ll get an estimated date of delivery which will depend on where you are in the world. And then you can get sticking! 

<ButtonCta text="Try waterproof labels" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/waterproof-labels" />

Want to create weatherproof labels for your products? In this post, we’ll give you a few pointers on designing your waterproof label. 

Introducing Trace 2.0

9 months ago we launched Trace - our [photo background remover](https://www.stickermule.com/trace), giving people an easy way to remove the background from any photo. Since then we built a ton of features to make it better than ever.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nqsVKElTRIE?rel=0" />

Trace is a powerful tool for designers, yet simple and fun for anyone.

Here are all the features included in the latest version of Trace.

### Automatic background removal
Upload your image and the technology automatically removes the background instantly. No design experience required.

### Background editor
With the background removed, you can keep it transparent or add a new background. Choose a solid color, search from 2 million free to use images from [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/), or upload your own.

### Move, scale, rotate, & crop
Transform your image (with the background removed) to any position on the canvas. Crop the canvas however you want.

### Add multiple images
Remove the background from multiple photos and combine them all on one canvas.

### Download image for free
Once you’ve got your image how you want, you can download it for free (up to 5/month). Additionally, you can use your image to order custom printing with 1 click.

<ButtonCta text="Try Trace 2.0" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />

Trace automatically removes the background from any photo. Now add multiple images, custom backgrounds, scale, move, rotate, crop, and more

How to convert PNG to SVG

Scalable vector graphics or SVGs are made from mathematical paths, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without losing clarity. This makes SVGs and other [vector formats](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images) superior to PNGs and other raster formats, which are limited by the amount of pixels they contain.

There are several ways to convert PNGs to SVGs.

### Use a vector design app
Using an app like [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers), you can recreate your image in vector format from scratch. Recreating artwork takes some design skill, especially for more complex artwork.

![illustrator-ui](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f8e4d8fb61be22f11b5bec2afe27cbdf8643a608)

Once you are done you can export your image as an SVG.

### Use an auto-vectorization tool
Illustrator has an [Image Trace tool](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-use-image-trace-in-adobe-illustrator), that converts any raster to vector with just a few clicks. The results from this tool (and others like it) vary widely depending on the complexity of your artwork.

![raster-to-vector](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7084286daa27ce03bbfdab7bfd1a6836fcedde98)

*Note: there are some tools that technically convert your artwork from PNG to SVG, but just change the file extension – not the artwork itself. If you want to obtain a true vector version of your artwork, you’ll need to look elsewhere.*

### Use a vectorization service
[Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) is a service that upgrades any image into a vector format for a flat rate of $19, regardless of the complexity.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nr7tGu9yKh4?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Upload your PNG, checkout, and within hours you’ll receive an online proof showing your vector graphic will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy (or cancel if you’re not happy).

Upon approval, you’ll be able to download the artwork in its new SVG format.

<ButtonCta text="Order a Redraw for $19" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

There are several ways to convert PNGs to SVGs. SVG artwork can be scaled infinitely without losing clarity. Find out how to do it with this guide!

How to design holographic stickers

[Holographic stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers) are made with a colorful, reflective vinyl that gives your designs a unique shine. Here are some tips for making your holographic sticker designs stand out.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="vD9duBs1M0c?rel=0" />

### Leave empty spaces on your design
Whatever is printed on the holographic material will blend with the holographic effect. Conversely, leaving any part of your design empty, will let the holographic effect shine through 100% and really make it pop.

![holo-empty-fill](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ee8643bee8ff4f57518743fd7ed0f76dc87d10e7)

In the design above we originally had a grey color to represent the metal on the robot. The grey color looks fine, but by removing the fill we can make the metal appear purely holographic.

### Adjust color saturation
[Different colors blend differently](https://www.stickermule.com/support/holographic-stickers-setup) with the holographic vinyl. In general, lighter colors blend with the holographic material more, while darker colors tend to block out the effect more.

![holo-saturation](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9bdd791406097480637f9450ee885e4d9d8e4164)

In the design above, we wanted to create a higher contrast between the cheeks and the pure holographic metal. To do this, we simply increased the saturation of the red to make it darker, to give it less of a holographic effect.

### Use black and white
While nearly all colors will blend with the holographic material in some way, there are 2 colors that almost completely block it out: black and white.

![robot-holo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cd77f4f29adb526f4baaf86b8e114f0e7526787c)

Using black and white in your design is a great way to create more contrast and make the holographic effects stand out.

### Use color background while designing
When designing with both white fills and empty fills it can become confusing to tell them apart. To help, we recommend putting a colored background beneath your design.

![holo-background](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d4bf7955bc37393b4991a2d0b64a6c7a63df4c57)

The color will help you figure out which parts of your design are set to be totally holographic vs. the parts that are totally white. Just remember to delete the background layer when you’re done!

### Try holographic stickers
The best way to figure out what your holographic stickers will look like is getting them in your hands! We offer [custom samples](https://www.stickermule.com/samples), so you can try a small batch before placing a larger order.

<ButtonCta text="Try holographic stickers for $9" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-sticker-samples" />

Here are some tips for making your holographic sticker designs stand out.

How to make any image bigger with Upscale

[Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) is a free [tool](https://www.stickermule.com/tools) that increases the size and resolution of any image, instantly.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="MnlxadIeVKQ?rel=0" />

Just upload your image and within a few seconds you’ll be able to download your upgraded, larger image. Or you can use your new artwork to order custom stickers and more with a single click.

<ButtonCta text="Try Upscale for free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />




### Why we made Upscale

Some images are small. They're not bad, they're just small. You can save an image to a bigger size, but this just makes each pixel bigger – and you end up with a pixelated, distorted image.

It’s even more problematic if you try to print a low resolution image ([we recommend artwork be at least 300 ppi](https://www.stickermule.com/support/artwork-ppi)).

Luckily, Upscale makes it easy for anyone to improve the size and resolution of their artwork. Using artificial technology, Upscale creates brand new pixels, allowing your image to be 2x the size with 4x the pixels of the original image.

![upscale-image-01](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fdc1721c2cf40d5acff214da986d3a34f8892909)

![upscale-image-02](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfe0e8d36794c08d5193f3772fafbacbe5f15942)

![upscale-image-03](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e1de5023b5e1a0c62adc6ac4fd47134e8f4fdf1b)

<ButtonCta text="Try Upscale for free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />


Upscale is a free tool that increases the size and resolution of any image, instantly.

Convert any image to vector with Redraw

[Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) is a brand new service that upgrades any image into a high resolution vector format.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nr7tGu9yKh4?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Have you ever had an image that was too small, too blurry, or too pixelated to do anything useful with it? With Redraw you can convert your low quality artwork into an infinitely scalable vector graphic.

## What is a vector graphic?
There are 2 types of digital artwork: [raster and vector](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images).

Raster images are made up of a bunch of tiny pixels. As you enlarge a raster image, the pixels begin to be noticeable causing the image to appear pixelated.

Meanwhile, vector images are made from mathematical paths. As you enlarge a vector image, the shapes and colors never lose their clarity.

This makes vector images an ideal format for web or print.

## How does Redraw work?
Redraw works with all types of images: logos, illustrations, and even photos. Each Redraw can be ordered for a flat rate of $19, regardless of the difficulty.

Simply upload your artwork and checkout. Within a few hours we’ll send a proof showing how your new artwork will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy (or cancel if you’re not happy).

Upon approval, your artwork will be available to download. You can also use the artwork to order custom stickers, magnets, and more.

<ButtonCta text="Order a Redraw for $19" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

Redraw is a brand new service that upgrades any image into a high resolution vector format.

How to design sticker sheets in Adobe Illustrator

This tutorial is going to show you how to create an awesome sticker sheet using Adobe Illustrator.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="5xnVfAY3W18?rel=0" />

A [sticker sheet](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets) is a page with several peelable stickers, most commonly grouped in a theme. These are great for promotion or showing off artistic flair.

With Sticker Mule, designing your own sticker sheet is completely optional. 

You can send us a zip file of the individual designs and we'll lay it out for you. Or you can have total control over the final look by designing the sticker sheets yourself. 

## Step 1: Set up your sticker sheet artwork
For an easy start, we recommend [downloading one of our sticker sheet templates](https://www.stickermule.com/template/sticker-sheets).

Once you have the template open in Adobe Illustrator, make sure you are in the ‘Artwork’ layer.

![Sticker sheet template layers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/eff2b65ccc39327978d88015661badad8ef56a55)

To find layers go to Window > Layers

Now you can start dropping the designs onto the sheet. 

![Sticker sheet artwork setup](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d149cff938301b1201b91f7acef4500fc9e822dc)

From here, you're free to scale, position, or rotate your designs any way that you feel necessary, as long as it's within the sticker sheet box. 

Each sticker must be at least one inch by one inch and have a space of at least a quarter-inch around it measured from the sticker cut lines and not the artwork itself. 

## Step 2: Outline any text
If you're working with text, [make sure it's outlined](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wBuY6KQR24) before you print. 

To do this, right-click on the text and press ‘Create Outlines’. 

![Creating outlines in Adobe Illustrator](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7e019c69ea1c8e8d19151fb4b030b09141941b45)

## Step 3: Specify your cut lines
Now you can specify cut lines using a one-point stroke. 

A quick way to do this is to select all of your designs, copy them, and paste them on the cut line layer.

![Specifying cut lines in Adobe Illustrator](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a2bdfaf3ca680fabbb47c627789f405d9fb09810) 

Then use the unite function in the pathfinder window. 

![Using the Unite function to create a cut line](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/635bc4247ba7f290f321e13697baf701d660c719)

Once that's done, just apply the cut line swatch as a stroke, and we'll know exactly how to cut your stickers once sent to production. 

If no cut lines are specified, we will automatically determine them for you. You will review this during proofing before print. 

For a more detailed explanation of this, check out our tutorial on [how to create sticker cut lines](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line).

## Step 4: Start your sticker sheets order
Once everything is looking good, you can save your Illustrator file, upload it, and start your order. This tutorial is complete!

![Completed sticker sheets design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/da1c082d190a904e3cabb46b603a021d700e38a2)

## Further tips for designing an awesome sticker sheet:

- Design first and adjust later. Focus on getting your sticker designs laid out roughly and then if you decide that a certain sticker needs to be bigger or spaced further apart, it will be a simple adjustment. 
- Consider making your stickers full bleed. If your designs allow for it, you can make your stickers full bleed by extending your artwork an eighth of an inch beyond the cut line. Keep in mind that whatever is outside of the cut lines will remain on your sticker sheet when the individual stickers are removed. 
- Make the sticker sheet beautiful itself by adding non-sticker elements. A colorful background or a logo can add a really nice touch to the sheet once it's printed.

<ButtonCta text="Order sticker sheets" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets" />

In this video tutorial, learn how to design an awesome sticker sheet using Adobe Illustrator.

How to remove backgrounds in Photoshop

In this easy-to-follow tutorial, we show how to remove the background from any image using [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html). 

Before you start, take a look at Trace, [our new background remover tool](https://www.stickermule.com/trace). It erases backgrounds from photos instantly, and could save you a lot of time. 

<YouTubeVideo videoId="71o67pJxqLw?rel=0" />

__For best results:__

- Find a high resolution image; the more pixels, the more accurate you can be.
- Make sure the subject stands out from the background and they do not share too many similar colors or textures.

### Step 1
Open your photo in Photoshop and create a new background layer. 

![new-layer](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1c967ad5325b23d084f0a473fe2f0624c3d1b2f5)

On this new background layer go to edit, fill, and then select white for the contents. 

![Fill](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d5c5edc5c7483000e47c57540d03333b8c468aab)

Place this layer below your photo so that as we remove the original background the white one is revealed underneath. 

If your photo is a locked background layer you won't be able to drag another layer below it. All you need to do is double click on it, give it a name, and press enter to convert it to a normal layer so that you can move things below it. 

### Step 2
Grab the quick selection tool and start dragging over the part that you want to keep. 

![selection copy](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8f3c7408bf85ecc9a334afb40bb098aaa308b85b)

The size of your brush determines how much is grabbed with each click or each drag of the mouse. To change it, use the open and closed square brackets to make the brush larger or smaller depending on how accurate you need to be. 

It's likely that as you're making your selection you're gonna highlight areas that you don't wish to. When this happens simply hold alt while using the tool and it will subtract from the selection instead of adding to it. 

The magic wand tool as well as the object selection tool can also come in handy here. Check those out if needed.

### Step 3
Once you've done a fairly good job of selecting your subject from the background we're gonna refine it by going to select and then select and mask.

![select and mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/45c0b25643fe2e2478ac4cf6a949af74157940aa)

Make sure that transparency is set to 100%. This will show you how your current selection is going to look once masked out from the original background. 

Also make sure that the high quality preview is on.

![transparency](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b333056a545ea8ea9065ac61ed974d4461756b45)

Now you can see the temporary white background you made showing through behind. 

If you see a slight gray outline, this is some background elements you picked up when using the quick selection tool. 

To remove this, use ‘shift edge’. This will expand your selection or pull it in. Negative numbers shift edge in, and positive shift it out.

![shift edge](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/229485dcfddda414514ab5a7a9e80221fa1229a0)

### Step 4
Do not shift edge too much. For places with intricate details like hair or fur, use the ‘refine edge’ brush tool. 

![refine edge](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fbf21470da64f1c4acc03b514edbeb89f98dd3d8)

Drag along the edges where the details are present. You will lose a bit of that background and it will look more like a correct crop. Just as with the quick selection tool, you can change the size of this brush with the square bracket keys. 

Lastly if you're finding that overall your selection is looking a bit jagged or there's too many sharp edges, you can use smooth or feather to fix that. 

![smooth](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ab9efdf42d63bba0f7e7fd22384c1213258fc6ee)

Just be careful not to add too much as you still want your selection to look crisp rather than blurry around the edges. 

At any point while you're in select and mask mode you can press P to toggle between what you started with and where you're now at. 

Press okay. 

### Step 5
Rather than actually delete the background around your subject, mask it out. 

With your selection still active, go into your layers menu and press add layer mask.

![add mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8824d13bcf9680bd481241645e6f5af941efae1a)

Layer masks work in black and white: black means hide this part, white means show this part. Right now we want to show the subject (white) and hide the background (black).

At any point, if you want to make the same selection just do Cmd + click  or Alt + click on the layer mask.

You should now be able to move this layer around. Your subject is now separate from their original background. 

### Step 6 (optional)
If you think there are a couple problem areas you want to clean up, you can click on the layer mask in your layer panel and add or remove some of the original background. Use the paintbrush tool in black or white to remove or add details.

![layer mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d61850f7eec6b53748c1b27ab3bb5c077ce4a531)

That is the end of the tutorial!

If you want an easier and faster way to remove backgrounds check out our new tool Trace. Trace is free to use and works instantly.

<ButtonCta text="Try Trace for free" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />

An easy-to follow tutorial on removing backgrounds using Photoshop

Remove the background from any image with Trace

Using Trace - our [photo background remover](https://www.stickermule.com/trace) - requires absolutely no design experience. Upload your image and count to 5 while the technology automatically removes the background.

<Video videoKey="trace" />

## How to remove background without Photoshop

Trace was inspired by hundreds of creators who wanted to do more with their favorite photos. 

The tool cuts out the subject (pet, car, beloved relative) and puts it on a transparent background. Download the image for free or use it for custom stickers, magnets, coasters and more.

Even for an experienced designer, it can take 10 minutes to [erase a background in Photoshop](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-remove-backgrounds-in-photoshop) — now anyone can do it in less than 10 seconds.

## What are the new features of Trace? 

Trace 2.0 has officially been released and like the OG Trace you know and love, it’s decked with features that will continue to make your work easier!

### Trace multiple images on one canvas 

Now, you can remove the backgrounds of up to five images on just one canvas! This means you can include multiple photos in one cool collage! 

### Upload a custom background image, or search images from Unsplash

Before, you could just remove the backgrounds using Trace. Now, after removing the background, you can replace it with a solid color or another background! 

There are lots of background options to choose from. Upload your own custom image, or search the built-in Unsplash library, featuring over 2 million inspiring images that are free to use for your new backdrop. 

### Select traced images to move, scale, and rotate

With the new and improved Trace, you can also move your images. After the background has been removed, you can resize the object or reposition it. You can even rotate it as you like to fit in your new background! 

### Crop your traced images 

Say you have an image that you want the background removed but you also want to remove a part of the main subject. (Maybe it’s a group photo and you only want to retain yourself on the edited image!) With Trace 2.0, you can also crop out other elements in your photo! 

## How to use Trace: A guide 

Want to know how to remove background without the use of Photoshop and other editing software? Just follow these steps:

### Step 1: Create and log into your account 

Use your email to create an account or if you’re already logged into your Gmail account, just connect it to this page. 

### Step 2: Click the “Upload a photo ” button 

Once you click the photo, Trace automatically removes your background! The next thing you’ll see is your photo with the background removed! 

### Step 3: Customize your background or just download it 

If you just want to remove the background, go ahead and click that download button! And yes, you get the image for free! 

However, if you want to customize the background with a plain color or other patterns, feel free to choose from the templates. You may also upload your own background. 

## What else can you do with Trace 2.0?

If those new functionalities aren’t cool enough, you can also convert your new image into a keepsake! After downloading your new photo (for free!), you can also turn this piece of artwork into a sticker, a coaster, a magnet, a poly mailer packaging, or even as buttons! 

This is a perfect gift or giveaway for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions! 

Sounds simple, right? Are you ready to get started?

<ButtonCta text="Remove background from your image" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 2.2rem;">Did we mention it's free?</p>

Upload your image and count to 5 while the technology automatically removes the background.

How to create a sticker cut line in Illustrator

A cut line is a path that gets placed around your design to tell us exactly how it should be cut. Most stickers feature a white border around the design – this is what the cut line creates.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="awbzbJsvHxs?rel=0&showinfo=0" />

Keep in mind that this is __completely optional__ when ordering from Sticker Mule. When ordering [die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers) (or any custom shape product) we will automatically create a cut line to match the shape of your artwork.

*Depending on whether your artwork is [vector or raster](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images), the first 3 steps for creating a cut line are different.*

<h2 id="vector">How to create a cut line for vector artwork (steps 1-3)</h2>

[Skip to raster instructions.](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line#raster)

### Step 1
With your design open in Adobe Illustrator, select any strokes that are present in your design.

You can use Outline view to help you find any strokes in your design.
Mac: ⌘ + Y
PC: CTRL + Y

![cut-line-vector-step-1](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/339e8f3ad27800927295217ede788df91aa742ef)

With your strokes selected, select *Object* > *Path* > *Outline stroke*.

### Step 2
Select all the text within your design.

Then right click and select *Create Outlines*.
Mac: Shift + ⌘ + O
PC: Shift + CTRL + O

![cut-line-vector-step-2](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8b658ecc0fa84076321edf0758efaa78776d6554)

### Step 3
In the *Layers* window, hold Option (Mac) or Alt (PC), then drag the layer that your artwork is on, on top of itself.

![cut-line-vector-step-3](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/06c4e7eb6cf86a1a6de0759b9c653f02e1ae6fd9)

This will create a new duplicate layer. This is where you will create the cut line so you can lock the layer beneath.

[Skip to step 4.](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line#step4)

<h2 id="raster">How to create a cut line for raster artwork (steps 1-3)</h2>

[Back to vector instructions.](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-create-a-sticker-cut-line#vector)

### Step 1
Open your design in Adobe Illustrator.

In the *Layers* window, hold Option (Mac) or Alt (PC), then drag the layer that your artwork is on, on top of itself.

![cut-line-raster-step-1](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/235769c06d38e410f92845eb3c182cdbd1bf3d24)

This will create a new duplicate layer. This is where you will create the cut line so you can lock the layer beneath.

### Step 2
With your image selected, use the *[Image trace](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-use-image-trace-in-adobe-illustrator)* window to convert your image into a vector.

Ignore colors or fine details while doing this step. All that matters is getting the perimeter of the shape to match your original design.

When it looks good, click *Expand*. This will create a vector shape.

![cut-line-raster-step-2](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/adf9a2b74ae1dd087f3732c10cf9f1a80f5d642b)

### Step 3
Illustrator will often create a white bounding box around your design – this needs to be removed.

To delete it, right click on your design and select *Ungroup*. Select the bounding box, then tap Delete.

![cut-line-raster-step-3](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7e5518f6669ed2f1c3087e9bc90f444c14c829c7)

<h2 id="step4">How to create a cut line (steps 4-7)</h2>

*Regardless of the image format you began with, the following steps are the same.*

### Step 4
Select everything on your cut line layer.

From the *Pathfinder* window, select the *Unite* icon to transform the entire image into a single shape.

![cut-line-step-4](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3a322f8be0b9a58b8093cf1a19ca6233f937934f)

### Step 5
With the shape still selected, select *Object* > *Path* > *Offset path*.

With the *Offset path* panel open, check the *Preview* box. Adjust the *Offset* amount until you are happy with the width of the border, then press *OK*. (At Sticker Mule, [we required a minimum border](https://www.stickermule.com/support/minimum-border-thickness) of 1/16")

![cut-line-step-5](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f06450b2bcd8d896c70dc12f9e128d4981c7f00f)

### Step 6
Again, select everything on the cut line layer and from the *Pathfinder* window, select *Unite*.

Using the *Direct selection tool* (A) delete any unwanted holes in your shape. (At Sticker Mule, [we allow 1 internal cut](https://www.stickermule.com/support/do-you-allow-internal-cuts) of at least ¼")

![cut-line-step-6](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/aed17ac1135daaee7bea98f3c2982476c0b378c9)

### Step 7
With the shape selected, remove the fill, and give it a 1pt stroke.

![cut-line-step-7](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d6d4d549906e0327b75068b408ea1b2e1c164946)

This is the standard format, most print shops, including Sticker Mule, will use for cut lines.

### Step 8 (optional)
If you end up with two or more cut line objects, you’ll need to bridge them together to create a single shape.

Use the *Pen tool* (P) to create a shape that overlaps the existing objects. Then with all the objects selected, from the *Pathfinder* window, select *Unite*.

![cut-line-step-8](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9468f7efc7b72fb1b09cf5f40ec8adf9180a0845)

When you're done adding cut lines, simply save your Illustrator file and you're finished. You can upload your file to Sticker Mule as-is, and within a few hours you'll receive a free proof showing you exactly what your sticker is going to look like.

If you're new to sticker design, get started quickly with $10 off your first order. Just sign up by clicking the button below.

<ButtonCta text="Get $10 credit" href="https://www.stickermule.com/unlock?ref_id=7980330701&ref=blog" />

Designer, Hayden Aube, shows how to create a custom cut line for your stickers or magnets.

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