How to Put a Sticker on a Picture on iPhone: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to jazz up your iPhone photos with some stickers, eh? Good choice! It’s a fantastic way to add personality, humor, or just a touch of fun to your images before sharing them with the world. The good news is, iPhones offer several straightforward methods to achieve this, ranging from the built-in tools to more feature-rich third-party apps.

In a nutshell, here’s how to put a sticker on a picture on your iPhone: You can utilize the Markup tool within the Photos app itself, leverage the sticker functionalities within apps like Messages, or dive into dedicated photo editing apps that offer extensive sticker libraries and customization options. Let’s break down each method in detail.

Method 1: Using the Markup Tool in the Photos App

This is the quickest and easiest method, requiring no additional app downloads.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Photos app: Navigate to the picture you want to embellish.
2. Tap “Edit”: Located in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Access Markup: Look for a circular icon with three dots inside (…). Tap it, and then select “Markup.” If Markup isn’t directly visible, scroll through the options.
4. Add a Sticker: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom right. This will reveal options like “Add Text,” “Add Signature,” and, crucially, “Add Sticker.”
5. Select a Sticker: You’ll see a selection of stickers. These stickers are generally emoji and Memoji. Tap the one you desire.
6. Position and Resize: Drag the sticker to your desired location on the photo. Use the pinch-to-zoom gesture to adjust its size. You can also rotate the sticker using two fingers.
7. Adjust Opacity (Optional): The Markup tool offers limited customization, but you can adjust the opacity of the sticker by tapping on it again after placement.
8. Save Your Changes: Once satisfied, tap “Done” in the top right corner. Then tap “Done” again to save your edited photo.

Advantages

• Convenience: No need to download any apps.
• Simplicity: Straightforward and easy to use.

Limitations

• Limited Sticker Selection: Only includes emojis and Memoji.
• Basic Customization: Fewer options for adjusting the sticker’s appearance beyond size, rotation, and opacity.

Method 2: Using the Messages App

The Messages app provides a fun, interactive way to add stickers, especially if you frequently communicate with other iPhone users.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Messages App: Start a new message or open an existing conversation.
2. Tap the Photos Icon: This is usually located to the left of the text input field.
3. Select Your Photo: Choose the picture you want to add a sticker to.
4. Tap “Edit”: Located in the bottom left corner of the photo preview.
5. Access the Sticker Icon: This icon looks like an “A” with a star around it. Tapping on the App Store icon would also lead you to the sticker option.
6. Browse and Select Stickers: You can use Memoji stickers, stickers from iMessage apps, or even download new sticker packs from the App Store directly within Messages.
7. Place and Resize: Drag and pinch to position and resize the sticker.
8. Send Your Photo: Tap the blue send arrow. The photo with the sticker will be sent to the recipient. Importantly, the recipient will also see the sticker added, making it interactive.

Advantages

• Interactive Stickers: Stickers are visible to the recipient in the conversation.
• Variety: Access to a wide range of sticker packs through the iMessage App Store.

Limitations

• Best for Sharing: Primarily designed for sending photos directly to contacts via iMessage.
• Saving to Photos App: You’d need to take a screenshot of the message to save the stickered image back to your Photos app (this reduces image quality).

Method 3: Using Third-Party Photo Editing Apps

For the most control and widest selection of stickers, third-party photo editing apps are the way to go. Many are available on the App Store.

Popular Choices

• PicsArt: Boasts a massive sticker library and advanced editing tools.
• Phonto: Excellent for adding text stickers and customizing fonts.
• Canva: A versatile design app with a vast collection of graphics, including stickers.

Step-by-Step Guide (General Example using PicsArt)

1. Download and Open the App: Download your chosen photo editing app from the App Store and open it.
2. Import Your Photo: Select the photo you want to edit from your iPhone’s photo library.
3. Find the “Stickers” Option: This is usually located in the app’s main toolbar.
4. Browse or Search for Stickers: Explore the app’s sticker library or use the search function to find specific stickers.
5. Add and Customize: Tap on a sticker to add it to your photo. You can then drag, resize, rotate, and adjust its opacity and color.
6. Fine-Tune and Save: Most apps offer advanced editing features, such as blending modes and filters, to further enhance your photo. Once you’re satisfied, save the edited photo to your camera roll.

Advantages

• Extensive Sticker Libraries: Access to a vast array of stickers, from cartoonish to realistic.
• Advanced Customization: Control over sticker size, position, rotation, color, opacity, blending modes, and more.
• Powerful Editing Tools: Combine stickers with other editing features to create truly unique images.

Limitations

• App Download Required: You need to download and install a separate app.
• Learning Curve: Some apps can have a steeper learning curve due to their advanced features.
• Potential Costs: Many apps offer in-app purchases for premium stickers or features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I create my own stickers on my iPhone?

Yes, you can! Several apps, like Sticker Maker Studio, allow you to create custom stickers from your photos. You can cut out objects, add text, and create personalized sticker packs. Within the Messages app, you can also create Memoji stickers that reflect your own unique avatar.

2. Are there any free sticker apps for iPhone?

Absolutely. Apps like PicsArt and Canva offer a wide selection of free stickers, although some premium stickers may require a subscription or one-time purchase. The built-in Markup tool and the Messages app also provide free sticker options.

3. How do I remove a sticker from a photo after I’ve added it?

If you’ve used the Markup tool, you can tap the “Undo” arrow in the toolbar to remove the last action. With third-party apps, there’s usually an “Undo” button or a layering system that allows you to select and delete individual stickers. Unfortunately, if you’ve saved the image after adding the sticker in Markup, the sticker is flattened into the image and cannot be easily removed.

4. Can I animate stickers on my iPhone photos?

Yes, some apps like Giphy and certain features within TikTok or Instagram allow you to add animated GIFs and stickers to your photos and videos. These are primarily designed for sharing on social media.

5. Where can I find the stickers I’ve downloaded for iMessage?

Within the Messages app, tap the App Store icon (the “A” with the star). The sticker packs you’ve downloaded will be displayed in the app drawer at the bottom of the screen. You may need to scroll to find them.

6. How do I move a sticker once it’s been placed on a photo?

Simply tap on the sticker and drag it to your desired location. If you’re using the Markup tool, make sure you haven’t yet flattened the image by tapping “Done.” If you have, you can’t easily move the sticker.

7. How do I change the color of a sticker?

The ability to change the color of a sticker depends on the app you’re using. Some apps, like PicsArt, offer advanced color customization options. The Markup tool only offers limited color options for the drawing tools, not the stickers themselves.

8. Can I use stickers from one app in another app?

Generally, no. Stickers are typically tied to the app in which they were created or downloaded. However, you can save a photo with stickers from one app to your camera roll and then import it into another app for further editing.

9. How do I add stickers to videos on my iPhone?

Many video editing apps, such as iMovie, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, allow you to add stickers to your videos. The process is similar to adding stickers to photos.

10. Are there any security concerns with using sticker apps?

As with any app, it’s important to download sticker apps from reputable sources like the App Store and to be mindful of the permissions they request. Read reviews and check the app’s privacy policy before downloading. Avoid apps that ask for excessive permissions or seem suspicious.

11. How do I delete sticker packs from iMessage?

Within the Messages app, tap the App Store icon. Then, tap the four-oval icon in the bottom-left corner (this opens the iMessage app drawer). Swipe left on the sticker pack you want to delete and tap “Delete.”

12. Can I use stickers to create memes on my iPhone?

Absolutely! Many meme generator apps and photo editing apps, such as Mematic and PicsArt, have built-in sticker libraries and text tools that make it easy to create hilarious memes.

Adding stickers to your iPhone photos is a fun and creative way to personalize your images. Whether you choose the convenience of the built-in Markup tool, the interactivity of the Messages app, or the extensive features of a third-party photo editing app, you’ll be sure to find a method that suits your needs and style. Now go forth and sticker-ize!