How to Turn an Image Into a Sticker (AI Art → Cut-Ready PNG)

Making your own stickers no longer requires drawing skills, expensive design software, or complicated workflows.

Using modern AI image generators plus a simple background remover, you can turn almost any idea into a print-ready, cut-ready sticker in minutes.

This guide shows the exact workflow I use:

  • Create an image using ChatGPT or Grok
  • Remove the background
  • Add a clean white sticker border
  • Export a transparent PNG
  • Print and cut with a Cricut machine

End result: A professional-looking sticker file with transparent background and white outline, ready for printing and cutting.

Examples of finished stickers

Blue character wearing Santa hat stickerBlue character wearing party hat sticker

Example stickers: AI-generated character with background removed and white border.
Absolute Bogan Grinch cartoon stickerG’day Mate green character sticker example

Example sticker: Bold colors and thick outline for easy cutting.

What you need

  • An AI image generator (ChatGPT, Grok, or similar)
  • A background removal tool
  • Sticker paper
  • A cutting machine (Cricut or similar)

I use my own lightweight Windows desktop app for background removal and sticker borders:

Step 1 – Generate an image with AI

Start by describing what you want to create.

Good prompt examples:

  • Cute cartoon raccoon holding coffee, sticker style
  • Green monster wearing sunglasses, bold outline
  • Cyberpunk skull, high contrast, simple background

Tips:

  • Ask for bold shapes
  • Ask for simple backgrounds
  • Square images work best

Download the generated image as PNG or JPG.

Step 2 – Remove the background

Open the image in TomsBGRemover and click Remove Background.

The app automatically isolates the main subject and removes everything else.

Why this matters: Transparent backgrounds tell cutting machines where the edge of the sticker is.

Step 3 – Add a white sticker border

Enable Sticker Mode inside TomsBGRemover.

  • Select white as the border color
  • Choose a border thickness (usually 5–20px)

This creates a smooth outline around your image.

Step 4 – Export as transparent PNG

Export the result as PNG with transparency enabled.

You now have a cut-ready sticker file.

Step 5 – Import into Cricut Design Space

  1. Open Cricut Design Space
  2. Upload your PNG
  3. Select Complex image
  4. Confirm transparency
  5. Insert into canvas

Step 6 – Print then cut

Select Print Then Cut, load sticker paper, print, then cut.

You now have physical stickers.

Common mistakes (and fixes)

  • Rough edges: Increase border size
  • Background artifacts: Run removal again
  • Blurry prints: Use higher resolution AI images
  • Thin details lost: Ask AI for simpler designs

Why I use a desktop background remover

  • No uploads
  • Works offline
  • Fast
  • No subscriptions
  • Full control

That’s why I built TomsBGRemover.

Visit TomsBGRemover

Summary

  • AI creates the art
  • Background remover isolates the subject
  • Sticker border creates cut path
  • PNG exports print clean
  • Cricut handles cutting