Die Cut Stickers: The Creative Powerhouse for Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Brands

In this guide you can explore what you need to know about die cut stickers; from their benefits and customisation options to their durability and applications. Get ready to discover how die-cut stickers can bring joy, elevate your brand, and leave a lasting impression!

19 Dec 2023

What are die-cut stickers?

Die-cut is a method that cuts through the sticker material and backing paper. This means die-cut or contour-cut stickers can be precisely cut to the shape of your design. Die-cut can of course be traditionally square, circular or rectangular. Still, you also have the option to have the cutline follow the contours of your artwork, adding the possibility to make them more visually appealing and attention-grabbing.

Contour-cut stickers can offer several advantages; their possibility of unique shapes has the potential to create a polished and professional appearance, elevating the overall aesthetic of your design. The high level of flexibility, as they can be cut into any shape, adds versatility which enables you to create stickers that perfectly align with your creative vision.

Die-cut stands in contrast to kiss-cut stickers, a technique that involves only cutting through the sticker/vinyl layer and not through the backing paper. Kiss-cut stickers are perfect for creating peel-off stickers, and it’s often used for sticker sheets with multiple designs on a single backing paper.

What Are Die-Cut Stickers?

Die-cut stickers are contour-cut stickers that have been trimmed to the exact outline of your design. Instead of a standard shape, the cutting process follows the edges of your artwork. Imagine your logo shaped like a coffee cup, your character illustration with every detail cut out, and you get the idea.

This precision requires custom laser-cutting technology and works with all our materials.

The result? A sticker that looks as unique as your brand or artwork.

Die-cut stickers are one of our most popular products. Not only are they fully customizable and unique, but they’re also waterproof, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting. In other words, slapable indoors, outdoors, or anywhere your audience is likely to see them.


Sticker of a futuristic ramen bowl designed as a spaceship, featuring noodles, an egg, and Japanese text on the side.

Die-cut stickers in different materials

Vinyl die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

Die cut stickers on Pixie Dust showing a match box with the quote "burn bright".

Holographic die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

Die cut sticker tickets to ride the emotional rollercoaster. Printed on holographic.

Glitter die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

Glitter die cut sticker in the shape of a battery with quote "Take time to recharge".

Kraft Paper die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

Why Die-Cut Stickers Stand Out

With contoured cuts, you’re not limited to a plain circle or square. Die-cut stickers can be any shape you dream up, which makes them incredibly versatile for different projects:

  • For digital artists, illustrators, and graphic designers: Turn your characters, illustrations, or designs into tangible products you can sell or use as freebies.

  • For businesses: Create logo stickers that double as giveaways, packaging add-ons, or marketing swag.

  • For personal use: Decorate your water bottle, phone case, or journal with stickers that match your personality.

Three colorful, illustrated keychains: "Spring Fling" with flowers, "Señorita" with a skull, and "Mystical Tiger" with bold text.

Design Tips for Die-Cut Stickers

  • Be background wary: A transparent background is crucial for our system to figure out where your design ends and how to create the cutlines - especially if the design has white or light pastel elements. If your design is bold and dark, a white background will also work.

  • Custom cutlines: If you want your sticker without borders (the white or material-colored overflowing part), create your own custom cutline and make sure to include a 2 mm bleed.

  • Details vs. size: Thin lines and tiny elements can get lost in a small-sized sticker. If you have a detailed design, opt for a bigger sticker for maximum Oomph!

  • Enhance your sticker with material effects: Don’t get us wrong: we love our OG multi-purpose vinyl material. But, if you’re looking to elevate your sticker game, choose one of our special materials and place the effects on specific parts of the design.

Three colorful stickers: one with "LUCIA GARDENING" and a figure, another with "Creative South," and a third with a shiny intricate design.

Creative Ways to Use Die-Cut Stickers

The beauty of custom die-cut stickers is that they serve many purposes. Here are a few smashing ideas:

  • Branding: Add logo stickers to shipping boxes, shopping bags, or product packaging. Customers will love the “little extra.”

  • Events: Hand them out at trade shows, festivals, or conferences. They’re lightweight, handy, and memorable.

  • Merchandise: Artists and creators can sell individual stickers and sticker packs online or at pop-up markets. Fans love collecting them.

  • Community building: Use stickers as rewards in giveaways or loyalty programs. People stick them on laptops, skateboards, and water bottles, spreading your message everywhere they go.

A group of three brushed aluminum stickers on top of a white surface

Size and shape variations

The key benefit of die-cut stickers is the ability to customize their size and shape. Whether you prefer a small sticker for subtle branding or a large sticker for maximum impact, the choice is yours.

Size options range from 1 x 1 inch (2,5 x 2,5 cm) to a whopping 47 x 47 inches (120 x 120 cm) when choosing our vinyl material.

You also have the opportunity to have cutouts in your design, if you're looking to cut out a certain part of the design.

Shape options are virtually limitless: square, round, oval, or the intricate contours that follow the outline of your design.

Three colorful, illustrated keychains: "Spring Fling" with flowers, "Señorita" with a skull, and "Mystical Tiger" with bold text.

Works with all our materials

Die-cut stickers are available on all our materials: from high-quality vinyl material to holographic, Kraft paper, and Glow-in-the-Dark.

To top it off, our die-cut stickers are designed to withstand various weather conditions and elements. The vinyl material used for our stickers - whether it be white, transparent, holographic, or metallic, is water and weatherproof, ensuring that your designs won't smudge or fade when exposed to rain or moisture.

Additionally, by choosing glossy or cracked ice laminate for your stickers, they are also UV-proof, which means they won't lose their vibrant colors even when exposed to the sun's rays for extended periods

Three colorful stickers: one with "LUCIA GARDENING" and a figure, another with "Creative South," and a third with a shiny intricate design.

Durability and weather resistance

Our die-cut stickers are designed to withstand various weather conditions and elements. The vinyl material used for our stickers - whether it be white, transparent, holographic or metallic - is waterproof, ensuring that your designs won't smudge or fade when exposed to rain or moisture. Additionally, most stickers are UV-resistant, which means they won't lose their vibrant colours even when exposed to the sun's rays for extended periods, although this may depend on which coating is selected.

Die-cut stickers are also - except Kraft Paper and those stickers which are uncoated - dishwasher and microwave-safe. The feature allows you to apply stickers to items such as water bottles, mugs, and food containers without worrying about damage or fading. The stickers will stay securely in place even when subjected to regular washing or heating. This durability ensures that your stickers will look sharp and eye-catching, maintaining their impact over time.

Branding, marketing and/or personal expression and artistic projects

Die-cut stickers are an effective tool for branding and marketing. You can use them to promote your business by placing them on packaging, product labels, or company vehicles. The possibility of unique shapes and eye-catching designs of contour cut stickers make them highly memorable, ensuring that your brand message stays with potential customers. Additionally, these stickers can be distributed at trade shows, events, or as part of promotional campaigns to increase brand visibility and engage with your target audience.

Die-cut stickers offer a creative outlet for personal expression and artistic projects. Whether you're an artist looking to showcase your work or an individual who wants to add a personal touch to everyday items, stickers provide endless possibilities. Stick them on your laptop, phone case, skateboard, or notebook to add a unique and personalised flair. With the ability to customise the shape, size, and design of your stickers, you have the freedom to express your creativity and make a statement.

Die-cut stickers in different materials

Vinyl die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

Cool stickers on the backside of a skateboard.

Holographic die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

A car that has a sticker of Julio design studio on it

Glitter die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

Kraft Paper die-cut stickers made by StickerApp.

What are die-cut stickers?

Die-cut is a method that cuts through the sticker material and backing paper. This means die-cut or contour-cut stickers can be precisely cut to the shape of your design. Die-cut can of course be traditionally square, circular or rectangular. Still, you also have the option to have the cutline follow the contours of your artwork, adding the possibility to make them more visually appealing and attention-grabbing.

Contour-cut stickers can offer several advantages; their possibility of unique shapes has the potential to create a polished and professional appearance, elevating the overall aesthetic of your design. The high level of flexibility, as they can be cut into any shape, adds versatility which enables you to create stickers that perfectly align with your creative vision.

Die-cut stands in contrast to kiss-cut stickers, a technique that involves only cutting through the sticker/vinyl layer and not through the backing paper. Kiss-cut stickers are perfect for creating peel-off stickers, and it’s often used for sticker sheets with multiple designs on a single backing paper.


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StickerApp
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