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How to Make WhatsApp Stickers from Photos: Bring Joy to Chat in 3 Mins

Do you want to turn your favorite photos into fun and hilarious WhatsApp stickers? Learn 3 ways to create WhatsApp stickers from photos easily. Start with Dreamina and discover its AI tools for creating fun WhatsApp stickers.

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Dreamina
Dreamina
Jun 26, 2025
15 min(s)

Sometimes, we come across a funny personal picture or a picture of something hilarious, and the first thing that comes to our mind is how to turn them into WhatsApp stickers. At that moment, you wish you could express your feelings or thoughts with that particular photo. If you have experienced that, don't worry; in this article, you will learn how to make WhatsApp stickers from photos in 3 different methods. At the end of this guide, you will be able to create memes, personal emojis, or convey thoughts and emotions with just a sticker

Table of content
  1. How to create WhatsApp sticker from photo in WhatsApp itself
  2. How to make a WhatsApp sticker from a photo using AI
  3. How to make WhatsApp sticker from photo with a specialized app
  4. Getting it right: WhatsApp sticker format and size requirements
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQs

How to create WhatsApp sticker from photo in WhatsApp itself

If you are looking for an easy and reliable way to make WhatsApp stickers without using any third-party apps or websites, then WhatsApp has got you covered. Whether you use WhatsApp on a mobile phone or a pc, it now has in-built sticker creation tools. This enables you to use your own custom photos, add texts and save them directly to your sticker collection on WhatsApp. Here is how to make WhatsApp stickers from a photo:

WhatsApp

Method 1: How to make sticker from photo in WhatsApp mobile

    STEP 1
  1. Open a chat on WhatsApp

With your mobile device, go to WhatsApp and open a chat with anyone. On the bottom corner, you should see a sticker icon on the right side of the text box. Tap the sticker icon, and your private sticker collection should pop up. In your private sticker collection, you should see "create" with a plus sign.

    STEP 2
  1. Select your photo

When you tap on create, you will be taken to your phone gallery without leaving WhatsApp. Choose the photo you want to use for your sticker. Choose a clear photo that would show the emotion or context you want.

    STEP 3
  1. Customize your sticker

After choosing your photo, it's time to edit your sticker. You can use the built-in tools to add text, insert emojis or decorate your stickers. Remember to keep it simple so it retains its context.

    STEP 4
  1. Save your sticker

After you have done that, if you are satisfied with the result, then you can go ahead and click the send button in the bottom right corner of the screen. This would show the sticker in the chat and automatically save it in your sticker collection.

Creating WhatsApp stickers on mobile devices

Method 2: How to make sticker from photo in WhatsApp PC

    STEP 1
  1. Open WhatsApp

On your computer, go to your WhatsApp desktop app or WhatsApp web. If this is your first time, a QR code would come up, and you would have to sync with your mobile device. Then you will be able to access your WhatsApp account on your desktop.

Open WhatsApp
    STEP 2
  1. Open a chat

After that, choose the chat you want to use the sticker in. Once you are in the chat, choose the emoji icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. A menu should appear showing "Emoji, GIFs and Stickers." Choose the sticker, and you should see a Plus sign underneath.

Open a Chat
    STEP 3
  1. Upload your photo

Once you click the "+" sign, you will be able to choose your photo from your files. Choose the photo you want to use to create your WhatsApp sticker. You can also customize and edit it to make it personal or add more context to the sticker.

Upload your Photo
    STEP 4
  1. Save your sticker

Once you are satisfied with the result, you can go ahead and click on the green "send" icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. This would show the sticker in the chat and automatically save your sticker in your sticker collection.

Save your sticker

Key features

    1
  1. No third-party apps needed: You don't need to install extra apps or use third-party services because everything happens within WhatsApp. You can create and send custom stickers without even needing to leave the chat window, making it a very seamless and easy process.
  2. 2
  3. User-friendly interface: If you are a casual user or using stickers for the first time, WhatsApp guides you through the process without overwhelming you with multiple options. Its interface is spotless and so easy to navigate that even first-time users can create WhatsApp stickers from photos immediately.
  4. 3
  5. Direct sticker integration: With WhatsApp, you don't need to download the stickers you make manually. WhatsApp automatically saves it to your sticker collection, making it instantly available whenever you want to use it. It’s seamless, fast, and perfect for users who love to personalize chats with their own creations.

How to make a WhatsApp sticker from a photo using AI

With AI, you do not have to be a designer in order to create fun, personalized stickers. For example, Dreamina is an AI sticker maker that can turn your ideas into visual images. All you do is enter your ideas, and wait a few seconds until the sticker is ready. All is simple and instant here. If you prefer to edit or crop your image for a ready-to-use sticker, Dreamina has automated background removal, AI text effects, and Inpaint tools for you to clean up, decorate, or revamp. Either way, you will create the desired stickers and give your daily chat a sense of humor.

Dreamina WhatsApp Sticker from Image

Guide 1: Steps to create WhatsApp stickers from photos with AI image generator

Dreamina makes creating WhatsApp stickers super easy and fun, and you don't need to have any experience. Just follow these easy steps and get started for free

    STEP 1
  1. Upload image and add prompt

Once you have an account setup and you are signed in, head to the Image generator tile in Dreamina and click on Generate. This action will grant you access to our image generator. Inside the generator, you'll see an empty text box on the left panel. Next, click the Reference image icon, select your photo, and click Save to upload.

Once your photo has been successfully uploaded, you can now add a prompt to guide the AI. Here's an example of a good prompt: Use this cat in the image to create a cute, cartoon-style, white cat sticker. It laughs with its eyes closed and paws in the air. A speech bubble or bold comic text that says "LMAO" above its head.

Upload image and add prompt
    STEP 2
  1. Generate your sticker

Now you have your photo and prompt ready, it's time to adjust your generation settings. Starting with the model—choose an AI model (for the best results, pick Image 3.0 by Seedream) for your creation. Next, choose your resolution, the aspect ratio, and hit "Generate."

Generate your sticker
    STEP 3
  1. Download

Dreamina's AI will begin analyzing your prompt and settings. After a few seconds, the AI will create 4 unique WhatsApp stickers for you to choose from. Look through your creations and click on any sticker image you like the most to preview in full screen. Happy with result? Easily save it on your computer by clicking the download icon at the top of the image.

How to make WhatsApp stickers from photos

Guide 2: Steps to create WhatsApp stickers from photos with the AI editor

Also, Dreamina offers an AI editor for you to crop and edit your photo into a sticker. Here is a simple guide:

    STEP 1
  1. Upload your photo

Once you sign in, move to the Image generator tab on the top left corner of the screen and click on "Create on Canvas." This will take you to Dreamina's canvas. On the top left corner of the screen, you will see "Upload image." Click on it and choose the image you want to use.

Upload your photo
    STEP 2
  1. Cut out and enhance

Once you have your image, the next thing is to cut it out. Use the Background remove tool on the top side of the screen to cut out the sticker. You can also use other tools to personalize the sticker. Use the Add Text tool to add special text to your stickers with the AI Text Effects, while you can use the Inpaint tool to add details and fix whatever part of your sticker you want to fix.

Cut out and Enhance
    STEP 3
  1. Optimize and download WhatsApp

Once you are done and satisfied with the results, make sure you resize your canvas to 512x512 pixels, as it is the official WhatsApp dimension. Fit your sticker into the canvas. After that, download it as a PNG file to save it on your device. To add it to your WhatsApp, use any sticker-importing app or share it manually using a file manager or USB cable.

Optimize and Download your sticker

To add it to your WhatsApp, use any sticker-importing app or share it manually using a file manager or USB cable.

Sticker in Chat

More creative AI tools

    1
  1. AI blender

If you want to combine two different designs to create a hilarious sticker, Dreamina got you. With its AI "Blend" tool, you can combine two different designs to create a unique sticker. It is perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind sticker that gives more context.

Blend Tool
    2
  1. Smart remover

Eliminate unwanted elements from your WhatsApp sticker with the "Remove" feature in Dreamina. Take off mistakes, unwanted writing, or even elements with a simple brush selection and watch as Dreamina takes them out.

Remove
    3
  1. HD upscaler

This tool helps you make your WhatsApp stickers look very sharp and clear, whether they are viewed on mobile devices or computers. The "HD Upscale" feature gives your sticker a major quality boost, increasing its resolution and clarity in one click.

HD Upscale
    4
  1. AI inpainting

If you want to edit or fix a part of your sticker, the "Inpaint" tool in Dreamina allows you to do just that. And you can do it without redoing the whole sticker or starting from scratch. Just select wherever you want to fix and describe changes and watch Dreamina take care of it.

Inpaint

How to make WhatsApp sticker from photo with a specialized app

If you are in the market for an app that you can devote to sticker creation, Sticker.ly is a very popular and user-friendly option. It is a mobile app that does a great job of turning your personal photos into high-quality WhatsApp stickers with little effort at all. To make WhatsApp stickers from photos, it also offers auto-cut and text overlay tools for that extra touch.

Sticker.ly Sticker Maker

Steps to make stickers for WhatsApp from photos with Sticker.ly

    STEP 1
  1. Import your photo

Open Sticker.ly and tap the "+" button on the bottom corner to start a new sticker pack. You’ll be prompted to select a photo from your device gallery. Choose the image you want to turn into a sticker.

    STEP 2
  1. Cut out and customize your photo

Once your photo is uploaded, use Sticker.ly's Auto Cut tool to remove the background automatically. You can also use the Manual Cut tool if you want more control. Add decorations like emojis, outlines, or text to personalize your sticker.

    STEP 3
  1. Save and export to WhatsApp

After editing, tap "Save" to add the sticker to your custom pack. Once you’ve created at least three stickers, Sticker.ly lets you export the pack directly to WhatsApp. Your custom stickers are now available in your WhatsApp sticker library for instant use.

Save your Sticker

Key features

    1
  1. Auto background removal: One of Sticker.ly's best features is its "Auto Cut tool," which uses AI to detect and remove the background from your photo automatically. This helps you create clean, focused stickers without needing advanced editing skills.
  2. 2
  3. Text, emojis & decorations: Sticker.ly allows you to personalize your stickers by adding text overlays, emojis, and fun decorations. You can choose fonts, colors, and placements to match your sticker's tone—whether it's playful, sarcastic, or expressive.
  4. 3
  5. Direct integration with WhatsApp: After creating a pack, you can export it straight to WhatsApp with one tap—no extra tools, no file conversions. The stickers appear immediately in your WhatsApp sticker collection, ready to send.

Getting it right: WhatsApp sticker format and size requirements

  • Exact dimensions

For your sticker to be directly compatible with WhatsApp, you need to make sure the sticker is exactly 512x512 pixels. This is a square format that ensures your sticker is properly aligned and looks clean. If your sticker is larger than that, properly resize it without compromising the quality.

  • Transparent background

When making your sticker, make sure that you remove the background to give it a classy look. Backgrounds may be distracting and not allow the receiver to get the full context of the sticker. Also, a sticker without a background blends naturally into the chat. Remember stickers are all about expressing your thoughts clearly—extra backgrounds can often distract from the message you’re trying to share.”

  • File size limits

WhatsApp has strict file limits: below 100 kb for static stickers and under 500 kb for animated stickers. In order to comply with this, when making your stickers, avoid over-complex visuals or high-resolution pictures. Also, let the editing be moderate. Remember, the photo is supposed to be the most important part of the sticker. The edits are just to add a bit of context and improve it

  • File format

When saving your sticker, make sure it is saved either in PNG or WebP formats. These formats are accepted by WhatsApp. PNG is great for manual imports because it is widely compatible and also supports transparency. WebP format is widely used by most sticker-making apps, and that makes it perfect for direct imports. Remember to apply these formats before saving, so you won't have to spend time looking for how to convert them into formats acceptable to WhatsApp

  • Design best practices

Always remember, less is more. Your stickers should be simple but have bold visuals, as that would make them easier to understand. If it is too complicated, most of the details may be lost when scaled down. Also, add white outlines to enable the sticker to stand out in both dark and white chat backgrounds. 16-pixel margins should also be maintained to ensure no part of the image is cut off. Your sticker should be clear and concise in order for it to portray its context and emotion.

Conclusion

WhatsApp stickers are a fun way to express ourselves and our emotions while making conversations flow more naturally between people. In this guide, we have seen different methods we can use to make stickers for WhatsApp from photos—using WhatsApp's inbuilt tools, AI like Dreamina, or specialized apps like Sticker.ly. But if you're looking for speed, creativity, and total control, Dreamina clearly leads the way. With features like automatic background removal, AI-driven enhancements, and powerful personalization tools, it helps you turn ordinary photos into powerful and, at the same time, hilarious ones. Ready to transform your ordinary photos into conversation-stealing stickers? Start creating with Dreamina today and bring your chats to life.

FAQs

    1
  1. Can I create sticker from photo for WhatsApp using any image format?

Yes, you can. You can create your sticker using any format, either JPEG, PNG, or HEIC; however, WhatsApp requires that the final format to be in either PNG or WebP. So as not to be confused with converting, it's better to save directly in PNG or WebP. With Dreamina's canvas editor, you can easily save your stickers in WhatsApp's preferred format (PNG)—all it takes is a single click. Ready to make WhatsApp sticker creation simple and enjoyable? Give Dreamina a try today and see how easy the entire process can be.

    2
  1. How long does it take to make WhatsApp stickers from photos?

Creating a sticker can be fast while using the right tools—under 5 minutes (depending on editing). However, with Dreamina, it takes just seconds to make. With Dreamina WhatsApp sticker maker, creating stickers from photos has never been easier. Simply click "Reference" to upload the image, enter what your expected sticker looks like and hit "Generate." In 20-60 seconds, you will receive four custom stickers. So, what are you waiting for? Start with Dreamina today and turn that funny photo into a sticker

    3
  1. How do I fix blurry or pixelated WhatsApp stickers from photos?

If your sticker is blurry, it is mostly due to a low-resolution source image or poor resizing. Always make sure your image is high quality and optimized for WhatsApp's 512x512 format. With Dreamina tools, blurry and pixelated tools can be fixed. The Dreamina HD Upscaler enhances photo resolution without losing detail. Also, the Dreamina Retouch tool can improve clarity, sharpen edges, and correct imperfections. Don't let blurry photos ruin your stickers—try Dreamina's HD Upscaler today and create crystal-clear stickers that'll wow your friends.