Poster sizing guide

Designing a sticker sheet is about more than putting shapes on a page. Cut lines, spacing, and peel behaviour all matter.

Die-cut vs kiss-cut

• Die-cut — cuts through the entire sticker and the backing. Each sticker is fully separated.
• Kiss-cut — cuts only the sticker layer, not the backing. The whole sheet stays together; you peel off individual stickers.

Die-cut is right for individual stickers that you hand out. Kiss-cut is right for sticker sheets sold as a set.

Layout principles

For die-cut individual stickers:

• Each sticker has its own cut line
• Leave 3-5 mm space between stickers
• Each sticker can be any shape (die cut follows your art)
• Common: round, square, custom shape

For kiss-cut sticker sheets:

• All stickers share one backing
• The cut line is a single line around each sticker, not around the whole sheet
• Leave 5 mm space between stickers for clean peeling
• Common: 4-12 stickers per A4 sheet

Bleed

Add 2-3 mm bleed to each sticker. The cut tolerance means stickers without bleed may have a thin white edge after cutting.

Safe zone

Keep critical content (text, important details) at least 2 mm inside the cut line. After cutting, anything too close to the edge may be lost.

The cut line

For kiss-cut, the cut line is usually a separate colour layer in your design file. Common: 100% magenta on a separate layer. Talk to your print shop about their specific cut line requirements.

Practical tips

• Use vector shapes for the cut lines
• Keep text away from the cut line
• Test your design by printing a draft on paper and cutting by hand
• Order a small test run first

FAQ

What is the best size for a sticker?

It depends on use. For laptops and water bottles, 5-7 cm is common. For planners and journals, 3-5 cm. For bumper stickers, 15-25 cm.

What paper is best for stickers?

Vinyl is the most durable. Paper stickers are cheaper but less weather-resistant. Clear stickers show the surface through the design.

Can I print sticker sheets at home?

Yes, for small runs. Use full-sheet sticker paper. For larger runs or unusual shapes, a print shop with a cutting plotter is better.