Summary:
Choosing the right sticker size depends on the surface and purpose. Die-cut stickers work best for laptop shells, water bottles, guitar cases, vehicle windows, and bumpers. Round and square designs are more uniform, so they’re better for branded jars, packaging, and labels. Removable vinyl is best if you want to remove your stickers later. Use permanent vinyl for long-term applications indoors and high-tack permanent vinyl on rough surfaces or when you want stickers to withstand the weather outside.
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Stickers are fun and easy to design. They’re also one of the most cost-effective options for raising brand awareness, customizing packaging, or handing out swag. But trying to figure out the right dimensions for every surface isn’t always straightforward because each one has different limitations.
At Little Rock, we work with everything from die-cut stickers with brand logos on them to sticker sheets teachers can use to reward kids in-class. We also know that getting the size right can make or break your design, so we’re happy to share what we know from our experience.
Use the free Sticker Sizing tool below to instantly look up the recommended starting size, material, and product for your next sticker run. Then click the black button to start your order, or keep scrolling for more helpful design tips.
When (And How) To Use Each Sticker Type
Sometimes, the real challenge isn’t figuring out the right dimensions for your project. It’s finding the most creative ways to use custom stickers in a way that helps you build your brand or express yourself. Use the chart below to get a little inspiration for your next run.
| Sticker Type | Common Use Cases | Why It Works |
| Die-Cut | Product branding, swag giveaways, event handouts | Unique shapes help your design stand out and make a bold first impression. |
| Round Stickers | Jar lids, bottle caps, logo seals, band merch | Perfect for logos or labels with a softer, more rounded look. |
| Square Stickers | Packaging labels, QR codes, minimalist logos | The perfect shape for packaging like boxes or envelopes. |
| Kiss Cut Stickers | Event promos, sticker packs, influencer mailers | Easy to peel away from the paper when you’re in a hurry or need to get a lot done. |
| Clear Stickers & Labels | Bottles, windows, glass jars, transparent packaging | Clear vinyl blends seamlessly with glass without obscuring the line of sight. |
| Sticker Rolls & Labels | Product labeling, shipping, inventory, retail packaging | Continuous rolls make it fast and efficient to apply in high-volume runs. |
How to Print High-Quality Stickers
Print quality begins long before your file ever reaches our shop in Calgary. To make sure your design prints clean and sharp, use the following file setup guidelines:
- File format: Hi-res PDF
- Bleed: ⅛ inch
- Fonts: Outlined
- Colors: CMYK (use Spot PMS if you want to match Pantone colors)
Most software programs have a specific export setting called PRINT PDF, or PRESS QUALITY PDF. If you aren’t sure which setting to use, feel free to send us a message and we’ll try to help.
ProTip: Does your design require specific colors? We strongly recommend ordering a proof before printing a large volume of stickers. Use the code FREEPROOF to get your first sample for free!
Learn More: Canva Template + Setup Resources
You don’t need to be a professional designer (or even hire one) to make amazing custom stickers that get noticed. Our free Canva templates are already set up with the right bleed, margins, and safe zones so you can start experimenting with thousands of graphics right from within the same intuitive interface.
Click a link to get started:
To create transparent background stickers in Canva, follow the same process but don’t add anything to the canvas you don’t want to show up (like a background color). Click Share > Download, then choose PNG as the file type instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Printing Stickers with Little Rock
Can I order just one sticker?
Yes! There are no minimums (or maximums) on print runs, so you can order as many as you want. You get the same high-quality results whether you order 1 or 10,000 at a time.
What’s the difference between “kiss-cut” and “die-cut” stickers?
With kiss-cut stickers, our cutting machine slices through the vinyl layer of your sticker, but not the paper backing. They typically stay on a sheet or roll until you need them, then you can peel them off cleanly one-by-one without affecting the rest.
Die-cut stickers are a little bit different because the machine slices through both layers following the exact shape of your design (even if it’s complex). You can hand each one out like a business card or toss it into a shipping box without needing to do any extra trimming or cutting.
Do you laminate or weatherproof stickers?
Most of our stickers are made from durable vinyl with options that can withstand regular use and outdoor exposure as long as they’re installed correctly. See how to print stickers that actually hold up to Canadian weather for more info.
Do you offer volume discounts?
We sure do! Discounts are based on how many stickers you order, starting at 25 and going up to 10,000. You can also save yourself a few bucks by choosing a longer lead time of up to seven days if you aren’t in a rush. If you need them faster, we can still get them out to you on-time.
What’s the best color profile for stickers?
The best color profile for printing stickers (and anything else you plan to print) is CMYK, which stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black). Most design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator default to RGB, so you may need to switch your file to CMYK at the start of each project.
The problem with RGB mode is that it’s made for screens, which create color by reflecting light. Printers use ink, which absorbs light instead. If you print straight from an RGB file, your colors might look dull, muddy, or just generally less vibrant than you expect.
Learn more about RBG vs CMYK here.
Print High-Quality Stickers With Little Rock
Little Rock’s Calgary print shop is stocked with some of the most advanced printing and cutting machines in the industry so you have the freedom to print in any size, shape, and finish. You can keep it fresh with die-cut singles in your own custom designs, or create show-stopping brand labels and stickers instead.Get stickers that look sharp, feel premium, and stay securely in place indoors or out now. Send us your print-ready file now, or contact Little Rock Printing now if you have any questions!
