Use case guide
How to Create Telegram Stickers from Any Image (Free)
Telegram stickers need to be exactly the right format: a transparent PNG, up to 512 × 512 px, under 512 KB. Get any of those wrong and Telegram rejects the upload. Here is the full process, from any image to a working sticker pack in four steps.
Telegram sticker requirements
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | PNG with transparency |
| Max dimensions | 512 × 512 px (one side must be exactly 512) |
| Max file size | 512 KB |
| Background | Transparent (no white background) |
Step 1: Remove the background
Telegram stickers require a transparent background. Use PNGmaker's background remover to strip the background from any photo or illustration in seconds. The AI detects the subject automatically, no masking or selection tools needed. Download the result as a PNG with a transparent background.
Step 2: Add a white border with PNGmaker Sticker Maker
Classic Telegram stickers have a white border that makes the subject pop against any chat background, dark or light. Use PNGmaker's Sticker Maker to add a clean white outline around your cutout. A border thickness of around 5% of the image width (about 25 px on a 512 px image) looks sharp on mobile screens. The sticker remains a transparent PNG after adding the border.
Step 3: Resize to 512 × 512 px
Telegram requires that at least one side of the sticker is exactly 512 px. Use PNGmaker's PNG Resizer to resize to 512 × 512 px while keeping the transparent background intact. Make sure the file size stays under 512 KB, most PNG stickers come in well below that after resizing.
Step 4: Upload to @Stickers bot on Telegram
Open Telegram and start a conversation with @Stickers (the official Telegram bot for sticker packs).
- Send
/newpackto create a new sticker pack - Send the pack name when prompted
- Upload your PNG file (512 × 512, transparent)
- Send an emoji to associate with the sticker
- Repeat steps 3-4 for additional stickers
- Send
/publishto finalize and share the pack
Tips for great Telegram stickers
- Use simple, bold images. Stickers are displayed small in chat, fine details disappear. Strong silhouettes and high contrast work best.
- Border thickness ~5%. About 25 px on a 512 px image. Too thin and it disappears; too thick and it looks chunky.
- Avoid photos with messy backgrounds. The AI background remover works best on subjects with clear separation from the background, portraits, objects on plain surfaces, illustrations.
Try it with PNGmaker
Use the tool flow directly from this guide. The idea is simple: understand the workflow, then get to the result fast.