How to make a Telegram sticker (512 px transparent PNG) free
A good Telegram sticker is, almost always, a subject cut out on a transparent background: a face, a pet, an object, with no original background in the way. Telegram is fairly specific about the format —512 px on a side and PNG with transparency— but once you understand those two conditions, making your own sticker (or a whole pack) takes minutes and you don't need to install anything. This guide covers the cutout, the exact format and how to upload it to the Telegram bot.
The format Telegram asks for
- Transparent background: the sticker goes with no background. If you leave a background, a box shows over the chat bubble.
- Size: one side must be exactly 512 px, and the other 512 px or less. A 512×512 square is the safest option.
- File format: PNG (it also accepts WebP), which keeps transparency. JPG doesn't work because it fills the background.
Step by step
- Open the photo or drawing you want to turn into a sticker in PhotoCut Studio.
- Use the AI Cutout to leave only the subject and touch up the edges with the brushes.
- In Export, choose Transparent mode.
- Frame and export so the longest side is 512 px.
- Download as PNG and add it to a pack with Telegram's @Stickers bot.
We tested it: transparent PNG with an outline
The flow is the same as for any sticker: cutout + Sticker (outline). The white border gives it the professional finish and makes it read well over Telegram's backgrounds. We verified that the exported PNG keeps the transparency around the figure.
Telegram accepts PNG with transparency (512 px on a side); you build the pack without installing anything and without the image leaving your device.
The outline trick
The best-looking stickers usually have a colored border around the subject (usually white), which separates them from the chat background and gives that "sticker" feel. It's not required, but it helps legibility a lot, especially with dark chat backgrounds. If your sticker looks "flat" over the bubble, try giving it a small margin or outline.
How to upload it to Telegram
Telegram doesn't use third-party apps for official packs: it uses its own bot called @Stickers. The flow is simple:
- Search for and open the chat with @Stickers.
- Use the command to create a new pack and name it.
- Send your PNG with transparency and assign it an emoji.
- Repeat for each sticker; when done, the bot gives you a link to use and share the pack.
What if I also want it for WhatsApp?
The cutout you made works the same: the subject on a transparent background at 512 px is the base for both. The difference is that WhatsApp uses the WebP format and works with pack apps, while Telegram uses PNG and the bot. You can export both versions from the same cutout; it's detailed in the WhatsApp sticker guide.
Without installing anything, without uploading your photo
The whole cutout happens in your browser —on the computer or the phone. The photo isn't uploaded to any server or stored; you only upload the final PNG yourself, to the Telegram bot.
Frequently asked questions
What size and format does Telegram want for a sticker?
PNG (or WebP) with a transparent background, with one side exactly 512 px and the other 512 px or less. A 512×512 square with the subject cut out and no background is safest.
How do I add the sticker to Telegram once I have it?
With the official @Stickers bot: you message it, create a new pack, send it the transparent PNG and assign an emoji. The bot builds the pack and gives you a link.
What's the difference from a WhatsApp sticker?
The concept is the same (cut-out subject, transparent, 512 px), but WhatsApp uses WebP and pack apps, and Telegram accepts PNG via the @Stickers bot. The cutout works for both; the format and upload method change.
Is my photo uploaded to a server to make the sticker?
No. The cutout is done in your browser; the photo isn't uploaded to any server. You only upload the final PNG yourself, to the Telegram bot.
Make my Telegram sticker →More guides
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