Last year, iOS 16 introduced a cool feature that allowed users to cut subjects out of their photos. It was a fun addition to the iOS experience, but many users were left wondering what exactly they should do with these cutouts. However, with the upcoming release of iOS 17, which is still in public beta but will be fully available this fall, Apple has provided an excellent answer to that question: turn them into stickers.
At first, I was skeptical about the usefulness of stickers in iOS 17. However, after giving them a try, I can confidently say that they are well worth your time, especially within the iMessage app. Imagine the delight and amazement of your friends when you send them a reaction to their message using a sticker you created from a grumpy picture of your cat. They will undoubtedly be impressed and curious to know how you did it. You could choose to reveal our little secret or keep it to yourself and bask in all the glory of being an Apple Genius Bar expert. The choice is yours, and we won’t judge.
Now, let’s dive into how you can create and use stickers in iOS 17. The following steps were conducted on an iPhone 13 Mini running the iOS 17 developer beta, but they should apply to any device running iOS 17.
To access your stickers, you can simply use Apple’s iOS keyboard. When you open the keyboard and tap the smiley icon to access emojis, scroll all the way to the left of the “Frequently Used” panel. There, you’ll find a collection of recently used stickers, as well as a shortcut to access all of your stickers. Just tap on the sticker you want to use. However, keep in mind that outside of iMessage, these stickers will appear as PNG images. Therefore, the best way to utilize them is within Apple’s messaging app.
The integration of stickers in iMessage opens up a world of possibilities for creative expression and communication. You can use stickers to add a touch of humor, convey emotions, or enhance the overall message of your conversations. With iOS 17, Apple provides a range of default stickers to get you started, but the real fun begins when you create your own custom stickers from cutouts of your favorite photos.
To create your own stickers, follow these steps:
1. Take a photo or select an existing one that you want to turn into a sticker.
2. Open the Photos app and locate the photo you want to use.
3. Tap the “Edit” button to enter the editing mode.
4. Look for the “+” icon and tap on it to add the photo to your sticker collection.
5. Use your finger to trace around the subject you want to cut out. Be as precise as possible to ensure a clean cutout.
6. Once you’ve finished tracing, tap “Done” or a similar option to confirm and save the cutout as a sticker.
7. Repeat these steps for any other photos you want to turn into stickers.
With your custom stickers created, you can now easily access them within iMessage to add a more personal touch to your conversations. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different cutouts, backgrounds, and combinations. You can even combine multiple stickers to create unique and hilarious scenes.
Remember, stickers are not limited to personal photos. You can also cut out interesting elements from landscapes, illustrations, or even famous works of art to create a unique collection of stickers that reflects your interests and personality.
The introduction of stickers in iOS 17 brings a new level of fun and interactivity to iMessage conversations. Whether you want to express your emotions, engage in playful banter, or simply add some lightheartedness to your chats, stickers offer a versatile tool for self-expression. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of impressing your friends with your sticker creations.