Guides · Updated 7 Oct
Die-cut vs kiss-cut stickers: what's the difference?
When you order custom stickers you'll usually be asked to pick die-cut or kiss-cut. Both look identical once they're stuck on. The difference is in how they're cut, how they're handed out and what they cost.
Die-cut stickers
A die-cut sticker is cut all the way through the vinyl and the backing paper, following the outline of the design. What you hold is a sticker shaped exactly like the artwork, with no square paper around it.
- Best for: laptop stickers, merch, giveaways and anything people collect
- Looks premium straight out of the packet
- Slightly harder to peel because the backing is the same shape as the sticker
Kiss-cut stickers
A kiss-cut sticker is cut through the vinyl only. The backing stays a larger square or rectangle around the shape, so there's a border to hold and print on.
- Best for: product packaging, stickers with small or thin parts, and sticker sheets
- Easiest to peel, because the backing extends past the edge
- The extra backing can carry your brand name or a QR code
Which should you choose?
If the sticker is the product (something people will put on a laptop or bottle), choose die-cut. If it's going on boxes, has thin details that could tear, or you want a printed backing, choose kiss-cut. Circles and squares are simple shapes that work either way.