5 Practical Tips: Improve Digital Stickers in Pixelmator Pro

Published on 21 July 2023 6 min read

Optimize your workspace in Pixelmator Pro
How to use layers effectively
Sharpen your digital stickers
How to adjust color and contrast
Exporting and saving your stickers

Want to up your game in creating digital stickers with Pixelmator Pro? You're in the right place. We'll share five handy tips to help you get better at digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro. You'll learn how to optimize your workspace, use layers effectively, sharpen your stickers, adjust color and contrast, and finally, save your stickers for the world to enjoy. So, let's dive in!

Optimize your workspace in Pixelmator Pro

First things first, let's get your workspace in Pixelmator Pro in top shape. A well-organized workspace can make your digital sticker creation process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Here's how you can get that done:

Pixelmator Pro comes with a customizable toolbar, which is a big plus for anyone keen on getting better at digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro. To customize it, simply right-click on the toolbar and select "Customize Toolbar". From here, you can add, remove, or rearrange tools according to what you frequently use. Remember, a streamlined toolbar means less time searching and more time creating!

Arrange Your Palettes

Next, let's talk about palettes. These are the small windows that house different tools and settings in Pixelmator Pro. To get your workspace super organized, you'll want to arrange your palettes in a way that makes sense for your workflow. You can even group related palettes together for easier access. So go ahead, give your palettes a little makeover—you'll thank yourself later!

Use Workspaces

Did you know you can save your setup as a workspace in Pixelmator Pro? This is a neat feature if you're serious about getting better at digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro. Workspaces allow you to save your current arrangement of tools and palettes. You can create multiple workspaces for different types of projects. To do this, go to "Window" in the menu, then "Workspaces", and finally "New Workspace". Give it a name and voila! Your workspace is ready to go.

Optimizing your workspace in Pixelmator Pro is all about creating an environment that helps you work efficiently. So take some time to experiment and find a setup that works best for you.

How to use layers effectively

Now that your workspace is all set up, let's talk about layers. Layers are like the building blocks of your digital stickers. Understanding how to use them effectively can really elevate your Pixelmator Pro skills. So, how do we get better at using layers in Pixelmator Pro? Let's find out.

Understanding Layer Basics

Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of one another. Each sheet can hold different elements of your digital sticker—like text, shapes, images, or effects. You can move, edit, or hide each layer independently, giving you maximum control over your design. Pretty neat, right? But that's just the beginning.

Organize Your Layers

As you add more elements to your sticker, your layers panel can start to look a bit chaotic. A well-organized layers panel is key to a smooth workflow. You can rename your layers for easy identification or use layer groups to categorize related layers. Trust me, your future self will appreciate the effort.

Master Layer Styles

Layer styles are your secret weapon for getting better at digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro. These are special effects that you can apply to a layer—like drop shadows, stroke, or gradient overlays. Layer styles can add depth and interest to your stickers. Plus, they're non-destructive, meaning you can tweak them as much as you want without affecting the original layer.

Using layers effectively in Pixelmator Pro is all about understanding the basics, staying organized, and experimenting with layer styles. With a bit of practice, you'll become a layers pro in no time.

Sharpen your digital stickers

Now that you're a pro at using layers, let's move on to another important aspect of creating digital stickers: sharpening. Sharpness can make or break your stickers. No one likes a blurry sticker, do they? So, let's dive into how you can get better at sharpening digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro.

Why Sharpening Matters

Sharpening your stickers can make the edges crisper and the colors pop. It can also add a level of detail that can really make your stickers stand out. Think of it as the icing on the cake—it just makes everything better.

The Art of Selective Sharpening

Not all parts of your sticker need to be sharpened. In fact, selective sharpening can create a greater impact. You can use the Sharpen tool in Pixelmator Pro to only sharpen the areas that really need it—like the edges of a shape or the text. This can help draw attention to the important parts of your sticker.

Tweaking the Sharpness

Remember, too much of a good thing can be bad. Over-sharpening your stickers can make them look unnatural. So, play around with the sharpness slider until you find the sweet spot. Trust your eyes—they're the best judge.

Sharpening is a powerful tool in your digital sticker toolbox. It can enhance the details and make your stickers more visually appealing. So, get out there and start sharpening your stickers in Pixelmator Pro!

How to adjust color and contrast

Mastering the art of color and contrast adjustment is a key step in getting better at digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro. Let's explore how you can manipulate these elements to create stickers that are visually striking and expressive.

Understanding Color Balance

Color balance is all about harmonizing the colors in your sticker. It's the relationship between different hues and how they influence each other. By adjusting the color balance in Pixelmator Pro, you can create a mood, highlight elements, or even correct colors that aren't quite right.

Getting the Contrast Right

Contrast, on the other hand, is the difference between the lightest and darkest parts of your image. Boosting the contrast can make your sticker more vibrant and interesting. But be careful! Too much contrast can result in loss of detail. So, it's all about finding the perfect balance.

Using Adjustment Layers

Pixelmator Pro offers a nifty feature called Adjustment Layers. Instead of making changes directly to your sticker, you can use an Adjustment Layer to tweak the color and contrast. This non-destructive way of editing allows you to experiment without worrying about messing up.

By mastering color and contrast adjustments, you'll be able to create digital stickers that are not only visually appealing but also convey your intended message effectively. So, ready to add a splash of color to your stickers?

Exporting and saving your stickers

Once you've perfected your digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro, it's time to share your creations with the world. But first, you'll need to know how to properly export and save your work. Let's dive in, shall we?

Choosing the Right File Format

When it comes to exporting your sticker, the file format you choose can make a significant difference. Pixelmator Pro supports a variety of formats, but for digital stickers, PNG is often the best choice. Why? Because it supports transparency, which means your stickers can be placed on any background without an unsightly white box around them. Neat, right?

Saving Your Work

Now, onto saving your work. Pixelmator Pro automatically saves your progress as you work, which is a lifesaver if you're prone to forgetting to hit the save button. However, it's always a good idea to make a manual save now and then—just in case. When you save your project, Pixelmator Pro uses its own .pxd format, which keeps all your layers and adjustments intact for future editing. That's what we call thinking ahead!

Exporting Your Stickers

Finally, it's time to export your masterpiece. When exporting, you have the option to adjust the quality of your sticker to balance the file size and the level of detail. Remember, higher quality equals a larger file size, so choose wisely based on where you're planning to use your stickers.

And there you have it! You're now well-equipped to export and save your digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro. So go ahead, let your creativity run wild and start sharing your own unique stickers with the world!

If you enjoyed learning about improving digital stickers in Pixelmator Pro and want to expand your creative skills even further, check out the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to bring your digital art to life, making your stickers and designs even more engaging and dynamic.