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November 15, 2026
What is the difference?
Both methods use a blade to cut your design out of sticker material. The difference is how deep the blade goes.
- Die-cut: the blade cuts through the sticker and the backing, so you get a separate sticker in the exact outline of your design.
- Kiss-cut: the blade cuts through the sticker layer only, leaving the backing intact. The sticker stays on a larger backing sheet and peels off cleanly.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Die-cut | Kiss-cut |
|---|---|---|
| Cut depth | Through sticker and backing | Through the sticker only |
| Result | Separate sticker in your design shape | Sticker on a backing sheet |
| Peeling | Peel the backing from the sticker | Lift the sticker off the backing |
| Best for | Single stickers, logos, mascots, giveaways | Sheets, small designs, retail packs |
| Look | Clean shape with no extra border | Backing sheet adds a neat, collectable look |
When to choose die-cut
- You want each sticker in the exact outline of a logo or character.
- You hand stickers out individually or add one to each order.
- You want a bold, shaped sticker for a bottle, laptop or window.
See our die-cut stickers and custom-cut vinyl decals.
When to choose kiss-cut
- You want several small stickers on one sheet.
- Your stickers are small or detailed and hard to peel when fully cut.
- You sell sticker packs or include a sheet with orders.
- You want the backing sheet to protect the stickers until use.
For sheets and rolls, see roll stickers and labels on sticker sheets.
Materials and outdoor use
The cut method does not decide how long a sticker lasts. The material and finish do. For outdoor or wet use, choose vinyl with a protective laminate; see our guide to waterproof and vinyl stickers and our waterproof stickers.
Artwork tips for either cut
- Use vector artwork (PDF or AI) or a 300 dpi image.
- Keep important details at least 0.125 inch from the cut line.
- Avoid very thin lines or tiny text that can be lost at small sizes.
- For die-cut, supply a clean outline so the cut follows your design.
- Check the free proof to confirm the cut shape before approving.
How to order
Choose a style on our sticker printing page, select size, material and quantity, upload your artwork and approve the free digital proof. For shapes or sheets that are not listed, use the free quote form. For general guidance see our sticker guide for small businesses.
Frequently asked questions
What is a die-cut sticker?
A sticker cut through the material and backing to the exact shape of its design, so each sticker is separate.
What is a kiss-cut sticker?
A sticker cut through the top layer only, so it stays on a backing sheet and is easy to peel.
Which is better for stickers on sheets?
Kiss-cut. The backing sheet holds several stickers together and keeps them protected until use.
Which is better for a single logo sticker?
Die-cut. It follows the outline of your logo and gives a clean, shaped sticker.
Does the cut type affect waterproofing?
No. Durability depends on the material and finish, such as vinyl with a laminate.
Can I see the cut line before printing?
Yes. The free digital proof lets you check the cut shape, colours and size before production.
