WhatsApp is developing an amazing new tool that lets you create your own stickers

WhatsApp
(Image credit: Oasisamuel / Shutterstock)

A new sticker-creation option was spotted in a beta version of the latest WhatsApp desktop app. When it rolls out on a wider scale, it will mean you no longer need to rely on third-party apps or sticker packs. In other words, if you like the idea of transforming your wedding photo into a sticker to share in chats, go for it.

News of the tool for creating stickers was first shared on Twitter by Mukul Sharma:


Sure, the bulk of communication carried out in messaging apps is textual – at least in chats that aren't video calls – but emoji also play an important role in conveying ideas and feelings. More recently apps such as WhatsApp have introduced stickers to take emoji to the next level as means of expression.

WhatsApp includes a decent range of built-in stickers, and you can add to your collection by installing sticker packs. These can be free or paid for, but you may well have found it difficult to track down sticker packs you really like. It seems WhatsApp has quietly introduced an answer to your prayers.

Get creative

If you're already panicking about your design skills , there's no need to worry. The sticker creation tool is easy to use, and closely resembles a simple image editor like those you're probably already accustomed to.

You can quickly import an image from your computer and use the editing tools to crop in on the most interesting part of the shot. You'll also find familiar tools for rotating images, adding text and drawing on top of it, and adding shapes and other elements.

WhatsApp users have been begging for the ability to create stickers. At the moment, it's not possible to say when the sticker creation tool will exit beta testing and be made available to more people. Nor is it possible to say when or if the tool will land on mobile platforms – although it's difficult to imagine it remaining exclusive to the desktop app. But stick around with us: We'll keep you informed of any new developments.

TOPICS
Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson
Freelance writer

Sofia is a tech journalist who's been writing about software, hardware and the web for nearly 25 years – but still looks as youthful as ever! After years writing for magazines, her life moved online and remains fueled by technology, music and nature.

Having written for websites and magazines since 2000, producing a wide range of reviews, guides, tutorials, brochures, newsletters and more, she continues to write for diverse audiences, from computing newbies to advanced users and business clients. Always willing to try something new, she loves sharing new discoveries with others.

Sofia lives and breathes Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and just about anything with a power button, but her particular areas of interest include security, tweaking and privacy. Her other loves include walking, music, her two Malamutes and, of course, her wife and daughter.

You can find her on Twitter and Mastodon.

Read more
WhatsApp
WhatsApp looks set to get an AI makeover soon – here's what could be coming
WhatsApp China VPN
WhatsApp's new new music status updates take me back to my MySpace and MSN Messenger days
A smartphone on a sofa showing the WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal apps
Forget AI – WhatsApp is planning a simple messages feature that could be its most useful upgrade in years
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is making it even easier to add emoji, and I can't wait to see how badly this goes
ChatGPT WhatsApp
ChatGPT on WhatsApp can now see, hear, and remember your conversations from elsewhere
Bangalore, India - October, 10, 2024: Close up image of WhatsApp logo on a windows desktop running windows 11. Windows on Desktop.
How to use WhatsApp on desktop
Latest in Email & Messaging
Gmail at 20
No joke, Gmail is 20 and we're probably better for it
Google introduced Gmail to the public on April 1, 2004, leading many to believe it was an April Fools' Day prank
Google's next AI update for Gmail could let you ask it to write emails with your voice
A laptop screen on an orange background showing the Gmail logo and an inbox
Final warning: it’s your last chance to save your old Gmail account from deletion
A phone showing WhatsApp video calling on a pink background
WhatsApp video calls get handy screen-sharing feature – here's how to use it
Gmail
Watch out Google users – your account could get deleted if it’s not used
Google Chat messaging friends
Google wants to make its Chat app a lot more personal by copying WhatsApp
Latest in News
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max REVIEW
The latest batch of leaked iPhone 17 dummy units appear to show where glass meets metal on the new designs
Hornet swings their weapon in mid air
Hollow Knight: Silksong could potentially launch this year and I reckon it could be a great game for an Xbox handheld
ransomware avast
Ransomware attacks are costing Government offices a month of downtime on average
Cassian looking at someone off-camera from a TIE fighter cockpit in Andor season 2
Star Wars: Andor creator is taking a stance against AI by canceling plans to release its scripts, and I completely get why
Nintendo x Seattle Mariners partnership
The Nintendo Switch 2 logo will be featured on the Seattle Mariners' baseball jerseys this season
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Review
Siri's chances to beat ChatGPT just got a whole lot better