Before you publish, the file format decides whether your sticker is accepted and whether it moves. LINE supports two main image formats for stickers — PNG for static, APNG for animated — and it enforces size and dimension limits on both. This reference clears up the choice so you export the right thing the first time. For dimensions, pair this with the size & format guide →
PNG: the static standard
PNG is the format for still stickers. Its key feature is an alpha channel — real transparency — which is why stickers float on a chat instead of sitting in a white box.
- Supports transparency (essential).
- Lossless, so edges stay sharp.
- The only format you need for non-animated stickers.
Export every static sticker as PNG. JPEG has no transparency and should never be the final format.
APNG: the animated option
APNG (Animated PNG) is PNG with frames. It is how LINE shows moving stickers — a waving character, a bouncing object — while keeping transparency.
- Multiple frames played in sequence.
- Keeps transparency like PNG.
- Required for any animated sticker set.
APNG is not the same as GIF (which has poor transparency) or MP4 (not supported for stickers). If you want motion, APNG is the path.
PNG vs APNG at a glance
- Static sticker? → PNG.
- Animated sticker? → APNG.
- Both keep transparency; only APNG adds motion.
- Both must respect LINE’s dimension and file-size limits.
Limits LINE enforces
- Dimensions: main canvas 320×320, tab 96×74, popup 240×240.
- File size: keep each file reasonable; oversized files are rejected or load slowly.
- Frame count (APNG): animations have a frame and duration cap — keep them short and loop smoothly.
- Format: PNG/APNG only; JPEG, GIF, WebP, MP4 are not accepted as sticker files.
How to choose
- Making a single expression or character? PNG.
- Want it to wave, blink, or bounce? APNG — see the animated sticker guide → when you are ready.
- Unsure? Start with PNG; you can always add an animated version later.
FAQ
Can I use GIF for animated stickers?
No — LINE uses APNG for animation. GIF has weak transparency and is not accepted as a sticker format. Use APNG instead.
Is JPEG ever acceptable?
No, not as a final sticker file. JPEG lacks transparency, so it forces a white box. Export PNG (or APNG for motion).
What if my PNG is too large?
Shrink the source before exporting and avoid unnecessary resolution above 320×320. A tighter crop also reduces file size.
Do tab and popup also need PNG?
Yes — all sticker images in a set use PNG (or APNG for animated sets). The size guide → lists each one.
Prep your static stickers as clean PNGs with the free LINE sticker cutter →