How to Print and Cut Custom Stickers with the xTool M1 Ultra

Making your own custom stickers is super easy with the xTool M1 Ultra. With the printing module and fine point blade integrated into the machine, you can print and cut your stickers without needing several devices.

I’ve had the M1 Ultra for a few months now and I’ve been having so much fun with it. I recently added the printer module and for my first project I knew I wanted to make stickers.

I have a separate printer and a silhouette so I had everything I needed to make my own stickers. The problem was that I have always been intimidated by lining up the cuts properly and haven’t spent the time to research how to do that when using two different machines. I knew it was going to be a long iterative process and I just didn’t want to invest the time.

With the xTool M1 Ultra you can set multi-module processing which allows you to print your image and then immediately cut it. The machine and software know where your image is aligned so you don’t have to worry about getting your cuts lined up to have a consistent border around your design.

Here is how I made custom stickers using the xTool M1 Ultra.

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How to Make Custom Stickers with the xTool M1 Ultra

First let’s cover the tools and materials that you’ll need. You’ll of course need the M1 Ultra and a few of the accessories.

Tools

xTool M1 Ultra

Inkjet Module

Fine Point Blade

Blue Mat

Materials

Sticker Paper

Make sure that your machine is on and you’ve opened the software program (creative space).

Step 1 – Set up the Modules and Accessories

Inkjet Module

Insert the inkjet module, lock it in place and plug it in.

Fine tip blade

Insert the fine tip blade into the carriage

Set up accessories

First you’ll need to place the blue sticky mat into the machine. Align the corners with the marks on the base.

Then place a small test sticker sheet on into the inkjet module accessory holder which is located in the bottom right of the machine. Remove the bottom cover from the inkjet module and place that in the spot on the accessory holder.

Lastly, you’ll want to place your sticker paper on the blue mat. Make sure that the back of the sticker paper is down on the mat.

Step 2 – Upload your design

Now that everything is set up, you’ll want to upload your design. If you’d like to use the same emoji sticker design that I used, you can download it for free below! Just enter your name and email address in the form and the file will be sent to your email.

Upload your design to creative space by adding a new image. You can do this by clicking on the image icon with the +. It’s in the top left corner above the T in the example below.

If the image that you upload does not have a transparent background you’ll need to remove the background before the next step. Creative space makes this super easy. Just click on edit image, then use the wand to select the background and it will erase it with a single click.

Step 3 – Set Offset to Cut Sticker Outline

Creative space makes outlining your images and setting an offset very easy. Just click on outline then set your offset distance. I went with 2mm.

Step 4 – Set Your Layer Properties

Since you’ll be printing the design and cutting the offset you’ll need to have the design on one layer and the cut on a separate layer.

You can do this by clicking on the image or one of the offset lines. Then right click and you’ll see options for move to which will move that selection to a different layer. Just be sure to pick a layer color that isn’t already being used. In the example below, I moved the outline to the red layer.

Step 5 – Set Multi-Module Processing

Since you’ll want to print one layer and cut the other the next step is set up your processing modes. In order to have multiple processing modes in one design you’ll need to select multi-module processing.

Now that multi-module processing is selected, you can set your specific processing modes for the two layers.

Set image/design layer to ink module

For the image/design that you want to print, select the ink module. You can do this by clicking on the layer. I went with 100 intensity for my stickers but you could reduce the intensity if you want. Or if you want more vibrant colors you could do multiple passes.

Set outline layer to fine-point blade

For the outline cut you’ll want to select that layer and then change the module to fine-point blade.

For the cut settings I did a few test cuts with the sticker paper that I had and decided to go with 160 pressure and 50 mm/s speed. You’ll want to identify the best settings for your paper and machine. This setting worked great on the larger rounded edges but for some of the sharper cuts I think I had it a bit too fast. Also note that the pressure that I choose cut all the way through the paper. You could also reduce the pressure and do a kiss cut sticker where it doesn’t cut through the backing of the paper.

Step 6 – Set your Print Area

Use the mark function in creative space to set the print area for your stickers.

First, click on mark to set print area. You’ll see it on the right of the screen in the example below.

Then you’ll need to select rectangle for the marking mode.

Click on start marking and then you’ll see options to select point 1 and point 2. To mark the points you need to manually move the module on the machine to the top left and bottom right of your paper. Note that the working area for the inkjet module is smaller than if you were using some of the other modules so you’ll need to take that into consideration when marking your working area.

Align crosshare for point 1

Once you have your first corner identified press the mark button on the front of the M1 Ultra.

Align crosshare for opposite corner (point 2)

Now manually move the gantry to the opposite corner. After you have your second point identified you’ll need to press the button on the front of the machine again to capture it.

After both points are input you’ll see both of them on the left changed to green text. You should also see the rectangle on your screen. Select end marking.

Step 7. Rearrange and Resize as Needed

You may notice that the design does not fit within your area that you marked (the rectangle shown in the example below). If this happens you may need to move or even resize your image and borders to fit within the processing area.

You can simply select all and then resize or move the image and border all at once.

Step 8. Print and Cut Stickers

To print and cut the stickers you’ll need to select go to process. You should now see a screen that shows your design along with the modules in the top right. Make sure that you see both the fine-point blade and ink module.

Select start and then click the silver start button on the front of the M1 Ultra when directed to in Creative Space.

It took a little over 4 minutes for my machine to print and cut the stickers. When finished, remove the blue mat from the machine and be sure to place the bottom film on the back of the mat to prevent debris from sticking to it.

Now you can peel your stickers off of the sheet and mat and stick them to whatever you want!

xTool M1 Ultra Stickers

Here is photo of the stickers with my good camera (not my phone). I wanted to showcase the quality so that you can evaluate if this machine is right for your needs. I did not edit the colors at all so this is accurate to what they look like in real life.

They came out pretty good in my opinion. I think they are great for home crafters but not really of quality to sell. The quality of the print isn’t terrible but with just 3 colors in the inkjet cartridge the print looks a bit fuzzy/grainy.

I purposefully designed these stickers to use just about every color of the rainbow to evaluate if some colors printed better than others. They all look pretty equivalent to me.

If you’re wanting higher quality prints you could use a better sticker paper. You could also print the stickers on a more advanced printer and then still have an easier time cutting them on the M1 Ultra than a Cricut or Silhouette. In creative space you can take a photo of your workspace with the M1 Ultra to align your cuts so that you can ensure an even border around your design.

I’m excited to try printing on different materials with the inkjet module. I think that’s really what sets this machine apart from traditional printers. I’m thinking a wood project next. Any requests?

Also, I’m working on a full review of the xTool M1 Ultra so check back to hear all of my thoughts on the machine. If you’re considering the heat press I have a great review on that!