๐Ÿ“š How to Make Custom Emojis

Complete 2025 Guide for Slack, Discord & Teams

๐ŸŽฏ Why Custom Emojis Transform Team Communication

Custom emojis aren't just fun additionsโ€”they're powerful communication tools that can increase team engagement by 300% and create stronger community bonds. Here's why every modern workspace needs them:

๐Ÿš€ Boost Engagement

Teams with custom emojis see 3x more message reactions and increased participation in channels

๐ŸŽจ Brand Identity

Reinforce company culture and values through visual elements that represent your team's personality

โšก Quick Communication

Express complex ideas instantly - perfect for agile teams and fast-paced environments

๐ŸŒ Global Teams

Bridge language barriers with universal visual communication that works across cultures

๐Ÿ“ 4-Step Emoji Creation Process

Follow this proven method used by thousands of successful teams to create professional custom emojis:

1

Choose Your Creation Method

Start by deciding how you want to create your emoji. Each method offers different advantages:

  • Text-based: Perfect for quick reactions, inside jokes, and terminology
  • Image upload: Great for logos, mascots, and existing graphics
  • Preset styles: Ideal for consistent branding across multiple emojis
Pro Tip: Start with 5-10 essential emojis that your team uses most frequently, then expand based on usage patterns.

Design Your Visual Style

2

This is where your emoji comes to life. Focus on these key design elements:

  • Readability: Ensure text is clear at small sizes (32x32px)
  • Color contrast: Use high contrast for better visibility
  • Brand consistency: Match your company's color palette and style
  • Simplicity: Keep designs simple - they'll be viewed at tiny sizes
Design Rule: If you can't recognize your emoji when it's thumbnail-sized, it needs simplification.

Preview and Test Thoroughly

3

Testing is crucial for emoji success. Check these aspects:

  • Multiple sizes: Test at 16px, 32px, and 64px
  • Different backgrounds: Ensure visibility on light and dark themes
  • Mobile devices: Check how it appears on phones and tablets
  • Animation timing: For animated emojis, test loop smoothness
Testing Tip: Show your emoji to team members who weren't involved in creation - fresh eyes catch issues you might miss.

Export and Upload to Platform

4

Each platform has specific requirements for optimal emoji performance:

  • File format: PNG for static, GIF for animated
  • Naming: Use descriptive names (avoid spaces and special characters)
  • File size: Keep under platform limits for fast loading
  • Batch upload: Upload multiple emojis at once for efficiency
Upload Strategy: Create a naming convention (e.g., company_celebration, team_success) for easy organization and discovery.

๐ŸŽฏ Platform-Specific Requirements

Each platform has unique specifications. Here's what you need to know:

Slack Emojis

  • Size: 128x128px maximum
  • File size: Under 128KB
  • Format: PNG, GIF, JPG
  • Animated: GIF supported
  • Limit: 10,000+ custom emojis
  • Best for: Professional teams, quick reactions

Discord Emojis

  • Size: 128x128px recommended
  • File size: Under 256KB
  • Format: PNG, GIF
  • Animated: Requires Nitro boost
  • Limit: 50 static (100 with boost)
  • Best for: Gaming communities, casual chat

Microsoft Teams

  • Size: 64x64px optimal
  • File size: Under 30KB
  • Format: PNG preferred
  • Animated: Limited support
  • Limit: Organization-dependent
  • Best for: Enterprise communication

๐ŸŽจ Professional Design Tips

These insider tips will help you create emojis that stand out and get used regularly:

๐Ÿ”ค Typography Matters

Use bold, sans-serif fonts with high contrast. Avoid thin fonts or scripts that become unreadable at small sizes.

๐ŸŽจ Color Psychology

Red = urgency/alerts, Green = success/go, Blue = information, Yellow = attention. Choose colors that match the emoji's purpose.

๐Ÿ“ Design Consistency

Create a style guide with consistent colors, fonts, and effects across all your custom emojis for professional cohesion.

โšก Animation Best Practices

Keep animations under 3 seconds, loop smoothly, and avoid seizure-inducing flashing. Subtle motion is more effective than dramatic effects.

๐ŸŽฏ Usage Context

Design with specific use cases in mind. Will it be used for celebrations? Status updates? Quick reactions? Context drives design choices.

๐Ÿ“ฑ Mobile-First Design

Most emoji usage happens on mobile devices. Design and test on small screens first, then scale up.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Best Emoji Creation Tools (2025)

We've tested dozens of emoji creation tools. Here are the top performers:

๐Ÿš€

EjiMoji (Our Tool)

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Free, web-based, 53+ presets, real-time preview, optimized for all platforms

Best for: Teams wanting professional results quickly
๐ŸŽจ

Photoshop/GIMP

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†

Maximum control, professional features, steep learning curve

Best for: Designers with advanced skills
๐Ÿ“ฑ

Canva

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†

User-friendly, templates available, subscription required for best features

Best for: Non-designers wanting simple solutions
โšก

Online Generators

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†โ˜†

Quick and free, but limited customization and quality

Best for: Basic emojis with minimal requirements

๐ŸŽฏ Ready to Create Professional Emojis?

Use our free emoji maker trusted by thousands of teams worldwide

๐Ÿš€ Start Creating Now ๐Ÿ’ฌ Slack Emojis ๐ŸŽฎ Discord Emojis

๐ŸŽจ Free Emoji Maker Tool

Put everything you've learned into practice with our professional emoji maker. Create, customize, and download your emojis instantly!

Can't see the emoji maker? ๐Ÿ”— Open in new tab

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to create a custom emoji?

With the right tools, 2-5 minutes per emoji. Complex animated emojis may take 10-15 minutes.

Can I use copyrighted images in my emojis?

Avoid copyrighted content. Use original designs, licensed images, or royalty-free graphics.

What's the ideal size for custom emojis?

128x128px works best for all platforms. Some tools auto-resize, but starting with correct dimensions ensures quality.

How do I get team members to use custom emojis?

Create emojis for common situations, use them yourself consistently, and make them easily discoverable with clear names.

Can I batch create multiple emojis?

Yes! Many tools support batch operations. Create a consistent style, then apply it across multiple emojis for efficiency.

Are animated emojis worth creating?

For gaming communities and casual teams, yes. For professional environments, focus on clean static emojis first.

๐ŸŒŸ Start Your Emoji Journey Today!

Join thousands of teams who've transformed their communication with custom emojis

๐ŸŽจ Create Your First Emoji ๐Ÿš€ Explore All Features