How can I create my own mockups?

For products from the Early Access Catalog that do not have pre-made mockups, you will need to create your own mockups to add to the listing in your sales channel. We have compiled a list of a few ways you can create your own mockups.

These methods also work for creating custom mockups for regular products to better reflect your brand.

In this article:

• Search for mockup options on Placeit
• Take photos of a printed sample
• Use AI image generators
• Create your own mockups in third-party apps

Search for mockup options on Placeit

Use Placeit to search for mockup options. You can search by the keyword “Printify” to find mockups for the products in our Catalog. Please note that some mockups might need a paid Placeit account in order to download the mockup without any watermark.

We have also teamed up with Placeit so you can access their mockups directly through the Printify’s Mockup Library.

Read more about using Placeit for creating mockups in this article.

Take photos of a printed sample

Place a sample order for the products you want to add to your sales channel and take photos of the products yourself to create unique mockups for your products.

Use AI image generators

You can also use AI image generators to create mockups. To do this, upload a blank product image along with your design file into the generator. The AI will then produce a realistic mockup combining both elements.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use clear, descriptive prompts: Even with image inputs, text prompts guide the AI. Be specific about placement (e.g., “centered,” “top left”), desired effect (e.g., “engraved”), and overall style (e.g., “realistic photo”).
• Provide high-quality input images: Good product photos and design files will generally lead to better AI-generated outcomes.
• Experiment with prompt variations: Small changes in wording can significantly alter results. Try different phrasing to achieve your desired precision and style.

Create your own mockups in third-party apps

To create unique mockups in a third-party app, follow these general steps:

Step 1: Order a printed product sample (optional)

While optional, ordering at least one printed sample is strongly recommended. This allows you to accurately assess the print’s appearance, including color fidelity, texture, and level of detail—crucial for creating precise and realistic mockups.

For example, engraved products will look significantly different from full-color prints. Engraving produces etched, colorless designs, whereas a DTG print showcases vibrant, full-spectrum color.

Step 2: Source blank product images

There are a few options on how to source blank product images for your mockups:

• Source from online resources (stock photo sites, manufacturer websites, public domain libraries). Ensure found images accurately match specific product parameters.
• Use images from Printify Product Creator (via Download files button; basic product imagery usually available).

Step 3: Prepare your design file

• Use a high-resolution, clean format (e.g., PNG, SVG, JPG).
• Ensure the file has the correct color profile matching the product image to avoid inconsistencies.

Step 4: Integrate design onto product photo

For best results, it is highly suggested to use additional online resources (e.g., AI assistants, YouTube tutorials, specialized forums) for specific instructions on the decoration method, material, and software used.

• In an image editing program, place your design as a new layer.
• Position, scale, and adjust perspective to match product contours.
• Warp or distort the design for natural curvature if the product image is not a flat, frontal view.
• Use blending modes and opacity for a realistic appearance (e.g., for engravings, simulate an etched look).

Step 5: Refine & export

• Review for misalignments or pixelation.
• Crop and enhance colors/sharpness.
• Export as a web-friendly file (JPG/PNG) with a reasonable size for online listings.