10+Design+Tips+for+Effective+Product+Mock-Ups

A mockup shows a lifelike example of how a design would appear once placed on a physical object. For example, it can demonstrate how a logo will appear on packaging, how an app interface will look on a smartphone screen, or how a print will sit on clothing.

Mockups are mainly used to present and test design ideas before production. They allow designers, clients, and stakeholders to assess colors, proportions, and the overall look in a setting that resembles real life.

Unlike technical prototypes, which focus on functionality, mockups emphasize visual presentation. This turns them into a useful instrument for validating concepts, developing marketing materials, and preventing costly mistakes in production.

Use PSD mockups when you need quick, realistic images that don't need a photoshoot or 3D modeling.

Concept & branding: quickly preview logos, colors, and layouts on apparel, packaging, or devices.

Client/stakeholder approvals: polished Smart Object previews speed sign-off.

E-commerce pages and ads: take consistent product photos that boost CTR and conversions.

Social and portfolio: get on-brand images from different angles and sizes in minutes.

A/B testing: look at the same scenes with different labels, calls to action, and colors.

Pre-print checks: validate scale, placement, and legibility before production.

Choose PSD mockups when you need control, speed, and consistency — especially for apparel, packaging, labels, stationery, and device screens.

We offer mockups in PSD, TIFF, and JPG:

PSD files are layered and have Smart Objects that make it easy to change the artwork. They are great for detailed editing in Adobe Photoshop (they also open in Photopea).

TIFF files are high-quality (also layered) files that are good for advanced editing and printing.

JPG's are flattened, high-resolution images that are good for quick previews, the web, and simple uses (no layers or transparency).

For full control and editing, use PSD or TIFF. For a quick, light visual, use JPG.

Open the PSD
File → Open → select the mockup PSD. Wait for layers to load.

Find the Smart Object layer
In Layers, look for a group or layer named “Add your design”, “Design”.

Enter the Smart Object
Double-click the Smart Object thumbnail. A new tab (PSB/PSD) opens—this is the editable canvas.

Place your design
File → Place Embedded… (or Ctrl/Cmd+C next Ctrl/Cmd+V if you copy-paste). Resize with Shift+Drag to keep proportions. Align to guides/bleed if present.

Save the Smart Object
Press Ctrl/Cmd+S to save the Smart Object tab, then close it. Photoshop updates the main mockup with your design in perspective, with lighting/shadows applied.

Tweak scene layers (optional)
Toggle or adjust layers named “Shadows”, “Highlights/Light”, “Texture/Displacement”, “Background”.

Change colorways (if available)
Look for “Color” layer or “Parts” group (often Solid Color + clipping mask). Double-click to pick a new color.

Export
File → Export → Export As… (PNG/JPG) or Save a Copy for TIFF/JPG.

For a more detailed discussion of using mockups with examples, please visit the Tutorials section.

Yes — commercial use is allowed, but it depends on the license you choose:

Personal License
For personal/non-commercial use only (learning, private experiments, prints for home). Free items also fall under Personal and can’t be used for any advertising, portfolio, or client work.

Commercial License
For typical business use (client presentations, brand decks, websites, social media, marketplace/e-commerce listings, paid ads). It’s limited by project value up to $10,000 and up to 5,000 physical items produced with the visuals; suitable for most small/medium campaigns.
Note: You’re licensing the right to use the rendered images, not to resell or redistribute the PSD/TIFF/JPG files.

Extended Commercial License
For high-scale use: no cap on project value, unlimited physical items, and access to Transfer Rights (where applicable). Use this when your project exceeds Commercial limits (e.g., budget above $10,000, mass production, broader distribution/broadcast).

General rules (quick guide):

✅ You may export images from the mockup and use them to market products/services under the correct license tier.

❌ You may not resell, share, or redistribute the original PSD/TIFF/JPG files.

® You’re responsible for rights to any logos/trademarks you place in the mockup.

If your scenario is borderline (multiple brands, large media buys, or broad distribution), select Extended Commercial License or learn more about licenses in the Yellow Images Help Center.

Absolutely. Yellow Images has a Free Mockups section with files in a lot of different categories, like clothing, packaging, devices, and more. Download what you need, test them out, then upgrade to premium anytime for a much larger selection and advanced features.

Note:
— Personal, non-commercial use only.
— Attribution required: Please credit Yellow Images and provide a link to the mockup page.

If the mockup you’re looking for isn’t available, you can order an exclusive mockup on Yellow Images in the Custom Jobs section.

For your brand, our designers will produce a distinctive, superior mockup. This service guarantees that you will receive a unique file that perfectly showcases your design and remains exclusive to you.