How To Use Our Mockup Templates

Create professional product images in 2-3 minutes—no photography skills required. Follow our simple 4-step process to showcase your designs with realistic, high-quality mockups.

Quick Start: 4 Simple Steps

Step 1: Download Your Files

After purchase, you'll receive an instant download containing:

  • PSD file - Photoshop template with Smart Object
  • JPG file - High-resolution reference image
  • Product info sheet - Supplier details and specifications
  • Quick start guide - Setup instructions and tips

Save these files to a dedicated folder on your computer. We recommend organizing by product type or collection for easy access.

Step 2: Open the PSD in Photoshop

Requirements:

  • Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 or newer (subscription version)
  • Windows or macOS

To open:

  1. Launch Adobe Photoshop
  2. Go to File → Open
  3. Select the PSD file you downloaded
  4. The template will open with all layers intact

First time? The file may take 10-20 seconds to open depending on file size and your computer speed.

Step 3: Add Your Design to the Smart Object

This is where the magic happens! Smart Objects automatically place your design with realistic perspective and distortion.

Step-by-step:

  1. Locate the Smart Object layer in the Layers panel (usually labeled "Layer1")
  2. Double-click the Smart Object thumbnail (the small preview image in the Layers panel)
  3. A new window opens - this is your design workspace
  4. Paste or place your design:
  5. Go to File → Place Embedded (recommended)
  6. Or copy/paste your design (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V)
  7. Position and resize as needed
  8. Save the Smart Object:
  9. File → Save (Ctrl+S / Cmd+S)
  10. Do NOT "Save As" - just Save
  11. Close the Smart Object window
  12. Return to the main document - your design now appears on the product with automatic distortion and perspective!

Step 4: Export Your Mockup

For web use (Etsy, Shopify, social media):

  1. File → Export → Export As
  2. Format: JPG
  3. Quality: 80-90% (balances quality and file size)
  4. Image Size: 2000-2500 pixels wide (recommended)
  5. Click Export
  6. Choose your save location and filename

For print use (catalogs, flyers):

  1. File → Save As
  2. Format: TIFF or PSD
  3. Keep resolution at 300 DPI
  4. Save to your desired location

Batch processing multiple designs? Keep the PSD open and repeat Step 3 for each new design, exporting after each one.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started

Watch: Your First Mockup in 3 Minutes (Coming soon)Perfect for complete beginners - follow along as we create your first mockup from start to finish.

Troubleshooting

Watch: Common Issues & Quick Fixes (Coming soon)Solutions for design sizing, distortion problems, and export quality issues.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for new tutorials, tips, and workflow improvements.

Design File Tips

Recommended Design Specifications

  • File format: PNG (transparent background) or JPG
  • Resolution: 2000 x 2000 pixels minimum at 300 DPI
  • Colour mode: RGB (for digital use)
  • File size: Under 10 MB for smooth processing

Common Questions

Do I need to save the PSD file after adding my design?

No! The Smart Object saves your design automatically when you save it. You can close the main PSD without saving and your exported JPG is already complete.

However: If you want to make changes later, save the PSD with your design in it for easy editing.

Can I use the same mockup for multiple designs?

Yes! That's the whole point. Your license allows unlimited use of each mockup template for as many designs as you need.

What if my design doesn't fit properly?

In the Smart Object window:

  1. Select your design layer
  2. Use Edit → Free Transform (Ctrl+T / Cmd+T)
  3. Hold Shift while dragging corners to resize proportionally
  4. Press Enter to confirm
  5. Save the Smart Object

The design will automatically adjust with proper perspective in the main mockup.

Can I change the background or styling?

No. The mockup styling (background, props, lighting) is fixed and part of our curated aesthetic. However, you can:

  • Purchase mockups with removed backgrounds (where available)
  • Use photo editing to adjust brightness/contrast
  • Crop the image to focus on the product

Why fixed styling? It ensures consistent, professional quality and protects our photography work.

My mockup looks blurry or pixelated. What's wrong?

Common causes:

  1. Design file too small - Use at least 2000 x 2000 pixels at 300 DPI
  2. Over-scaling - Don't enlarge your design beyond 100-120% of original size
  3. Low export quality - Use 80-90% JPG quality when exporting
  4. Wrong resolution - Ensure PSD is at 300 DPI (check Image → Image Size)

Quick fix: Start with a higher resolution design file and re-export at higher quality settings.

Can I edit the mockup in other software (Canva, Affinity, GIMP)?

PSD files (with Smart Objects): Only work properly in Adobe Photoshop. Other software may open the file but won't support Smart Object functionality.

JPG files: Can be used as reference images in any software. You can overlay your design manually, but you'll need to handle distortion and perspective yourself.

Best option: Use Photoshop for the 2-3 minutes it takes to create the mockup, then use the exported JPG in whatever software you prefer for further editing.

Keyboard Shortcuts (Speed Up Your Workflow)

Essential shortcuts:

Action

Windows

Mac

Open file

Ctrl + O

Cmd + O

Save

Ctrl + S

Cmd + S

Paste

Ctrl + V

Cmd + V

Free Transform

Ctrl + T

Cmd + T

Export As

Ctrl + Alt + Shift + W

Cmd + Option + Shift + W

Close window

Ctrl + W

Cmd + W

Undo

Ctrl + Z

Cmd + Z

Pro tip: Learn these 7 shortcuts and you'll cut your mockup creation time in half.

Troubleshooting Guide

"I can't find the Smart Object layer"

Solution: Look in the Layers panel (usually on the right side). The Smart Object will have a small icon in the bottom-right corner of the thumbnail. It may be named "YOUR DESIGN HERE," "Smart Object," or "Design Area."

"The Smart Object won't open when I double-click"

Solution:

  1. Make sure you're double-clicking the thumbnail image, not the layer name
  2. If that doesn't work, right-click the layer → Edit Contents
  3. Ensure you're using Photoshop CC 2019 or newer

"My design disappeared when I closed the Smart Object"

Solution: You forgot to Save the Smart Object before closing it.

  1. Go to Edit → Undo (Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z) to reopen it
  2. Add your design again
  3. File → Save before closing

"The exported image is too large/small"

Solution:

  1. Go to File → Export → Export As
  2. Look for Image Size settings
  3. Adjust width/height to your desired size (2000-2500px recommended for web)
  4. Make sure "Resample" is checked
  5. Export again

"Colors look different in the exported mockup"

Solution: This is usually a color profile issue.

  1. Go to Edit → Convert to Profile
  2. Select sRGB IEC61966-2.1 (standard for web)
  3. Click OK
  4. Export again

Still Need Help?

Technical Support

  • Email: support@bulkmade.com
  • Response time: 24-48 hours
  • We help with: Photoshop issues, file problems, download errors, technical troubleshooting

Creative Support

  • Email: creativehelp@bulkmade.com
  • Response time: 24-48 hours
  • We help with: Design placement, sizing recommendations, styling advice, mockup selection

More Resources

📺 YouTube Tutorials - Step-by-step video guides

❓ FAQ - Answers to 30+ common questions

📖 About Our Mockups - Quality standards and our process

⚖️ License & Terms - Usage rights and restrictions

Ready to create your first mockup? Browse our mockup library and start showcasing your designs with professional photography today!

Happy mockup creating! The Bulk Made Studio Team