What is a mockup in graphic design? A mockup refers to a template where you can easily insert different images or design assets. Generally there’s one core element that’s the focal point, and this can just be swapped out to showcase what it would look like with a different image as part of the mockup scene. The core advantage of using mockups is that you can apply specific transformations to a large number of images without needing to change the images themselves.
For example, imagine a canvas art mockup template that’s used to showcase artwork images. This mockup might have a texture layer on top, a shadow layer on bottom, and it might be angled as if we’re viewing it from the side. Painstakingly applying these exact transformations to all of your artwork images would take forever. You can instead just use a mockup template where the scene is already set up like this for you. Then, just find the layer where your design asset goes — and simply replace the contents with your desired image.
If you’re creating lots of mockups as part of your workflow, you can automate that process using the Batch-Replace Smart Objects plugin for Photoshop. You can use this plugin to iterate through multiple different mockup templates, if needed — allowing you to automate your entire workflow with one single button click.
