How To Make Mockup Images In Bulk In Photoshop

If you’re trying to generate mockup images in bulk, the easiest and fastest way to do it is by using the Batch-Replace Smart Objects plugin for Photoshop. This plugin automates the entire mockup generation process, and in this walkthrough, we’re going to show you exactly how it works.

Step-by-Step: Creating Bulk Mockups with a Single PSD File

We begin in the main section of the plugin interface where you set up your automated operation. You have the option to either select a single Photoshop file or an entire folder of PSDs. To keep things simple for this example, we’ll just use a single PSD file.

Once that’s selected, the next step is to choose your input folder—this is the folder that contains all your artwork images. We already have a folder full of artwork prepped and ready to go, so we’ll select that.

Next, you’ll choose your output folder, which is where the final mockup images will be exported. We’ve got a folder ready for that too. The plugin gives you the option to export the images as either JPEG or PNG files. For this example, we’re going with JPEG.

You can also control the save quality of the images. Higher quality means larger file sizes, and lower quality means smaller files. We’ll keep it in the middle at a level 6, which is a good balance between quality and file size. You can always tweak this depending on your specific workflow.

There’s also an important checkbox: “Stretch images to fit smart objects.” Unless you know for sure that your input images match the mockup dimensions exactly, it’s best to leave this checked.

Once everything’s set up, click “Run” and let the plugin take over. What it does first is open each artwork image and resize it to fit the smart object in the PSD. Then it saves the resulting mockup image to the output folder automatically.

At this point, you can just sit back and relax. Instead of manually opening each file, dragging in your artwork, resizing it, aligning it, and repeating that process over and over again, the plugin handles everything for you. It’s a huge time saver—what used to take hours now takes just minutes.

In our example, we had 75 artwork files to process. Watching the folder populate with finished mockups as the plugin works is oddly satisfying. Once it’s finished, all of your mockups are ready to go—no manual work required.

Using a Folder of PSDs for Variant-Based Mockups

Let’s look at another powerful feature of the Batch-Replace Smart Objects plugin: support for an entire folder of PSD mockup templates.

This is super useful if you’re creating mockup images that come in different colors, sizes, or scene variants. Instead of running each PSD one at a time, you can just drop all your mockup templates into a single folder, and the plugin will automatically run the operation on each PSD in that folder—completely hands-free.

How It Works

First, we select the folder of PSD files we want to use. In this example, we’ve got about ten different mockup templates. Then we choose the input folder that contains our artwork images. In this case, there are around fifteen different pieces of artwork. Because we already know these images are correctly sized, we’re going to uncheck the “stretch images to fit smart objects” box—this helps the operation run even faster.

Next, we pick the output folder where we want all the final mockup images saved. Once everything’s set, we run the operation, and the plugin goes to work.

The plugin opens up each PSD file, swaps in each artwork image, and exports the final mockup. You’ll see it crank through scenes like the plain canvas mockups, black-framed versions, white-framed variants, room mockups, and more—all automatically.

This is incredibly helpful if you’re selling artwork and want to show it in different environments or with different frame options. Whether it’s rooms, frames, canvas textures, or styles, the plugin cycles through all your mockup templates and inserts each artwork image accordingly.

Organizing the Output

Once it’s finished, head to your output folder and you’ll see everything organized neatly by file name. Want to batch all the “bear” mockups together? Easy. Drag and drop. Same for the armadillo, the classy beaver, or anything else you’ve got.

It saves an enormous amount of time—especially if you’re working with a large set of PSD mockups. You don’t need to manually select and run each one. Just dump them all into a folder and let the plugin do its thing.

Save Operations and Automate Multi-Step Mockup Workflows

Another great time-saving feature of the Batch-Replace Smart Objects plugin is the ability to save individual operations and multi-step workflows.

Let’s say you’ve set everything up—your PSDs, input and output folders, file type, quality, and other settings. Instead of having to reconfigure everything each time, you can just name and save the operation. For example, call it “Canvas Art Mockups,” and that preset will be stored for future use. Next time, just select it from your saved list and hit run—one click, done.

But it gets even better.

You can also save multi-step workflows, which allow you to string together several different mockup generation tasks. Maybe step one is for black-framed canvases, step two is for brown frames, and step three is for white. Each step can have its own PSD, artwork folder, output destination, and export settings. Once saved, you can run the full sequence with a single click. The plugin will complete one step, then automatically move on to the next.

This is incredibly useful if you’re creating mockups at scale. For instance, freelancers working with multiple clients can set up a workflow for Client 1 with their mockups and settings, and another for Client 2 with different files. When it’s time to generate mockups, just launch the saved workflow and walk away—the plugin handles the rest.

You can even switch operation modes per workflow. Maybe one workflow uses a single PSD file, while another runs through a full folder of PSDs. The plugin supports both and will process files accordingly, keeping everything smooth and organized.

As it runs, you’ll see file names update as images are processed. While Photoshop may not reflect updates in real time, rest assured the plugin is replacing artwork and exporting mockups behind the scenes.

One smart optimization: when running folder-based or multi-step workflows, the plugin will automatically close each PSD after it’s processed. This prevents Photoshop from getting bogged down by having dozens or hundreds of files open at once. Only the final PSD remains open—just a small UX touch that keeps things clean and performant.

All of this combines into a powerful automation system that can save you hours—or even days—of manual mockup work.

Working with PSD Files That Have Multiple Smart Objects

Now, you might be wondering—what if your PSD file has multiple smart objects? How does the Batch-Replace Smart Objects plugin handle that?

Great question. The plugin gives you full control by allowing you to manually select the smart objects you want to use. If the file has just one smart object, it’ll auto-detect and use it. But if there are multiple, you need to manually select which ones should be replaced.

To do this, simply open the Layers panel in Photoshop. Click to select a single smart object, or hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) and click to select multiple. The plugin will then only act on the selected layers during the operation.

For example, say your mockup shows two business cards—front and back. You can select both smart object layers and run the operation. The plugin will replace both with the same input image and export the result.

One limitation: the plugin currently doesn’t support assigning different input images to different smart objects within the same PSD. All selected smart objects will use the same image for that operation.

That said, you don’t have to update every smart object in the file. If you only want to replace one, just select that specific layer and run the process. You’ve got full control over which layers are affected.

Important Tip: Save With Smart Objects Selected

Here’s something to keep in mind—Photoshop doesn’t always treat layer selection as a “real” change, so simply selecting smart objects and hitting save might not actually retain the selection state.

The fix? Make a small change to the file before saving. For example, rename a layer (“Frame” to “Frame 2”)—then hit save. That ensures Photoshop registers the updated state and saves the file with the correct smart objects selected.

This might seem minor, but if you’re working with dozens or hundreds of PSD files, it can save you from unexpected issues later when only one smart object gets updated instead of two.

Bottom line: for multi-smart-object PSDs, make sure your files are saved with the correct layers selected, and you’ll be good to go.

Helpful Features and Bonus Tips for Better Results

Even after watching the full walkthrough, you might still be unclear on how some features work. No worries—the plugin includes built-in info icons next to each setting. Just click the icon, and it’ll pop up with a short explanation of what that setting does, including usage tips and best practices. Whether you’re wondering about supported file types, allowed settings, or how a specific checkbox behaves, those quick tooltips help clarify things.

Does the Plugin Support Transparency?

Yes, it does.

If your input artwork includes transparent sections—like a text-only t-shirt design with no background—the plugin will preserve that transparency. Just make sure:

• You’re using PNG images for your input files
• You’re exporting your final mockups as PNG (to retain the alpha channel)
• You’ve selected at least one smart object layer before running the operation

Once the operation runs, your artwork will be correctly layered over the mockup with transparency intact—perfect for floating logos, icons, or product overlays.

If you forget to select a smart object, the plugin will notify you with a helpful error message. Just select the appropriate layer(s) and try again.

Performance Tips: How to Make Operations Run Faster

Here are a couple of quick tips to help the plugin run more efficiently:

1. Simplify Your Mockup Files

Many mockups you download online are packed with unnecessary complexity—tons of layers, massive image sizes, or bloated group structures. These files can reach 500MB or more and seriously slow down automated operations.

Instead, trim the fat. Reduce the canvas size to match your export needs. For example, if the original mockup is 4000x4000px but you only need 1000x1000px for your store or website, resize it. Just make sure to save a backup before modifying your files.

2. Merge Unnecessary Layers

If your mockup has static elements that don’t change (like lamps, plants, or tables), merge them into a single background layer. Select the layers, right-click, and choose Merge Layers. This helps reduce the file size and processing load during automation.

By simplifying your PSDs—resizing canvas dimensions and merging background elements—you’ll reduce file bloat and get much faster results during bulk processing.

Bottom line: Smaller, cleaner mockups mean faster, more reliable automation when generating product images in bulk.

Final Notes and Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to the number of saved workflows or operations?

Nope. You can save as many operations and workflows as you like. Whether you’re managing one product line or dozens of client mockup sets, the plugin can store them all.

What file types are supported?

• Photoshop documents: Must be PSD files (either individual PSD or a folder of PSDs).
• Input images: JPEG and PNG are supported. PNG is ideal for designs with transparency.
• Output images: Choose JPEG for smaller file size, or PNG to preserve transparency.

How do you install the plugin?

The plugin is available through the official Adobe Exchange, so there’s no need to download anything from third-party sources.

• Install it via the Creative Cloud desktop app—it’ll be added directly to Photoshop once installed.
• Important: You’ll need an active Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. The plugin won’t work with older or pirated versions of Photoshop.

Once installed, you’ll be ready to fully automate your mockup-image creation workflow and start saving hours of manual labor.

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