FAQ

Free Mockup (www.free-mockup.com) is your go-to resource for discovering high-quality, free PSD mockups. We curate and showcase the best free mockup templates available online, helping designers, marketers, and creatives present their work professionally without breaking the bank.

Our collection includes thousands of mockups across various categories including devices, packaging, apparel, stationery, branding materials, and more.

Mockups are pre-designed templates that allow you to showcase your designs in a realistic, professional context. Instead of presenting a flat logo or design, you can display it on actual products, devices, or in real-world scenarios.

Benefits of using mockups:

• Present your work professionally to clients
• Save time creating presentations
• Help clients visualize the final product
• Enhance your portfolio with realistic presentations
• Test design concepts before production
• Create stunning marketing materials

Free Mockup operates as a curated directory and discovery platform. We carefully select and showcase the best free mockups from talented designers and agencies worldwide. In addition, a small portion of the mockups available on our website are created by our own team.

When you click the download button, you may either download the file directly from us (for our in-house mockups) or be redirected to the original source where the mockup is hosted.

This approach ensures that external creators receive full credit for their work and maintain control over their resources, while also allowing us to contribute original mockups to the community. We don’t re-host third-party files — we help you discover amazing free mockups and connect you directly with their creators, alongside a selection of our own exclusive creations.

Designers and agencies share free mockups for several strategic reasons:

• Building visibility: Free resources help designers gain exposure and grow their audience
• Portfolio showcase: Demonstrates their skills and quality of work
• Community contribution: Giving back to the design community
• Marketing strategy: Attracting potential clients who may need custom work
• Brand building: Establishing themselves as industry experts

Stay connected with Free Mockup through multiple channels:

• Newsletter: Subscribe to receive new mockups and design resources directly in your inbox
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily updates
• Contact Form: Reach out with questions, suggestions, or feedback

Recommended software:

• Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard (CS4 or later recommended)
• Photopea: Free, browser-based alternative that works great with PSD files
• GIMP: Free, open-source image editor with PSD support
• Affinity Photo: Professional alternative at a one-time cost

Most mockups on Free Mockup are designed for Adobe Photoshop, but many can be opened with alternative software that supports PSD format and smart objects.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download and open the PSD mockup file in Photoshop
2. Look for the smart object layer (usually labeled "Your Design Here" or "Double-click to edit")
3. Double-click on the smart object layer thumbnail
4. A new window (PSB file) will open
5. Paste or place your design in this window
6. Adjust size and position as needed
7. Save the PSB file (Ctrl+S or Cmd+S)
8. Close the PSB window and return to the main PSD
9. Your design will automatically appear in the mockup!
10. Save the final result as JPG or PNG

Tip: Many mockups include additional customization options like changing colors, shadows, or backgrounds using separate layers.

Smart Objects: These are special layers in Photoshop that preserve an image's source content with all its original characteristics. They allow non-destructive editing, meaning you can transform, warp, or filter the layer without losing original image quality.

PSB Files (Photoshop Big): PSB stands for "Photoshop Big" and supports documents up to 300,000 pixels in any dimension. In mockups, PSB files are typically used as the container where you place your design. They work seamlessly with smart objects to update your mockup automatically.

When you double-click a smart object in a mockup, it opens the associated PSB file where you can safely edit your design without affecting the overall mockup structure.

Yes! You have several alternatives:

• Photopea.com: Free online editor that works directly in your browser and supports PSD files and smart objects. This is our top recommendation for users without Photoshop.
• Online mockup generators: Services like Placeit allow you to create mockups without any software installation.
• Hire a freelancer: Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork offer affordable mockup editing services.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan: Consider subscribing if you need Photoshop regularly – it's more affordable than the full Creative Cloud.

Yes, but with important considerations:

• Resolution: Check that the mockup has sufficient resolution for print (minimum 300 DPI recommended)
• Color mode: Ensure the file is in CMYK color mode for professional printing (most mockups are RGB)
• License: Verify that the mockup's license permits print usage
• Size: Confirm the dimensions are appropriate for your intended print size

Always consult with your print service provider about their specific requirements before using a mockup for print production.

Common issues and solutions:

• Outdated software: Update to the latest version of your design software
• Missing fonts: Some mockups require specific fonts – check the included readme file
• Corrupted download: Try downloading the file again
• Insufficient RAM: Large mockup files require adequate computer memory
• Incompatible software version: The mockup may require a newer version of Photoshop

If problems persist, contact the mockup creator directly – most designers are happy to help troubleshoot!

Most high-quality mockups include customization options! Look for:

• Background layers: Usually separate layers you can hide, change color, or replace
• Color adjustment layers: Many mockups include hue/saturation layers for easy color changes
• Shadow and lighting layers: Often adjustable or can be turned on/off
• Multiple compositions: Some mockups come with preset variations

Check the layer panel for organized folders labeled "Background," "Colors," "Effects," etc. Well-organized mockups make customization straightforward.

Most mockups on Free Mockup can be used for both personal and commercial projects, but always verify the specific license before use.

Important: Free Mockup carefully curates resources that are explicitly available for free use, but creators may update their licenses at any time. Always check the license information on the original download page to ensure compliance.

It's your responsibility to respect the creator's terms and conditions!

Attribution requirements vary by creator:

• Not required: Many designers allow use without attribution
• Appreciated: Some request credit but don't require it
• Mandatory: Certain licenses (like some Creative Commons licenses) require attribution

Always check the license details on the download page. When in doubt, giving credit is a great way to support creators and is highly appreciated by the design community!

Creative Commons provides standardized copyright licenses that allow creators to grant specific permissions for their work.

Common CC licenses you'll encounter:

• CC0: No rights reserved – complete freedom to use
• CC BY: Credit required, commercial use allowed
• CC BY-SA: Credit required, modifications must use same license
• CC BY-ND: Credit required, no modifications allowed
• CC BY-NC: Credit required, non-commercial use only

Learn more about Creative Commons licenses at creativecommons.org

Generally, NO. Free mockups are provided for use in your projects, not for redistribution or resale.

What you CAN do:

• Use mockups in client presentations
• Include mockup outputs in your portfolio
• Show final designs created with mockups

What you CANNOT do:

• Resell the mockup files themselves
• Redistribute mockups on other websites
• Include mockup files in template packages
• Share mockup source files with others

This depends entirely on the specific license. Some licenses allow modifications (derivative works), while others don't.

Even if modifications are allowed, sharing the modified mockup files themselves is typically not permitted unless explicitly stated in the license. You can share the final output (your design in the mockup), but not the modified mockup template itself.

Always review the license terms carefully before modifying or sharing any mockup.

Occasionally, successful mockups become so popular that creators decide to convert them to premium products. Since Free Mockup acts as a directory linking to external sources, we may not be immediately notified of these changes.

If you encounter this issue:

• Please report the mockup to us so we can update or remove it
• Browse similar free alternatives in the same category
• Check if the creator offers other free mockups

Your feedback helps us maintain an accurate, high-quality directory for everyone!

Sometimes creators remove mockups, reorganize their websites, or move resources to different platforms. If you encounter a broken link:

• Report it: Use our reporting feature to let us know so we can remove or update the listing
• Search alternatives: Browse similar mockups in the same category
• Check the creator's site: The mockup may have been moved to a new location
• Use search: Try searching for the mockup name on the creator's website

Thank you for helping us maintain a reliable directory!

Free Mockup is a directory and discovery platform – we don't create custom mockups ourselves.

However, you have several options:

• Freelance platforms: Hire designers on Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer
• Design agencies: Contact professional design agencies for custom work
• Mockup marketplaces: Check premium marketplaces like Creative Market or Envato
• Contact creators: Reach out to your favorite mockup creators directly – many accept custom commissions

We appreciate your help in maintaining quality! You can report issues in several ways:

• Use the report button on each mockup page
• Contact us through our contact form
• Send us an email with the mockup URL and issue description

Common reportable issues:

• Broken or dead links
• Changed from free to premium
• Incorrect category or tags
• License concerns
• Quality issues

Free Mockup features an extensive collection across numerous categories:

• Device mockups: iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Android devices, smartwatches, monitors
• Packaging mockups: Boxes, bags, bottles, cans, labels, food packaging
• Apparel mockups: T-shirts, hoodies, caps, accessories, sportswear
• Stationery mockups: Business cards, letterheads, envelopes, notebooks
• Print mockups: Posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, books
• Branding mockups: Logos, brand identity sets, signage
• Scene creators: Customizable workspace and lifestyle scenes

Search strategies:

• Browse categories: Navigate through organized categories for your needs
• Use search: Search by keyword (e.g., "coffee cup," "iPhone 15," "business card")
• Filter by tags: Find tags in the sidebar on a mockup page
• Check collections: Explore curated collections for specific themes
• View popular: Browse most downloaded or trending mockups

Tips for choosing: Consider your project's style, required perspective, background compatibility, and file quality before downloading.

Photo-realistic mockups: Based on actual photographs with realistic lighting, shadows, and perspective. Best for presentations that need to look authentic and tangible. Free Mockup specializes in these types.

Flat/Vector mockups: Simplified, illustrative representations with minimal depth. Great for modern, minimalist presentations or when you need easily customizable colors and elements.

Most mockups on Free Mockup are photo-realistic because they provide the most professional and convincing presentations for client work and portfolios.

While we can't fulfill individual custom requests, we absolutely welcome suggestions!

If you'd like to see specific types of mockups featured on Free Mockup:

• Send us your suggestions through our contact form
• We monitor trends and requests to guide our curation
• Popular requests help us prioritize certain categories

Your input helps us serve the design community better!

Absolutely! We welcome high-quality mockup submissions from talented creators.

Submission requirements:

• Mockup must be completely free to download and use
• High-quality, professional design standards
• Clear license information provided
• Smart objects properly implemented for easy editing
• Well-organized layers and folders
• Appropriate file size and resolution

Submit your mockup through our submission form, and our team will review it for inclusion in our directory. This is a great opportunity to gain exposure and build your reputation in the design community!

Benefits for creators:

• Increased visibility: Reach thousands of designers and potential clients
• Portfolio growth: Showcase your work to a targeted audience
• Brand building: Establish yourself as a quality creator
• Traffic generation: Drive visitors to your website or portfolio
• Community recognition: Gain appreciation from the design community
• Lead generation: Attract clients who may need custom work or premium products

Yes! As the creator, you maintain full control over your work.

To update or remove your mockup:

• Contact us through our contact form with the mockup URL
• Specify what changes you'd like (update info, change link, or remove entirely)
• We'll process your request promptly

Since we link to your hosted files rather than hosting them ourselves, any changes you make to your source files will automatically be reflected when users download.