What is a mockup?
A mockup is a realistic visual representation of how a product, design, or branding will look in real life. Designers, marketers, and product developers use mockups to present concepts, evaluate design choices, and preview final results before production.
Why use mockups?
Mockups bridge the gap between ideas and reality, helping people see how a concept will work in context.
They help you:
- Visualize designs in context – See how a design looks on a t-shirt, website, or packaging.
- Gather feedback early – Share realistic previews to make adjustments before production.
- Present ideas to clients and stakeholders – Help decision-makers understand your vision.
- Enhance marketing materials – Use polished visuals for product listings, ads, and social media.
Common types of mockups
Mockups come in many forms, depending on what you’re trying to present. They can be as simple as a product image or as detailed as a fully styled brand presentation.
Some of the most common include:
- Product mockups – T-shirts, mugs, posters, and other custom products with a printed design.
- UI/UX mockups – Screens for apps or websites that show the visual design without interactivity.
- Branding mockups – Business cards, packaging, stationery, or signage with a brand’s logo and style.
- 3D mockups – Realistic, multi-angle views of complex products like furniture or electronics.
How are mockups created?
Designers and businesses use different methods to create mockups, depending on their skill level, budget, and desired level of realism.
Popular approaches include:
- Design software – Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Figma for high control and customization.
- Online mockup generators – Tools like Printify’s Mockup Generator that create product visuals automatically.
- Manual prototyping or 3D rendering – Building physical models or using CAD software for detailed, photorealistic images.
Mockups vs prototypes vs wireframes
While these three terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes in the design and product development process. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right approach for each stage of your project.
| Term | Description | Fidelity (likeness to the final product) | Use case |
| Wireframe | A basic layout sketch showing the structure and placement of elements | Low | Planning the framework of a design or interface |
| Mockup | A static visual design that shows colors, typography, and imagery | Medium to High | Presenting the look and feel for approval or marketing |
| Prototype | An interactive, functional version of a design | High | Testing usability, collecting feedback, and refining features |
Real-life examples of mockups
Mockups are everywhere once you start looking for them. Designers, marketers, and business owners use them to present ideas, test visuals, and promote products before they exist physically.
Here are a few examples of how they appear in real-world scenarios:
- A branded t-shirt mockup featured in an online store’s product listing to show potential customers the design in context.
- A website homepage mockup presented to a client to visualize the final look before development begins.
- Packaging mockups for a new coffee brand used in focus groups to test design appeal and shelf presence.
FAQs
Yes, especially in Print on Demand and eCommerce. Many sellers list products using mockups before production to test demand.
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma are popular, but tools like Printify’s Product Creator and Mockup Generator make it easier for non-designers.
They can be very close, but differences in printing, materials, or lighting may affect the final result.
A mockup shows what something will look like, while a prototype lets you interact with it.
Nope. Online generators let you create realistic mockups without advanced skills.
Sites like Freepik, Pixeden, PlaceIt, and Mockup World offer free and premium templates.