Photoshop is hands-down the best tool for creating mockups. You can use premade PSD mockup files, but creating a mockup from scratch is much more fun.
If you follow this tutorial, you’ll get step-by-step guidance on how to make packaging mockup in Photoshop. With this mockup display any pattern design you want on real packaging.
Also, we will talk about the best Photoshop alternative to make packaging mockups.
Table of Contents
What is a Packaging Mockup?
When you’re designing product packaging, it’s essential to visualize how the final design will look on the actual shape of the Can, Bottle or Box. Sending a prototype to print can be costly and time-consuming, plus you might not get the results you hoped for. It allows you to see the design on the bottle or box without any extra costs, and it doesn’t take much time at all.
A Quick Guide on How to Make Packaging Mockup in Photoshop
Here is a quick guide on how to create a packaging design mockup in Photoshop.
For packaging, we will use a Can product.
- Measure the Can’s width and height. Use the Line tool, delete unnecessary layers.
- Select the Rectangle tool. Scale the rectangle using Ctrl+T while holding Shift, convert it to a Smart Object, rename, and adjust.
- Use Ctrl+T to rotate and scale, then right-click to warp and fit it to the Can.
- Set fill to 100%, use the Pen tool for a selection, and create a new group and layer mask.
- Add your design to Photoshop, adjust the blending mode to Linear Burn, and set a background color.
- Add a shadow effect by duplicating the Can layer, applying the Camera Raw filter, and adjusting exposure.
Step-by-step Guide
Let us guide you through how to make packaging mockup in Photoshop.
Step 1: Measure the Dimensions
Measure the width and height of the Can for reference. Use the Line Tool to set up guides. Follow the process:
Width: 431 pixels
Height: 754 pixels
Delete unnecessary layers.
Step 2: Create Initial Shape
Select the Rectangle Tool and click on the canvas. Follow the settings.
Then use the Move Tool to position it. Double-click the shape layer to change its color.
Press Ctrl + T to scale, holding Shift to maintain proportions.
Right-click in the layer and select Convert to Smart Object; rename the layer.
Step 3: Adjust the Layer Fill & Transform
Lower the layer fill.
Press Ctrl + T to rotate and scale as needed.
Right-click and select Warp to fit the shape closely to the Can.
Try to make the rectangle as close as possible to the Can.
Follow the process:
When done, press Enter and reset the fill to 100%.
Step 4: Add a Layer Mask
Use the Pen Tool to create a selection around the Can. Save the selection, create a new group, add a layer mask to it, and drag the shape layer into the group.
Step 5: Add Your Design to Photoshop
Double-click the layer to edit, drag your design to Photoshop, save, and close the tab.
Back in the main image, set the design layer’s blending mode to Linear Burn.
Step 6: Create Background
Load the saved selection for the Can, then go to the adjustment layer to pick “Solid color“.
Click the mask, and press Ctrl + I to invert the mask.
Set blending to Linear Burn for shadows.
Now we can see the shadow of the Can.
Step 7: Add Final Effects in Your Packaging Mockup
Duplicate the Can layer (Ctrl + J), drag it above, and Convert to Smart Object. Open Camera Raw Filter, adjust exposure and whites, then press OK. Set blending mode to Screen and lower fill.
Final look:
That’s it. We have understood how to create a packaging design mockup in Photoshop. Let us show you the best mockup website to generate packaging mockups.
Best Mockup Generator to Make Packaging Mockups
An easy way to create packaging mockups is to use the best mockup generator available. Mockey gives you free templates of boxes and bottles. Let’s learn how to create any packaging mockup using mockey.ai. Follow the steps:
1. Launch Mockey.ai. Sign up for free.
2. Click “Mockups”, and then select “Packaging”.
3. You will see trendy Box and Bottle mockup templates with different backgrounds and models.
4. Pick a template and get ready to add an image.
5. Click “Upload Design” and start customizing.
6. After customization, tap the “Download” button to export the packaging mockup in JPG format for free with no watermark.
Mockey PRO Plan
It’s worth upgrading to the Mockey PRO plan. While free templates are available, the PRO plan offers extra features that improve your experience, including:
- PNG file format support
- PRO mockups and high-quality downloads
- Access to AI mockup bundles and exclusive backgrounds
- Multiple design uploads and an ad-free experience
At just $5.70/month, it’s more affordable than other mockup tools and packs in more features for the price.
Conclusion
Making a packaging mockup from scratch can set your design apart. You won’t be stuck using those same free mockups everyone finds online.
Plus, you get a quick way to check how the design looks on the packaging without having to spend on a printed prototype.
And you can experiment so much with it—like trying out different colors and using the blending tool to see how they mix.
Or even testing out different packaging shapes! That way, you can see how the perspective grid changes with each one.
However, we have covered how to make packaging mockup in Photoshop and Mockey app.
FAQs
Which is the best packaging mockup generator?
Mockey.ai is the top packaging mockup generator, with 500+ free templates and an easy-to-use interface. It lets you customize designs quickly and download them instantly.
How to make a custom packaging mockup?
Choose design software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator to create a custom packaging mockup. Set your dimensions, pick a template, add your graphics, and save the design as a high-quality image.
How to create a 3D packaging design mockup?
Use Photoshop to create a 3D packaging mockup by placing your design files, rasterizing them, and adjusting the perspective with the Free Transform tool. Add shadows and reflections to make it look realistic.
Can you use Photoshop for packaging design?
Photoshop is great for packaging design, especially when used with Illustrator. It helps create realistic mockups by applying designs to packaging formats.
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