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How to Open and Use a PSD Mockup File
A PSD is Adobe Photoshop's native file format. A PSD mockup keeps every part separate, such as the product photo, the area for your design, shadows, highlights and background, so you can change one thing without breaking the rest.
What you need to open a PSD
- Adobe Photoshop gives full support for layers, Smart Objects and blend modes. It is the best choice for mockups.
- Photopea is a free tool that runs in your browser. It opens PSD files and can edit most Smart Objects, though very complex effects may look slightly different.
- GIMP is free and opens PSD layers, but Smart Objects usually arrive as ordinary layers, so replacing the design does not work the same way.
Open the file and read the layers
- In Photoshop, choose File > Open and select the PSD.
- Open the Layers panel with Window > Layers.
- Expand the folders. A well-built mockup names its layers clearly, for example “Your Design Here”, “Shadows”, “Highlights” and “Background”.
- Use the eye icon next to a layer to hide or show it.
Only change the layer meant for your design and, if you like, the color or background layers. Leave the shadow and highlight layers as they are.
Add your design
Your artwork goes into a Smart Object: double-click its thumbnail, paste your design, then save and close. The full walkthrough is in the Smart Object guide.
Change the background or product color
Look for a layer or folder named “Background” or “Color”. If it is a Solid Color fill layer, double-click its thumbnail and choose a new color. If the color sits inside a Smart Object, edit it the same way you edit your design.
Export a JPG or PNG
- Choose File > Export > Export As…
- Pick JPG for photos and smaller files, or PNG for sharp edges and transparency.
- Set the size you need and keep Convert to sRGB checked for the web.
- Click Export.
Keep your original PSD untouched. Use File > Save As and add the project name, so you always have a clean master to start from.
If something goes wrong
- The file will not open or looks wrong. Update Photoshop to the latest version, or tell the designer which version you use.
- Missing fonts warning. Install the font, or replace the text with one you have.
- The file is slow. Close other programs and give Photoshop more memory in Edit > Preferences > Performance.
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