Mockup Customization: Adding Items To Your T-Shirt Design

Creating a T-shirt mockup is an essential step in showcasing your T-shirt designs. Whether you're an experienced designer or just starting, online mockup generators offer a quick and easy way to visualise your concepts. With a variety of tools available, you can bring your ideas to life, from simple product images to models wearing your designs. This process allows you to fine-tune your designs, create professional product photos, and promote your brand effectively. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the steps to create a T-shirt mockup and highlight some of the best mockup generators available.

Using a mockup generator

The process of using a mockup generator usually involves a few simple steps. First, you need to select a suitable T-shirt mockup template that aligns with your brand and target audience. Most platforms offer a diverse collection of templates, including different genders, ages, ethnicities, and styles to ensure an inclusive range of options.

Once you've chosen your desired template, it's time to upload your design. This process is generally user-friendly, allowing you to add your image with just a click or by dragging and dropping it onto the template. You can then adjust the size and position of your design to ensure it fits perfectly on the T-shirt.

Many mockup generators also offer additional customisation options. You may be able to change the colour of the T-shirt, the background of the image, or even add text or effects to your design. Play around with these features to create a mockup that truly reflects your vision.

Finally, when you're happy with your design, simply download the mockup image. Depending on the platform, you may be able to choose the resolution or file format that suits your needs. Now you're ready to use your T-shirt mockup for promotion or marketing purposes!

Uploading your design

Once you have selected your template, you can upload your design with just one click. You can then adjust the size and position of your design, ensuring it fits the space available. For example, if you are creating a left-chest print, you will need to scale the design accordingly. You can also use arrow keys to shift the design to the exact position you want.

Be sure to save your design before moving on. Depending on the software you are using, there may be a shortcut to save quickly, such as "Command/Control S". Once you have saved and closed the window, your design will appear on the original mockup.

You can then make any necessary adjustments to the mockup, such as changing the colour of the T-shirt or adjusting the opacity of certain layers to create the desired effect. For example, you may want to reduce the opacity of the "highlights" layer to make the T-shirt colour appear brighter and newer.

Finally, you can add any additional elements, such as custom tags or a backdrop to showcase your mockup.

Adjusting the size and position

When working with a template that includes a model, you can use a placement guide to ensure your design is in the correct position on the t-shirt. This is especially useful when creating a back print design, which is usually larger than a left-chest print. Copy and paste your design onto the placement guide, and use the guide to scale the design. If the design and the guide are the same colour, use the outer box of the guide to scale the image.

If you are using Adobe Photoshop, you can adjust the design by clicking on the "design layer". This will open a new window where you can delete the stock design. Upload your own design, and use the placement guide to scale and position it correctly. Save the smart object design, and it will appear on your chosen mockup template.

Customising the mockup

Customising a T-shirt mockup is a straightforward process. Most mockup generators will allow you to upload your own image, adjust the size and position, and then download the finished mockup. Some will also let you change the colour of the T-shirt.

If you're using Photoshop, you'll need to use a template. Open the template in Photoshop and you will see the different layers, such as design, tag, and custom tag. You can then add your own design by clicking on the design layer and uploading your image. You can scale the design to fit the T-shirt and use the arrow keys to shift it into the right position.

If you want to add a custom tag, you can delete the stock tag layer and turn on the custom tag layer. You can then upload your custom tag design.

When you're happy with the front of the T-shirt, you can move on to the back. The process is the same, but you will need to resize your design to fit.

Once you're satisfied with your design, you can save the smart object and close the window to view the finished mockup. You can then export it as a JPEG or create a custom backdrop.

Some mockup generators offer additional features such as the ability to rotate your design or download your mockup in different file formats. You can also find generators that offer a wide range of models, including men, women, and children, in various settings.

Downloading the final image

Once you have added items to your T-shirt mockup and are happy with the design, the final step is to download your image. The process for this will depend on the platform you have used to create your mockup.

If you have used Smartmockups, you can download your image by clicking the download button and choosing a resolution. You can then use the image to market your T-shirt design.

For Placeit, you will need to choose a template, upload your design, adjust the size and position, and then download. Placeit offers both individual mockup purchases and subscription services with unlimited downloads.

Profounder offers a free video T-shirt mockup 3D maker. To download your mockup, you will first need to upload your image and then download the .zip archive with the .MP4 Full HD file inside.

Renderforest is another online design tool that allows you to create mockups. To download your mockup, you will need to choose a template, add your design, select the T-shirt colour, and then download it.

Kittl is another option for creating T-shirt mockups. After adding your design, you can download it with a Pro or Expert subscription.

Each platform will have a slightly different process for downloading your final image, but all will require you to first choose a template and upload your design.

Frequently asked questions