The Mockup Factory Documentation

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently asked questions about features, subscriptions, and workflows

Quick Answers to Common Questions

This section provides fast answers to the most frequently asked questions about The Mockup Factory. Questions are organised by category for easy navigation.

General & Getting Started

What is The Mockup Factory?

The Mockup Factory is a Photoshop plugin that automates mockup generation for personalised product businesses. It allows you to create hundreds of professional mockups in minutes by batch-processing your designs through PSD templates with smart objects.

Perfect for:

  • Engravers (wood, slate, glass, leather)
  • Sublimation printers
  • UV printers
  • Personalised gift makers
  • Print-on-demand sellers

Who is The Mockup Factory for?

The Mockup Factory is designed for makers, engravers, and personalised product sellers who need to create large quantities of mockups quickly.

Ideal users:

  • You have multiple design variations to showcase
  • You need realistic product mockups for your online store
  • You want to save time on repetitive mockup creation
  • You need production-accurate previews (engraving/print effects)

Not ideal for: Users without Photoshop CC 2019+. If you don't have Photoshop, see our fully serviced plans — we'll create your mockups for you.

Do I need Photoshop experience to use The Mockup Factory?

Basic Photoshop knowledge is helpful but not required.

What you need to know:

  • How to open and save files
  • Basic file organisation
  • Understanding of image resolution (helpful but we provide guidance)

What you DON'T need to know:

  • Advanced Photoshop techniques
  • Layer masking or complex editing
  • Smart object creation (we provide templates and tutorials)

We provide:

  • Step-by-step user manual
  • Video tutorials
  • Email support for technical and creative questions

Can I try before I buy?

Yes. Every plan comes with a 7-day free trial — start one from the pricing page or any "Start free trial" button on the site.

How the trial works:

  • Choose your plan (Standard, Print & Sublimation, or Professional)
  • Enter your card details at checkout — you won't be charged during the trial
  • Get full plugin access for your chosen plan for 7 days, plus a starter pack from the template library
  • On day 7 your subscription starts automatically at the plan's monthly rate

Want to stop before it converts?

Cancel from your dashboard at themockupfactory.com any time before the trial ends and you won't be charged. Any mockups you've created during the trial are yours to keep.

Template library during the trial:

Trial users get a starter pack — one scene from each product in the library. The full library unlocks when your paid subscription begins.

If you've received a promo code — for example from one of our ads — enter it at checkout on the pricing page. Promo codes and free trials can't be combined.

Subscription & Billing

How does billing work?

Monthly Billing:

  • Charged automatically each month
  • Same date each month (e.g., if you subscribe on the 15th, you're billed on the 15th)
  • Manage billing through your dashboard at themockupfactory.com

Annual Billing:

  • One payment upfront, covering 12 months
  • Saves you up to 26% compared with paying monthly
PlanMonthlyAnnualWorks out at
Standard$15/month$139/year≈ $12/month
Print & Sublimation$19/month$169/year≈ $14/month
Professional$29/month$259/year≈ $22/month

All prices are in US dollars ($). International cards are accepted.

Free Trials:

  • Choose monthly or annual billing when you start your trial
  • Your subscription continues on that billing cycle when the trial ends
  • You can switch between monthly and annual from your dashboard at any time

Payment Methods:

  • Credit/debit card
  • Managed through secure payment processor

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes! You can cancel your subscription at any time with no penalties or fees.

How to Cancel:

  1. Log in to your dashboard at themockupfactory.com
  2. Go to your subscription settings
  3. Select Cancel Subscription
  4. Confirm cancellation

Cancelling during a free trial:

  • Cancel before the trial ends and you won't be charged at all
  • Access continues until the trial's end date

What Happens:

  • Access continues until the end of your current billing period
  • No further charges
  • You keep all mockups you've already created

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

When you cancel:

✅ You keep all mockups you've created (they're yours forever)

✅ Access continues until end of billing period (you paid for the full month/year)

❌ Plugin access ends after billing period (cannot create new mockups)

❌ Cannot log in to plugin after expiration

Your mockups are safe:

  • All files you've generated remain on your computer
  • No files are deleted
  • You own the mockups you created

Resubscribing:

  • You can resubscribe anytime
  • Same account and login
  • No data loss

What happens if a payment fails?

If a payment doesn't go through, you keep access during a short grace period so your work isn't interrupted. Update your card on your dashboard to clear it. If the balance stays unpaid past the grace period, access will stop.

Do I keep my mockups if I cancel?

Yes, absolutely!

All mockup files you've created are saved on your computer and remain yours forever.

What you keep:

  • All generated mockup files (JPG, PNG or PSD)
  • Any templates you've downloaded from the library
  • All designs and project files

What you lose access to:

  • The plugin itself (cannot create new mockups)
  • Ability to log in and process new batches
  • Downloading further templates from the library

💡 Pro Tip: Your mockups are standard image files stored on your hard drive. Back them up regularly!

Can I upgrade my plan?

Yes! You can upgrade anytime.

How to Upgrade:

Option 1: Within the Plugin

  • Click the upgrade prompt when you try to use a feature not available on your plan
  • Follow the upgrade link

Option 2: Via Website

  • Log in to your dashboard at themockupfactory.com
  • Go to your subscription settings
  • Select your new plan

What Happens:

  • Upgrade takes effect immediately
  • New features unlock instantly (no reinstall needed)
  • Restart the plugin to see them
  • Billing adjusts to new rate from next billing cycle

Can I downgrade my plan?

Yes, you can downgrade anytime.

How to Downgrade:

  1. Log in to your dashboard at themockupfactory.com
  2. Go to your subscription settings
  3. Select your new plan, confirm downgrade

What Happens:

  • Downgrade takes effect at the end of your current billing period
  • You keep current access until then
  • After downgrade, higher-tier Processing Types are locked
  • Lower-tier features remain fully functional

Note: You cannot downgrade mid-cycle. You'll keep current access until your next billing date.

What's your refund policy?

Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time, and you'll keep access until the end of the billing period you've paid for. For full details of our refund and cancellation terms, please see our terms and conditions or contact support@themockupfactory.com.

Do you offer discounts?

Annual Billing Discount:

  • Pay annually and save up to 26% compared with monthly billing
  • See the pricing table above for each plan's annual rate

Free Template Library:

  • All subscribers get free access to our growing template library — included with every plan

No other discounts are currently available:

  • No student or educational discounts
  • No bulk/team discounts

Technical Requirements

What version of Photoshop do I need?

Required:

  • Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 or later
  • Subscription version (Creative Cloud)

Not Compatible:

  • Photoshop CS6 or earlier (standalone versions)
  • Photoshop Elements / Express
  • Other image editors (GIMP, Affinity Photo, etc.)

How to Check Your Version:

  1. Open Photoshop
  2. Go to Help > About Photoshop
  3. Check version number (must be CC 2019 or newer)

Need to Update?

  • Update via Adobe Creative Cloud app
  • Restart Photoshop after update
  • Install The Mockup Factory plugin

Does The Mockup Factory work on Windows and Mac?

Yes! The Mockup Factory works on both Windows and Mac.

Important:

  • Separate downloads for Windows and Mac
  • Download the correct version from your dashboard
  • Plugin functions identically on both platforms

Compatibility:

  • Windows: Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • Mac: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later
  • Mac M1/M2 chips: Fully compatible

Does it work with Photoshop Elements?

No. The Mockup Factory requires Photoshop CC 2019 or later (subscription version).

Why not Elements?

  • Elements has limited plugin support
  • Smart object functionality differs
  • API compatibility issues

Alternatives:

  • Upgrade to Photoshop CC subscription
  • Adobe offers Photography Plan (Photoshop + Lightroom) at affordable rates
  • Use our fully serviced plans — no software needed

Do I need an internet connection to use the plugin?

Yes. The plugin verifies your subscription each time you log in, and needs a connection to load properly.

When you need internet:

  • Logging in to the plugin
  • Loading the plugin panel
  • Downloading plugin updates from your dashboard

💡 Note: If the plugin panel opens blank or won't load, check your internet connection first — it's one of the most common causes.

How much disk space do I need?

Minimum: 2 GB free for the plugin, templates, and output files.

Recommended: 10 GB or more for comfortable batch processing.

Why?

  • PSD templates can be 20–100 MB each
  • Output mockups are 2–5 MB each (JPG); PSD output can be 50–200 MB each
  • Large batches (100+ mockups) can generate 200–500 MB of output files
  • Photoshop needs temp space for processing

Best Practice:

  • Keep 10+ GB free on your hard drive
  • Regularly archive old projects to external or cloud storage
  • Use an SSD for faster processing

Using the Plugin

How long does processing take?

Processing speed depends on several factors:

Typical Speed:

  • 2–5 seconds per mockup
  • 10 mockups = ~30 seconds
  • 50 mockups = ~3–5 minutes
  • 100 mockups = ~5–10 minutes

Factors Affecting Speed:

  • Computer specs (RAM, processor, SSD vs HDD)
  • File sizes (larger PSD/PNG files take longer)
  • Processing type (effects add processing time)
  • Other programs running (close other apps for faster processing)

Optimisation Tips:

  • Process in smaller batches (under 100 mockups)
  • Close other programs
  • Don't use the computer during processing

How many mockups can I create at once?

No hard limit, but practical considerations apply.

Recommended: Under 100 mockups per batch for best results.

Why Smaller Batches?

✅ Faster processing

✅ Easier to organise output files

✅ Less overwhelming

✅ Easier to troubleshoot if issues arise

✅ Lower risk of running out of disk space

Large Batches (100+):

  • Take much longer to process
  • Output folder becomes overwhelming
  • Higher risk of errors
  • Harder to find specific mockups

Best Practice:

  • Split large projects into multiple smaller batches
  • Organise by product type, substrate, or client
  • Process 20–50 mockups at a time for optimal workflow

What file formats can the plugin output?

You can export JPG, PNG, or PSD — tick whichever you need in the plugin before processing.

  • JPG (recommended, ticked by default) — 2–5 MB per mockup, adjustable quality (1–12, default 8). Perfect for online stores, social media and print.
  • PNG — lossless quality, larger files (5–15 MB). Good for print materials and archiving.
  • PSD — layered and editable, but very large (50–200 MB). Only available when using No Effects.

⚠️ Ticking multiple formats creates a separate file per format for every mockup, which adds up fast.

See Section 8: Output Files for full detail.

Can I adjust the JPG quality?

Yes! You can select JPG quality during processing.

Quality Scale: 1–12

  • 1–4: Low quality (not recommended)
  • 5–7: Medium quality (small file sizes, visible compression)
  • 8–10: High quality (recommended for web/online stores)
  • 11–12: Maximum quality (best for print, larger file sizes)

Default Setting: Quality 8

  • Excellent balance of quality and file size
  • Perfect for most uses

See Section 8.6: JPG Quality Settings for detailed guidance.

Why can't I export a PSD?

PSD output is only available when your Processing Type is set to No Effects (Design Placement Only). It's disabled when an engraving or print effect is applied — those effects can't be preserved as editable layers, and this also protects how they're built.

If you need a layered file, run the batch with No Effects.

Where are my mockups saved?

You choose the output folder before processing.

Workflow:

  1. Select Output Folder in plugin settings
  2. Choose a location on your computer (e.g., Desktop, Documents, project folder)
  3. Process mockups
  4. All files are saved to your chosen output folder

Best Practice:

  • Create a dedicated "My Projects" folder
  • Organise by product type, client, or date
  • Use subfolders for Templates, Designs, and Output

⚠️ Files with the same name are overwritten without warning — use separate output folders for different batches.

See Section 4.2: Organise Your Files and Section 8.7: Output Folder Organisation.

File Naming:

  • Plugin automatically names files based on your settings
  • Combines PNG name, PSD name, and processing settings
  • You can choose the order of those elements

See Section 8.3: Output File Naming for details.

Processing Types (Print & Sublimation and Professional Features)

What are Processing Types?

Processing Types are effects that simulate real production methods. Print effects are available on Print & Sublimation and Professional plans. Engraving effects are available on the Professional plan only.

The Processing Type menu is your first choice, and what appears next depends on it:

  • No Effects (Design Placement Only) — all plans. Flat design placement, no effects or textures. Nothing further appears.
  • Engraving Effects — Professional only. Reveals Substrate Type (Slate, Wood, Glass, Leather), then Effect Setting.
  • Print UV / Sublimation — Print & Sublimation and above. Reveals Print Type, with six settings: Sublimation, UV Print on White, and UV Print on Wood 1–4.

See Section 7: Processing Types for detailed explanations and examples.

What's the difference between engraving and print effects?

Engraving Effects:

  • Simulate laser engraving on materials
  • Add depth, texture, and burn marks
  • Realistic wood grain, slate texture, frosted glass or leather appearance
  • Multiple settings per substrate for different engraving strengths

Print Effects:

  • Simulate printing methods (sublimation, UV printing)
  • Add ink saturation, substrate interaction, and colour shifts
  • Realistic print-on-wood or print-on-white effects
  • Six settings covering different methods and substrates

Use Cases:

  • Engraving: For laser engravers, rotary engravers (Professional plan)
  • Print: For sublimation printers, UV printers, direct-to-substrate printing (Print & Sublimation or Professional plan)

💡 Pro Tip: Create reference libraries by testing all settings with your actual production equipment to find the best match.

Which processing type should I use for my product?

Match the processing type to your production method:

Laser Engravers (Professional Plan):

Choose Engraving Effects, then your substrate — Wood, Slate, Glass, or Leather.

Sublimation Printers (Print & Sublimation or Professional Plan):

Choose Print UV / Sublimation → Sublimation.

UV Printers (Print & Sublimation or Professional Plan):

Choose Print UV / Sublimation, then:

  • UV Print on White (for white substrates)
  • UV Print on Wood 1–4 (for natural wood)

No Production Equipment (Just Showcasing Designs):

Choose No Effects (all plans).

Which UV on Wood setting should I use?

This is the key decision for wood, and it comes down to one question: does your design contain white you need to keep?

  • Yes → UV Print on Wood 3 (preserves white) or Wood 4 (preserves white, bolder colour)
  • No → UV Print on Wood 1 (bolder coverage) or Wood 2 (more grain showing)

With Wood 1 and Wood 2, white areas of your design aren't printed — they fall back to bare wood. That looks great for grain-led designs, but loses any intentional white detail.

Can I use Processing Types on the Standard plan?

No. Effects require the Print & Sublimation or Professional plan.

Standard Plan:

  • No Effects only (flat design placement)
  • Engraving and print options are unavailable

Print & Sublimation Plan:

  • All six print settings (Sublimation, UV on White, UV on Wood 1–4)

Professional Plan:

  • All print settings (same as Print & Sublimation)
  • All engraving effects (Wood, Slate, Glass, Leather)

To Use Processing Types:

  • Upgrade to Print & Sublimation Plan for print effects
  • Upgrade to Professional Plan for engraving effects
  • Upgrade takes effect immediately (no reinstall needed)

How do I know which setting to use?

Settings are numbered, not named, because every production setup is different.

Best Practice:

  1. Create a Reference Library

    • Run a test batch with ONE design through ALL settings
    • Print/engrave the actual products using your equipment
    • Compare mockups to real products
    • Note which setting matches your production best

  2. Document Your Findings

    • Keep a reference sheet (e.g., "Wood Coasters = Wood Engraving Setting 3")
    • Update as your equipment or settings change
    • Share with team members if applicable

  3. Use Consistently

    • Once you find your match, use that setting for all future batches
    • Adjust if you change equipment or production methods

Why Numbered?

  • Your laser power, speed, and material vary
  • Your printer settings, ink, and substrate vary
  • No single "correct" setting for everyone

See Section 7.7: Testing Processing Settings for step-by-step guidance.

Templates & Files

Can I use my own custom templates?

Yes! You can use any PSD template, as long as it contains at least one smart object that's properly lined up with the product's print area.

Requirements:

  • PSD file format
  • Compatible with Photoshop CC 2019+
  • Contains at least one smart object
  • 300 DPI recommended

Where to Get Templates:

  • Use our free template library, included with your subscription
  • Create your own in Photoshop
  • Use templates from other sources (ensure they have smart objects)

No Requirement to Use Our Templates:

  • The plugin works with any compatible PSD
  • You're free to use your own templates instead

Can I request specific product templates?

Yes! Email us at support@themockupfactory.com with your product request and we'll consider it for future template creation.

Note:

  • Requests are considered but not guaranteed
  • Popular requests are prioritised
  • No timeline for custom requests

Alternative: create your own custom templates — any PSD with a properly aligned smart object works.

What file formats can I use for designs?

Supported Format: PNG only

Requirements:

  • PNG file format
  • Transparent background
  • 300 DPI resolution
  • RGB colour mode

Not Supported:

❌ JPG (no transparency)

❌ TIFF

❌ SVG (vector format)

❌ AI (Adobe Illustrator)

❌ PSD (designs must be PNG; templates are PSD)

Do my designs need transparent backgrounds?

Yes.

Why Transparency Matters:

  • Allows the design to blend naturally with the mockup
  • No white box or visible edges around the design
  • Professional-looking results

How to Create Transparent PNGs:

  1. Design in Photoshop, Illustrator, or other design software
  2. Delete or hide the background layer
  3. Save As > PNG (ensure transparency is enabled)
  4. Verify transparency by opening in an image viewer

💡 The transparent footprint shortcut: if you export designs from your production files — the same ones you send to your laser or printer — they already sit inside a transparent canvas matching your product's print area. Pair that with Stretch mode and your design lands exactly where it will on the real product, every time. See Section 5.4.

What resolution should my designs be?

Minimum: 300 DPI

Recommended:

  • 300 DPI resolution
  • Large pixel dimensions (e.g., 3000×3000 px for coasters)
  • High-quality source files

Why 300 DPI?

  • Professional print quality
  • Sharp, clear mockups
  • No pixelation or blurriness
  • Suitable for web and print use

How to Check Resolution:

  1. Open PNG in Photoshop
  2. Go to Image > Image Size
  3. Check resolution (should be 300 DPI or higher)

💡 Pro Tip: It's better to downscale a large design than upscale a small one. Always start with high-resolution files.

What's a smart object?

A smart object is a special Photoshop layer that preserves image quality and allows non-destructive editing.

Why Smart Objects Matter:

  • The plugin replaces smart object content with your designs
  • Maintains quality when resizing
  • Preserves the perspective of the scene
  • Enables batch processing

How to Identify Smart Objects:

Look for a small page icon in the bottom-right corner of the layer thumbnail in Photoshop's Layers panel.

Where to Learn More:

  • Section 6: Multiple Smart Objects — working with templates that have several
  • Video tutorials on The Mockup Factory YouTube channel

Commercial Use & Licensing

Can I use mockups for commercial purposes?

Yes. Mockups you create with The Mockup Factory plugin are for your own commercial use — market and sell your own products with them.

What You Can Do:

  • Sell your products using these mockups
  • Use mockups on Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, etc.
  • Use in your marketing materials
  • Use on social media
  • No attribution required

Mockups from your own templates or photography:

  • No licensing restrictions
  • You own the mockups you create
  • Use them however you want

Mockups made using our included template library:

  • Licensed for your own commercial use — list, advertise and sell your products with them
  • You may not sell, resell, redistribute, or license the templates or the mockup images themselves — not even once your design has been added
  • In short: use them to sell your products, not as products to sell

Full terms are set out in our terms and conditions.

Do I need to credit The Mockup Factory?

No credit or attribution required.

You can:

  • Use mockups without mentioning The Mockup Factory
  • Brand your listings as your own
  • Present your product images as your own

Optional:

  • You're welcome to mention The Mockup Factory if you'd like
  • Share your experience with other makers
  • But it's not required

Support & Resources

How do I contact support?

Technical Support:

Creative Support:

Response Time:

  • Typically within 24 hours (often much faster)
  • Check email for response (including spam folder)

Before Contacting Support:

  • Review Section 9: Troubleshooting Guide
  • Try basic troubleshooting (restart Photoshop twice, check files, etc.)
  • Include detailed information (OS, Photoshop version, error messages, screenshots)

What's your response time for support?

Typical Response Time: within 24 hours (business days)

How to Get Faster Help:

  • Include detailed information in your first email
  • Provide screenshots, error messages, system specs
  • Describe steps you've already tried

Is there a tutorial or user guide?

Yes! Multiple resources are available:

User Manual:

  • This complete user manual
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Troubleshooting guidance
  • Best practices and pro tips

Written Guides:

  • Step-by-step tutorials at themockupfactory.com/tutorials

Video Tutorials:

  • The Mockup Factory YouTube channel
  • Installation and setup
  • First mockup batch walkthrough
  • Advanced tips and techniques

Email Support:

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn't answered here:

  • Check the User Manual – detailed topics across every section
  • Review the Troubleshooting Guide – Section 9 solves common issues
  • Browse the Tutorials – themockupfactory.com/tutorials
  • Watch Video Tutorials – The Mockup Factory YouTube channel
  • Contact Support – support@themockupfactory.com or creativehelp@themockupfactory.com

Happy mockup creating! The Mockup Factory Team