Key Terms and Definitions

This glossary defines technical terms, Photoshop terminology, and production method concepts used throughout The Mockup Factory user manual.

12.1 The Mockup Factory Terms

Batch Processing The automated process of applying multiple designs to multiple templates in a single operation, generating dozens or hundreds of mockups without manual intervention. Every PNG is processed against every PSD in the folder.

Concatenation The method of combining file names from PNG designs, PSD templates, and processing settings to create systematic output file names. You choose the order of the three elements.

Driver Smart Object In templates with multiple smart objects, the smart object that determines how many mockups are generated. Its number of designs sets the output count, unless "Create All Combinations" is enabled.

Mockup A realistic product image showing how a design will look on a physical product. The Mockup Factory generates mockups by placing designs into product photography templates.

Output Folder The user-selected location on the computer where all generated mockup files are saved after processing.

Processing The automated operation where The Mockup Factory opens each PSD template, replaces the smart object with each PNG design, applies settings (resize mode, processing type, quality), and saves the result.

Processing Type The first choice in the plugin, determining what's applied to your design: No Effects (Design Placement Only), Engraving Effects, or Print UV / Sublimation. Engraving requires the Professional plan; print effects require Print & Sublimation or above.

Reference Library A collection of test mockups processed through all available settings, printed/engraved as real products, and used to identify which setting best matches your actual production equipment.

Resize Mode The method The Mockup Factory uses to fit a design into a template's smart object. Options: Fit, Fill, Stretch, No Resize. Each mode handles aspect ratio differences differently.

Settings (Numbered) The numbered intensity options available for each effect (e.g., Wood Engraving Setting 1, Setting 2). Settings are numbered rather than named because every production setup produces unique results.

Substrate The material or surface on which a design is engraved or printed. The Mockup Factory's engraving effects cover wood, slate, glass and leather.

Transparent Footprint A transparent canvas around your design matching the exact shape and proportions of your product's print area. Designs exported from production files already have this. Paired with Stretch mode, it gives perfect placement on every template.

12.2 Photoshop Terminology

Core Photoshop Concepts

Adobe Photoshop CC Adobe's professional image editing software, subscription-based (Creative Cloud). The Mockup Factory requires CC 2019 or later. "CC" stands for Creative Cloud.

Aspect Ratio The proportional relationship between width and height of an image, expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:1 for square, 3:2 for landscape, 16:9 for widescreen). Matching aspect ratios between designs and templates prevents distortion.

Canvas The working area in Photoshop where images are created or edited. For The Mockup Factory, your design's canvas should match your product's print area — see Transparent Footprint.

CMYK Colour Mode A colour model used for print production (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Not recommended for The Mockup Factory—use RGB instead for accurate on-screen colour representation.

DPI (Dots Per Inch) A measurement of image resolution. Higher DPI = more detail and sharpness. The Mockup Factory requires 300 DPI minimum for professional-quality mockups.

Layers Separate, stackable elements in a Photoshop file. Each layer can contain different content (images, text, effects) and can be edited independently.

Layers Panel The Photoshop panel (usually on the right side) that displays all layers in the current document. Smart objects are identified by a small page icon in the layer thumbnail.

PSD File Photoshop Document format. Native Photoshop file format that preserves layers, smart objects, and editing capabilities. The Mockup Factory uses PSD files as mockup templates.

Resolution The amount of detail in an image, measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution = sharper, more detailed images. 300 DPI is the professional standard.

RGB Colour Mode A colour model used for digital displays (Red, Green, Blue). Recommended for The Mockup Factory for accurate colour representation in mockups intended for online stores and digital use.

Smart Object A special Photoshop layer that preserves the original image data and allows non-destructive editing. Smart objects can be scaled, rotated, and distorted without losing quality. The Mockup Factory requires templates to have at least one smart object, properly lined up with the product's print area.

Transparent Background An image background with no colour or content, allowing underlying layers to show through. In Photoshop, transparency is indicated by a checkerboard pattern. The Mockup Factory designs (PNG files) must have transparent backgrounds.

Smart Object Details

Smart Object Content The actual image data stored inside a smart object. The Mockup Factory replaces this content with your PNG designs during processing.

Smart Object Icon A small page icon that appears in the bottom-right corner of a layer thumbnail in the Layers panel, indicating the layer is a smart object.

Embedded Smart Object A smart object whose content is stored within the PSD file itself, as opposed to a linked smart object.

Linked Smart Object Duplicates of the same smart object, where editing one updates all copies automatically. The Mockup Factory handles linked smart objects automatically — useful when you want identical placement across multiple views in one template. See Section 6.

Double-Click to Edit The standard method of editing smart object content manually. Double-clicking a smart object layer opens its content in a new window for editing. The Mockup Factory automates this process.

File Formats

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) An image format that supports transparency. Required format for The Mockup Factory designs, and also available as an output format. PNG files preserve transparent backgrounds and maintain high quality without compression artifacts.

JPG/JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) A compressed image format ideal for photographs and web use. Default output format for The Mockup Factory mockups. Does not support transparency but creates smaller file sizes than PNG.

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) A high-quality image format often used in professional printing. Not supported by The Mockup Factory for design input.

AI (Adobe Illustrator) Adobe Illustrator's native vector file format. Not supported—designs must be exported as PNG.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) A vector image format. Not supported—designs must be rasterised and exported as PNG.

12.3 Production Method Terminology

Engraving Methods

Laser Engraving A production method that uses a focused laser beam to etch designs into materials (wood, slate, glass, leather). The laser removes or burns material to create permanent marks.

Rotary Engraving A mechanical engraving method using a rotating cutting tool to carve designs into materials. Less common than laser engraving for personalised products.

Engraving Depth How deeply the laser or tool cuts into the material. Deeper engraving creates more visible, tactile results but may take longer and require more power.

Burn Marks Darkened or charred areas created by laser engraving on wood and other organic materials. Burn intensity varies based on laser power, speed, and material type.

Frosted Effect The white, translucent appearance created by laser engraving on glass. The laser roughens the glass surface, scattering light and creating a frosted look.

Printing Methods

Sublimation Printing A printing method that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials (ceramic, white glass, stainless steel, polymer-coated substrates). The dye becomes part of the material, creating permanent, vibrant prints. White in a design comes from the white substrate itself rather than printed ink.

UV Printing A printing method that uses ultraviolet light to instantly cure (dry) ink as it's printed. UV printing works on a wide variety of substrates (wood, metal, glass, acrylic, ceramic) and produces durable, high-quality results.

Direct-to-Substrate Printing Printing directly onto a product surface (rather than printing on transfer paper first). UV printing and sublimation are both direct-to-substrate methods.

Ink Saturation The amount of ink applied to a substrate. Higher saturation creates richer, more vibrant colours but may increase drying time or cost.

Substrate Interaction How ink or engraving interacts with the material's texture, colour, and properties. Wood grain, slate texture, and ceramic gloss all affect the final appearance of designs.

Material Terms

Wood Grain The natural pattern of fibres in wood. Wood grain affects how engraving and printing appear—designs may look different on light vs. dark wood, or smooth vs. textured grain.

Slate Texture The natural rough, layered surface of slate stone. Slate engraving creates high-contrast results due to the material's dark colour and texture.

Substrate Tone The natural colour of the material (e.g., light wood, dark wood, white ceramic, clear glass). Substrate tone affects how prints and engravings appear—darker substrates may require different settings than lighter ones.

Polymer Coating A thin coating applied to some substrates (mugs, mouse pads, ceramic tiles) to enable sublimation printing. The coating allows dye to bond with the surface.

Production Settings

Laser Power The intensity of the laser beam, measured in watts. Higher power creates deeper, darker engraving but may burn or damage delicate materials.

Laser Speed How fast the laser moves across the material. Slower speeds create deeper engraving; faster speeds create lighter marks.

Print Resolution The level of detail in a printed design, measured in DPI. Higher resolution produces sharper, more detailed prints.

Pass Count The number of times a laser or printer goes over the same area. Multiple passes create deeper engraving or richer colour but increase production time.

Quality & Testing Terms

Production-Accurate Mockup A mockup that realistically represents how the final product will look after engraving or printing. The Mockup Factory's engraving and print effects create production-accurate mockups by simulating real material interactions.

Test Batch A small batch of mockups (typically 5–10) processed with different settings to identify the best match for your production equipment before running a full batch.

Reference Product A physical product that has been engraved or printed using your actual equipment, used to compare against mockups to verify accuracy.

Safe Zone The area of a design where critical elements (text, logos, important details) should be placed to avoid being cropped by Fill resize mode or template edges. Typically 10–15% inset from design edges.

12.4 Technical Terms

File & Folder Terms

File Extension The suffix at the end of a file name that indicates file type (e.g., .png, .psd, .jpg). File extensions help computers and software identify how to open and process files.

File Path The complete location of a file on a computer, including drive, folders, and file name (e.g., C:\My Projects\Templates\WoodenCoaster.psd).

Folder Permissions Security settings that control whether users and programs can read, write, or modify files in a folder. The Mockup Factory needs read/write permissions for input and output folders.

Output File Naming The systematic naming convention used to name generated mockup files, combining PNG name, PSD name, and processing settings. You choose the order of the three elements.

Performance Terms

Processing Speed How quickly mockups are generated, typically 2–5 seconds per mockup. Speed depends on computer specs, file sizes, and processing complexity.

Disk Space Available storage space on a computer's hard drive or SSD. The Mockup Factory requires at least 2 GB free, with 10 GB or more recommended for comfortable batch processing.

RAM (Random Access Memory) Computer memory used for active tasks. More RAM allows faster processing and handling of larger files. 8 GB minimum, 16 GB+ recommended.

SSD (Solid State Drive) A fast storage device with no moving parts. SSDs significantly improve Photoshop and processing speed compared to traditional hard drives (HDDs).

Software Terms

Plugin A software add-on that extends the functionality of a host application. The Mockup Factory is a Photoshop plugin that adds automated mockup generation capabilities.

Extension Another term for plugin. In Photoshop, plugins are accessed via Window > Extensions menu.

ZXP File The file format for Adobe extension installers. The Mockup Factory is distributed as a signed .zxp file, installed using the free ZXP Installer tool. See Section 2.

ZXP Installer A free third-party tool used to install Adobe extensions from .zxp files. Required to install The Mockup Factory. Available from aescripts.com.

CEP Extension Common Extensibility Platform — the Adobe technology The Mockup Factory is built on. CEP extensions are cached by Photoshop, which is why a full restart (sometimes two) is needed after installing or updating.

Authentication The process of verifying a user's identity (email and password) to grant access to the plugin. The Mockup Factory requires an internet connection each time you log in, to check your subscription is active.

Subscription A recurring payment model where users pay monthly or annually for continued access to software or services. The Mockup Factory offers Standard, Print & Sublimation, and Professional plans.

Common Abbreviations

• CC – Creative Cloud (Adobe's subscription software platform)
• CEP – Common Extensibility Platform (the technology Adobe extensions are built on)
• DPI – Dots Per Inch (resolution measurement)
• PPI – Pixels Per Inch (resolution measurement, often used interchangeably with DPI)
• RGB – Red, Green, Blue (colour mode for digital displays)
• CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black (colour mode for print)
• PNG – Portable Network Graphics (image format with transparency)
• JPG/JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group (compressed image format)
• PSD – Photoshop Document (native Photoshop file format)
• ZXP – The file format for Adobe extension installers
• UV – Ultraviolet (as in UV printing)
• RAM – Random Access Memory
• SSD – Solid State Drive
• HDD – Hard Disk Drive
• GB – Gigabyte (storage/memory measurement)
• MB – Megabyte (file size measurement)