The Mockup Factory Documentation

Installation & First-Time Setup

Complete installation guide including system requirements, downloading, and first-time authentication

Prefer to watch? 🎥

New to installing Photoshop plugins? This short video walks you through the whole process, start to finish.

Watch the installation walkthrough on YouTube

(Opens on YouTube in a new tab — then follow the written steps below to install.)

2.1 System Requirements

Before installing The Mockup Factory, ensure your system meets these requirements:

Software Requirements

  • ✅ Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 or later (Creative Cloud subscription required)
  • ✅ Active Mockup Factory subscription (Standard, Print & Sublimation, or Professional plan)
  • ✅ Internet connection for plugin authentication and download

Operating System Compatibility

  • ✅ Windows: Windows 10 or Windows 11
  • ✅ Mac: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later

Hardware Recommendations

  • ✅ RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB+ recommended for processing large batches
  • ✅ Storage: At least 2GB free space for plugin, templates, and output files
  • ✅ Processor: Multi-core processor recommended for faster processing

⚠️ Important: Older versions of Photoshop (CS6, CC 2018 and earlier) are not supported. The plugin requires Photoshop CC 2019 or newer.

2.2 Installing ZXP Installer (Required First Step)

Before you can install The Mockup Factory plugin, you need to install a free tool called ZXP Installer. This is the standard way to install Photoshop extensions.

Step 1: Download ZXP Installer

Visit: https://aescripts.com/learn/zxp-installer/

  • Scroll down to find the download buttons
  • Click "Download ZXP Installer for Windows" or "Download ZXP Installer for Mac" depending on your operating system
  • The download is free - no account required

Step 2: Install ZXP Installer

Windows:

  1. Locate the downloaded file (usually ZXP_Installer_vX.X.X.exe in your Downloads folder)
  2. Double-click the installer
  3. Follow the installation prompts
  4. ZXP Installer will be added to your Start Menu

Mac:

  1. Locate the downloaded file (usually ZXP_Installer_vX.X.X.dmg in your Downloads folder)
  2. Double-click to open the disk image
  3. Drag the ZXP Installer icon to your Applications folder
  4. If you see a security warning, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and click "Open Anyway"

💡 Pro Tip: You only need to install ZXP Installer once. It can be used to install any Adobe extension in .zxp format.

2.3 Downloading The Mockup Factory Plugin

Step 1: Access Your Subscriber Dashboard

After subscribing to The Mockup Factory, you'll receive a welcome email prompting you to set your password.

Website Login

  • Click the link in your welcome email to set your password
  • Once your password is set, you'll be taken to your subscriber dashboard
  • Alternatively, visit themockupfactory.com and click "Login" in the top right corner

Step 2: Navigate to Your Dashboard

Subscriber Dashboard

Your dashboard displays:

  • Welcome message with your email address
  • Subscription status badge (ACTIVE)
  • Download Plugin section on the left
  • Subscription details on the right (current plan, renewal date, access level)

Step 3: Download the Plugin for Your Operating System

In the "Download Plugin" section, you'll see two download buttons:

  • Download for Windows (black button)
  • Download for Mac (grey button)

Click the appropriate button for your operating system.

💡 Pro Tip: Windows downloads TheMockupFactory.zxp; Mac downloads TheMockupFactoryMac.zxp. Both are the same plugin — just make sure you've got the one for your operating system. Save it somewhere easy to find, like your Desktop or Downloads folder.

2.4 Installing The Mockup Factory Plugin

Before You Begin

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Close Adobe Photoshop completely before installing the plugin. If Photoshop is running, the installation may fail.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Open ZXP Installer

  • Windows: Find ZXP Installer in your Start Menu and click to open
  • Mac: Open ZXP Installer from your Applications folder

Step 2: Install the Plugin

You have two options:

Option A - Drag and Drop (Recommended):

  1. Locate your downloaded .zxp file
  2. Drag the file directly onto the ZXP Installer window
  3. Drop it when you see the drop zone highlight

Option B - Use the File Menu:

  1. In ZXP Installer, click File > Open
  2. Navigate to your downloaded .zxp file
  3. Select it and click Open

Step 3: Wait for Installation to Complete

  • ZXP Installer will show a progress indicator
  • You should see a success message: "Installation Complete" or similar
  • The plugin name "The Mockup Factory" will appear in the installed extensions list

Step 4: Launch Photoshop

Once installation is complete, open Adobe Photoshop.

Mac Users: Security Permissions

If you're on a Mac and see a security warning:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy
  2. Click the "Open Anyway" button next to The Mockup Factory message
  3. Confirm by clicking "Open" in the dialog that appears

2.5 Opening the Plugin in Photoshop

Step 1: Find the Plugin in the Extensions Menu

With Photoshop open, navigate to:

Window > Extensions > The Mockup Factory

Step 2: The Plugin Panel Opens

The Mockup Factory plugin will open as a panel in the centre of your Photoshop workspace.

Plugin Interface

You can:

  • Move the panel by dragging the title bar
  • Dock the panel to the side of your workspace
  • Resize the panel by dragging the edges
  • Close and reopen it anytime from Window > Extensions > The Mockup Factory

💡 Pro Tip: Most users find it convenient to dock The Mockup Factory panel on the right side of their workspace, similar to other Photoshop panels like Layers or Properties.

2.6 Login and Authentication

Step 1: Enter Your Credentials

When you first open the plugin, you'll see the login screen:

Login Screen

  • Enter your email address (the one you used to subscribe)
  • Enter your password (the one you set after subscribing)
  • ✅ Check "Remember me" if you want to stay logged in (recommended)
  • Click the "Login" button

⚠️ Important: You must have an active internet connection to authenticate. The plugin verifies your subscription status each time you log in.

Step 2: Authentication and Access

After clicking "Login," the plugin will:

  • Verify your email and password
  • Check your subscription status
  • Confirm your plan level (Standard, Print & Sublimation, or Professional)
  • Grant access to the appropriate features

Main Interface

After successful authentication, you'll immediately see:

  • Two main tabs: Processing and Multiples
  • Additional tabs: Support and Tutorials
  • Current Plan display showing your subscription level
  • Logout button
  • Folder selection options

You're now ready to start creating mockups!

Understanding the "Remember Me" Option

✅ Check "Remember me" if:

  • You're the only person using this computer
  • You want to skip entering your login details each time you open Photoshop
  • You trust the security of your workstation

❌ Uncheck "Remember me" if:

  • Multiple people use this computer
  • You're on a shared or public computer
  • You prefer to manually enter your login details each session

2.7 Updating the Plugin

When we release an update, download the new .zxp from your dashboard and install it exactly as you did the first time — ZXP Installer will replace the existing version.

⚠️ Restart Photoshop twice after an update. Photoshop caches extensions, and that cache needs two full restarts to clear. If the panel looks wrong or still shows the old version after updating, quit and reopen Photoshop a second time — this resolves it almost every time.

2.8 Troubleshooting Installation Issues

Issue: Plugin Not Showing in Extensions Menu

Problem: After installation, you can't find "The Mockup Factory" in Window > Extensions.

Solutions:

  1. Restart Photoshop — twice

    • Close Photoshop entirely (not just the document) and reopen it
    • If it's still not listed, close and reopen it a second time
    • Photoshop caches extensions, and a single restart often isn't enough to clear it

  2. Check your Photoshop version

    • Go to Help > About Photoshop
    • Verify you're running CC 2019 or later
    • If you're on an older version, you'll need to update Photoshop

  3. Reinstall the plugin

    • Close Photoshop completely
    • Open ZXP Installer
    • Remove The Mockup Factory if it's listed (right-click > Remove)
    • Re-install by dragging the .zxp file onto ZXP Installer
    • Reopen Photoshop

  4. Check the Extensions folder manually

    • Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\CEP\extensions\
    • Mac: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/CEP/extensions/
    • Look for a folder called com.themockupfactory.plugin

Issue: ZXP Installer Shows "Installation Failed"

Problem: ZXP Installer displays an error when trying to install the plugin.

Solutions:

  1. Close Photoshop first

    • Make sure Photoshop is completely closed
    • Check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to ensure no Photoshop processes are running
    • Try installation again

  2. Run ZXP Installer as Administrator (Windows)

    • Right-click ZXP Installer
    • Select "Run as Administrator"
    • Try installing the plugin again

  3. Check file integrity

    • The download may have been corrupted
    • Delete the .zxp file
    • Download it again from your dashboard
    • Try installation with the fresh download

  4. Add an antivirus exception

    • Some antivirus software blocks extension installations
    • Add an exception for ZXP Installer, or for the .zxp file itself, in your antivirus settings
    • Try the installation again
    • If you're not sure how, email us and we'll help — you shouldn't need to turn your antivirus off

Issue: Login Authentication Fails

Problem: You enter your email and password, but login fails or shows an error.

Solutions:

  1. Check your internet connection

    • The plugin requires internet to authenticate
    • Verify you're connected to the internet
    • Try loading a website to confirm connectivity

  2. Verify your credentials

    • Make sure you're using the correct email address
    • Check that your password is correct (passwords are case-sensitive)
    • Try logging into themockupfactory.com with the same credentials to verify

  3. Reset your password

    • Visit themockupfactory.com and click "Forgot password?"
    • Follow the email instructions to reset your password
    • Try logging in again with your new password

  4. Check your subscription status

    • Log into your dashboard at themockupfactory.com
    • Verify your subscription shows as "ACTIVE"
    • If it's lapsed or cancelled, re-subscribe to restore access

Issue: Plugin Panel is Blank or Won't Load

Problem: The plugin opens but shows a blank panel or loading screen.

Solutions:

  1. Restart Photoshop twice

    • This clears the extension cache and resolves most blank-panel issues, particularly straight after an install or update

  2. Check internet connection

    • The plugin requires internet to load properly
    • Verify your connection is stable

  3. Update Photoshop

    • Go to Help > Updates
    • Install any available Photoshop updates
    • Restart and try again

  4. Clear Photoshop preferences (last resort)

    ⚠️ This resets all your Photoshop preferences — workspaces, colour settings, keyboard shortcuts and more. Only try this if nothing above has worked, and be aware you'll need to set your workspace up again afterwards.

    • Close Photoshop
    • Hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Shift (Mac) while launching Photoshop
    • Click "Yes" when asked to delete settings
    • Reopen the plugin

Issue: Mac Security Blocks Installation

Problem: macOS prevents ZXP Installer or the plugin from running due to security settings.

Solution:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy
  2. Look for a message about the blocked application
  3. Click "Open Anyway"
  4. Confirm by clicking "Open" in the dialog
  5. Try the installation again

Installation Complete!

Congratulations! You've successfully installed The Mockup Factory and logged in for the first time.

Quick Installation Checklist

  • ✅ ZXP Installer downloaded and installed
  • ✅ Your .zxp file downloaded from your dashboard
  • ✅ Plugin installed via ZXP Installer
  • ✅ Photoshop restarted
  • ✅ Plugin found in Window > Extensions > The Mockup Factory
  • ✅ Logged in with your subscriber credentials

What's Next?

Now that you're set up, you're ready to learn about:

  • Section 3: Subscription Plans - Understanding what your plan unlocks
  • Section 4: Getting Started - Your First Mockup - Complete walkthrough of creating your first batch

💡 Quick Start Tip: Before processing mockups, make sure you have:

  • ✅ PSD template files with smart objects
  • ✅ PNG design files ready to place
  • ✅ An organised folder structure

Turn to Section 4 to create your first mockup batch!

Still Having Issues?

If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and still can't get the plugin installed or working:

📧 Contact Technical Support: support@themockupfactory.com

Include in your email:

  • Your operating system (Windows/Mac version)
  • Your Photoshop version (Help > About Photoshop)
  • The exact error message you're seeing (screenshot if possible)
  • Steps you've already tried

We typically respond within 24 hours and will help you get up and running!

Happy mockup creating! The Mockup Factory Team