The Mockup Factory Documentation

Updates & Version History

Plugin version history, new features, improvements, and update instructions

Staying Current with The Mockup Factory

This section documents the latest features, improvements, and upcoming developments for The Mockup Factory plugin.

14.1 What's New in Version 1.4 (July 2026)

Major New Features

1. Multiple Smart Objects Support

The plugin now supports PSD templates with multiple smart objects, allowing for more complex mockups — a design shown across a product range, a grid of colourways, or a scene where each area carries something different.

There are two modes:

  • Same design on all smart objects — your design goes into every slot, with effects applied to each. Ideal for product ranges, colour variations, grid shots, and multi-angle views.
  • Different design per smart object — each slot gets its own design, matched by subfolder name. Ideal for photo frames, coaster sets, and multi-surface products.

Use Cases:

  • One design across several styles of water bottle in a single image
  • The same design on differently coloured mugs, side by side
  • Mugs with designs on both sides
  • Photo frames — engraved design on the frame, photograph in the picture area
  • Coaster sets with a different design on each

💡 Pro Tip: Linked smart objects are handled automatically. See Section 6 for full setup instructions, including folder structure for different-design mode.

2. PNG Output Format

You can now export mockups as PNG files in addition to JPG.

What This Means:

  • Tick JPG, PNG, or both before processing
  • PNG supports transparency and maintains maximum quality
  • PNG files are larger (5–15 MB vs 2–5 MB for JPG)
  • Flexibility for different workflow requirements

When to Use PNG:

  • Print materials requiring lossless quality
  • Archiving master mockups
  • Your workflow requires PNG format

When to Use JPG:

  • Online stores (Etsy, Shopify, Amazon)
  • Social media posts
  • Email attachments
  • Most standard use cases

💡 Pro Tip: JPG suits the vast majority of use cases. PNG is best reserved for print, archiving, or specialised workflows. See Section 8 for full detail on all three output formats.

Performance Improvements

Faster Processing:

  • Optimised smart object replacement algorithm
  • Reduced processing time per mockup
  • More efficient memory management
  • Smoother performance on lower-spec computers

Better Stability:

  • Improved error handling
  • Reduced crashes during large batches
  • Better handling of corrupted or incompatible files
  • More reliable authentication

User Experience Enhancements

Clearer Interface:

  • Output format selection clearly labelled
  • Better visual feedback during processing
  • Improved progress indicators
  • More intuitive settings layout

Better Error Messages:

  • More specific error descriptions
  • Actionable troubleshooting steps
  • Clear guidance when issues occur

14.2 How to Update

If you're already subscribed:

  1. Log in to your account at themockupfactory.com
  2. Navigate to your dashboard
  3. Download the latest plugin file (.zxp) for your operating system
  4. Close Photoshop completely
  5. Install the new .zxp file via ZXP Installer
  6. Restart Photoshop
  7. Restart Photoshop a second time
  8. Open The Mockup Factory from Window > Extensions

⚠️ Why two restarts? Photoshop caches extensions, and that cache needs two full restarts to clear after an update. If the panel looks wrong or still shows the old version, this is almost always why — quit and reopen once more.

Your settings and preferences:

  • All your previous settings are preserved
  • No need to reconfigure anything
  • Templates and designs remain compatible
  • Subscription status carries over automatically

Compatibility:

  • Compatible with all previous templates
  • All existing PSD files work with the new version
  • No changes needed to your existing files

14.3 Planned Features and Updates

Coming Soon

We're constantly improving The Mockup Factory based on user feedback and industry needs. Here's what's on the roadmap:

New Processing Types (Professional Plan)

Metal Engraving

  • Simulate laser engraving on metal surfaces
  • Support for stainless steel, aluminium, brass, copper
  • Multiple settings for different metal finishes
  • Realistic depth and texture effects

Best For:

  • Metal keychains, dog tags, jewellery
  • Metal plaques and signs
  • Engraved tools and equipment
  • Industrial products

Gold Embossing

  • Simulate gold foil embossing effects
  • Metallic gold finish with depth and shine
  • Multiple intensity settings
  • Realistic raised/embossed appearance

Best For:

  • Premium packaging and boxes
  • Luxury product mockups
  • Wedding invitations and stationery
  • High-end branding materials

Sublimation on Textiles

  • Simulate sublimation printing on fabric
  • Support for different textile types (polyester, blends)
  • Realistic fabric texture interaction
  • Colour vibrancy and saturation control

Best For:

  • T-shirts, hoodies, apparel
  • Tote bags and fabric products
  • Pillows and home textiles
  • Sports jerseys and activewear

Additional Planned Improvements

Enhanced Template Library:

  • New product templates added regularly
  • More substrate variety
  • Seasonal products
  • User-requested products

Workflow Enhancements:

  • Batch preset saving (save frequently used settings)
  • Custom processing profiles
  • Faster batch processing
  • Improved progress tracking

Quality Improvements:

  • Enhanced effect realism
  • Better substrate texture simulation
  • Improved colour accuracy
  • More processing settings per substrate

User Experience:

  • In-plugin tutorials and tips
  • Better onboarding for new users
  • Improved error recovery
  • Enhanced file management tools

14.4 Feature Requests & Feedback

We Want to Hear from You!

Your feedback helps shape the future of The Mockup Factory. We actively listen to user suggestions and prioritise features based on real-world needs.

How to Submit Feedback:

Include:

  • Detailed description of the feature
  • How it would improve your workflow
  • Examples or use cases
  • Any relevant screenshots or mockups

What We're Looking For:

  • New processing types or substrates
  • Workflow improvements
  • Time-saving features
  • Quality enhancements
  • Template requests

💡 If none of the current settings quite achieve the effect you need, tell us — we're happy to add settings to cover new scenarios.

Recent User-Requested Features We've Implemented:

✅ Leather engraving effects (v1.4)

✅ Multiple smart objects support (v1.4)

✅ PNG output format (v1.4)

✅ Additional UV on Wood settings, including white preservation (v1.4)

✅ More processing settings per substrate

✅ Improved file naming options

14.5 Staying Updated

How to Stay Informed

Email Notifications:

  • Major updates announced via email
  • New feature releases
  • Important bug fixes
  • Template library additions

Website:

  • Check themockupfactory.com for latest news
  • Written guides at themockupfactory.com/tutorials

YouTube Channel:

  • Tutorial videos for new features
  • Tips and tricks for latest updates

Support:

  • Contact support@themockupfactory.com for questions
  • Response time: typically within 24 hours (business days)
  • Technical assistance available for all subscribers

14.6 Update Policy

Manual Updates

Plugin Updates:

  • Not automatic — you download and install manually
  • Ensures you control when updates occur
  • Prevents mid-project disruptions
  • Allows testing before committing

When to Update:

  • Between projects (not during active work)
  • After backing up current files
  • When you have time to test new features
  • When new features benefit your workflow

When to Wait:

  • During critical production deadlines
  • If your current version is working perfectly
  • Until you can test thoroughly

14.7 Compatibility & Support

Version Support

  • We recommend keeping the plugin up to date so you have the latest fixes and effects
  • Bug fixes and improvements are delivered through new versions
  • If you're running an older version and hit a problem, updating is usually the first thing we'll suggest

Template Compatibility

  • Existing templates continue to work across versions
  • No need to update existing PSD files
  • New features work with your current templates

Photoshop Compatibility

  • Supports Photoshop CC 2019 and later
  • Tested with current Photoshop versions
  • Support for both Windows and macOS

Quick Update Checklist

Before Updating:

✅ Finish any active projects

✅ Backup important files

✅ Note your current settings

✅ Close Photoshop completely

During Update:

✅ Download the latest .zxp file from your dashboard

✅ Install via ZXP Installer

✅ Restart Photoshop — twice

✅ Verify plugin loads correctly

After Update:

✅ Test with small batch (5–10 mockups)

✅ Verify settings are preserved

✅ Check new features

What's Next?

We're committed to making The Mockup Factory the most powerful and user-friendly mockup generation tool for makers, engravers, and personalised product businesses.

Our Promise:

  • Regular updates with meaningful improvements
  • Responsive to user feedback
  • Continuous quality enhancements

Your Role:

  • Share your feedback and feature requests
  • Report bugs or issues promptly
  • Suggest new processing types or templates
  • Help us build the tool you need

Thank you for being part of The Mockup Factory community!

Questions about updates? Contact support@themockupfactory.com