If you are a designer or work in the creative field, you probably already know what a “mockup” is. A mockup is a picture of a design that can be shown to clients or coworkers to show them how the final product will look. There are many software programs that can be used to make mockups, but Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are two of the most popular ones. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of how to edit mockups in both programs.
Understanding Mockups
Before we dive into the specifics of editing mockups, it’s important to understand what they are and how they’re used. A mockup is essentially a way to visualize a design in a realistic way, often in the context of its intended use. For example, a website mockup might show what the site will look like on different devices, or a product packaging mockup might show how the packaging will look on a store shelf.
Mockups can be made for a wide range of design projects, from logos and business cards to websites and product packaging. They can help designers and clients see what the final product will look like before it is made. This makes it easier to spot any problems or changes that need to be made.
Using Photoshop to change mockups
Because it has so many features and tools, Photoshop is a powerful tool for editing mockups. Here are the steps to edit a mockup in Photoshop:
Step 1: Open the Mockup
Open the mockup file in Photoshop. This is the first step. Most of the time, you can do this by going to “File > Open” in the menu bar and finding the file from there.
Step 2: Find out what each layer is.
Once you open the mockup, you’ll need to figure out which layers make up the design. Mockups are usually made with several layers, each of which has a different part of the design. Select the “Layers” tab on the right side of the screen to see the layers.
Step 3: Change each layer
With the layers visible, you can begin editing the mockup. This could mean changing the colors or text, adding new parts to the design, or rearranging the parts to make a new layout. To make changes to a layer, just click on it and use the tools in the toolbar.
Step 4: Save the Mockup
Save the mockup file once you’re done making changes. This will save your changes and make it easy to share them with clients or coworkers.
Editing Mockups in Illustrator
Illustrator is another tool that is often used to make and change mockups. How to change a mockup in Illustrator:
Step 1: Open the Mockup
Open the mock-up file in Illustrator to get started. You can do this by going to “File > Open” in the menu bar and finding the file from there.
Step 2: Find out what each layer is.
In Illustrator, mockups are often made with multiple layers, just like in Photoshop. To view the layers, select the “Layers” tab on the right-hand side of the screen.
Step 3: Change each layer
To make changes to a layer in Illustrator, just click on it and use the tools in the toolbar. This could mean changing the colors or text, adding new parts to the design, or rearranging the parts to make a new layout.
Step 4: Put the mockup away.
Save the mockup file once you’re done making changes. This will save your changes and make it easy to share them with clients or coworkers.
How to Change Mockups
Whether you use Photoshop or Illustrator, here are some tips to help you get the most out of editing mockups:
1. Stay Organized
Layers can quickly make mockups look messy, so it’s important to stay on top of things. Use layer names that are clear and group elements that are similar together to make your mockup file easier to use.
2. Use intelligent objects
Smart Objects are a powerful part of Photoshop that let you change a design without affecting the original. This is especially helpful when working with mockups that are hard to understand.
3. Try out different blending modes.
Blending modes in Photoshop are a way to combine different layers and can be used to make cool visual effects. Try out different blending modes to see what effect they have on your mockup.
4. Use graphics with vectors
Vector graphics can be scaled up or down without losing quality, which makes them a great choice for mockups that will be used in different sizes. Illustrator is a vector-based program, so it works well for making mockups that are also vector-based.
5. Think about the end user
In the end, a mockup is meant to show clients or coworkers what the final product will look like. When making changes to your mockup, keep the end user in mind and think about how they’ll use the design.
Conclusion
Mockups are an important part of the design process, and editing them in Photoshop and Illustrator can be fun and rewarding. By following these tips and using all of the features in both programs, you’ll be able to make stunning mockups that really bring your designs to life.
FAQs
- What’s the difference between a mockup and a prototype?
- A mockup is a visual representation of a design, while a prototype is a functioning version of the design.
- Can I edit a mockup in both Photoshop and Illustrator?
- Yes, although some mockups may be better suited to one program over the other.
- Do I need to be an expert in Photoshop or Illustrator to edit a mockup?
- No, but some familiarity with the programs will make the editing process easier.
- What’s the best way to share a mockup with a client or colleague?
- You can share mockups as image files, or use a platform like InVision to create interactive prototypes.
- Are there any mockup templates available for Photoshop or Illustrator?
- Yes, there are many mockup templates available online, including both free and paid options.
