How to Create Mockups Without Photoshop
Create professional product mockups without Photoshop using SudoMock API. Automate t-shirt, mug, and poster mockups at $0.002/render. No design skills needed.

TL;DR
Create professional mockups without Photoshop using SudoMock API. Upload pre-made PSD templates, place your designs via API, and get rendered mockups instantly. No design software required.
Key Takeaways:
- •No Photoshop license required for end users
- •Use pre-made PSD templates uploaded once
- •API handles all rendering server-side
- •$0.002 per render, faster than any desktop approach
No Adobe subscription? No problem. Here's how to create professional product mockups without Photoshop - using APIs, free tools, and our unlimited dashboard.
Why Skip Photoshop?
Adobe Creative Cloud costs $22.99/month minimum. For POD sellers and small businesses, that adds up - especially when you only need Photoshop for mockups.
| Option | Monthly Cost | Learning Curve | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | $22.99 | Steep | Designers |
| SudoMock Dashboard | $0 | None | Everyone |
| SudoMock API | $0.002/render | Basic | Developers |
| Affinity Photo | $70 once | Moderate | Budget designers |
Option 1: Free Dashboard (Easiest)
SudoMock's dashboard lets you create mockups visually - no software, no code. Just upload your design — from apparel mockup templates to mugs and wall art — and download the result.
Getting Started
- Go to dashboard/playground
- Upload or select a PSD template
- Drag your design onto the Smart Object
- Adjust colors and settings
- Download your mockup
Option 2: REST API (For Automation)
If you need to generate mockups programmatically, use the API. No Photoshop required - just HTTP requests.
1curl -X POST "https://api.sudomock.com/api/v1/renders" \2-H "X-API-KEY: YOUR_API_KEY" \3-H "Content-Type: application/json" \4-d '{5 "mockup_uuid": "your-template-uuid",6 "smart_objects": [{7 "uuid": "smart-object-uuid",8 "asset": {9 "url": "https://your-cdn.com/design.png"10 }11 }],12 "export_options": {13 "image_format": "webp",14 "quality": 9515 }16}'
1{2"success": true,3"data": {4 "print_files": [{5 "export_path": "https://cdn.sudomock.com/renders/abc123.webp"6 }]7}8}
Option 3: Free PSD Alternatives
Need to create your own mockup templates? These free tools can create PSD-compatible files:
Photopea Workflow
- Open photopea.com
- Create your mockup with Smart Objects
- Export as PSD
- Upload to SudoMock
- Generate unlimited variations via API or dashboard
Pre-Made Templates
Don't want to create templates yourself? Browse SudoMock's free mockup library with 100+ templates, or use community templates from marketplaces:
License Check
Always verify the template license allows commercial use and API/automated rendering before purchasing.
Summary
| Need | Best Solution |
|---|---|
| Quick one-off mockups | Free Dashboard |
| Bulk/automated generation | REST API |
| Create custom templates | Photopea (free) |
| Pre-made templates | Creative Market |
No Photoshop Required
Between the free dashboard, REST API, and tools like Photopea, you can build a complete mockup workflow without ever paying for Adobe software.
Ready to get started? Explore POD mockup templates or jump straight to the dashboard below.
Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
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