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SudoMock

Turn reusable PSD templates, artwork, and editable text into production-ready product images through REST API, no-code workflows, native storefront apps, or AI.

SudoMock is a registered DBA
1209 Mountain Rd Pl NE, Ste N
Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA

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  • 01Can You Use Mockups on Etsy? The Rule by Listing Type
  • 02Google Merchant Center Image Requirements: 500 x 500 From 2027 and Renders That Meet It
  • 03Shopify Product Image Size: 2048 px, the Real Limits and Files
  • 04Etsy Listing Photo Size: Etsy's Rules and Files That Meet Them

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  1. Blog
  2. /
  3. Comparison

PSD Mockup API vs Photoshop Actions: Complete Guide

Use a mockup API for scale, cloud workflows and team collaboration: each mockup is one HTTP request, with no Photoshop installed. Photoshop Actions make sense for low-volume work you adjust by hand on a machine that runs Photoshop. SudoMock renders your own PSD to match Photoshop's own output, from $0.002 per render.

Published Dec 1, 2025·Updated Oct 4, 2026·2 min read·Beck

A POST /api/v1/renders request linked to its framed citrus poster render, with Photoshop Actions record and replay below

On this page

  • Quick Comparison
  • Photoshop Actions: The Traditional Approach
  • Mockup API: The Modern Approach
  • When to Use Each
  • Cost Analysis
  • Next step
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Sources

Quick Comparison

FeaturePhotoshop ActionsMockup API
Setup time30-60 min5 min
Speed per mockup10-30 secFast
Requires PhotoshopYesNo
Server/cloud readyNoYes
Batch processingManualAutomatic
Cost$22.99/mo (Adobe, Oct 2026) + timefrom $0.002 per render

Photoshop Actions: The Traditional Approach

Photoshop Actions record a sequence of steps that you can replay on different files. They've been the go-to solution for mockup automation for years.

Pros

  • Full control: Complete access to all Photoshop features
  • One-time setup: Create once, use forever
  • Offline capable: Works without internet connection

Cons

Warning

  • Requires a Photoshop subscription: Adobe lists the Photoshop plan at US$22.99 a month on the annual plan billed monthly (adobe.com, read October 2026)
  • Must run on a machine with Photoshop installed
  • Calling them from web apps or serverless functions goes through Adobe's separate Photoshop API (developer.adobe.com, read October 4, 2026)
  • Slow for large batches (10-30 seconds per mockup)
  • Breaks easily when PSD structure changes

Mockup API: The Modern Approach

A mockup API like SudoMock processes your PSD files on cloud servers, returning rendered images via HTTP. No desktop software required.

Pros

  • Optimized rendering: Fast and reliable
  • Runs anywhere: Servers, serverless functions, any platform
  • Easy integration: Simple REST API with JSON
  • Scalable: Handle thousands of mockups without bottlenecks
  • No software: Works from any language or platform

Example API Call

Generate a mockup

curl -X POST "https://api.sudomock.com/api/v1/renders" \
-H "X-API-KEY: sm_your_api_key" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"mockup_uuid": "your-template-uuid",
"smart_objects": [{
"uuid": "smart-object-uuid",
"asset": {
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/design.png"
}
}],
"export_options": {
"image_size": 1024
}
}'
const response = await fetch('https://api.sudomock.com/api/v1/renders', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'X-API-KEY': 'sm_your_api_key',
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
},
body: JSON.stringify({
"mockup_uuid": "your-template-uuid",
"smart_objects": [
{
"uuid": "smart-object-uuid",
"asset": {
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/design.png"
}
}
],
"export_options": {
"image_size": 1024
}
}),
});
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);
import requests
response = requests.post(
"https://api.sudomock.com/api/v1/renders",
headers={
"X-API-KEY": "sm_your_api_key",
"Content-Type": "application/json",
},
json={
"mockup_uuid": "your-template-uuid",
"smart_objects": [
{
"uuid": "smart-object-uuid",
"asset": {
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/design.png",
},
},
],
"export_options": {
"image_size": 1024,
},
},
)
print(response.json())
package main
import (
"bytes"
"fmt"
"io"
"net/http"
)
func main() {
payload := []byte(`{
"mockup_uuid": "your-template-uuid",
"smart_objects": [
{
"uuid": "smart-object-uuid",
"asset": {
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/design.png"
}
}
],
"export_options": {
"image_size": 1024
}
}`)
req, err := http.NewRequest("POST", "https://api.sudomock.com/api/v1/renders", bytes.NewBuffer(payload))
if err != nil {
panic(err)
}
req.Header.Set("X-API-KEY", "sm_your_api_key")
req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
resp, err := http.DefaultClient.Do(req)
if err != nil {
panic(err)
}
defer resp.Body.Close()
body, _ := io.ReadAll(resp.Body)
fmt.Println(string(body))
}
<?php
$payload = <<<'JSON'
{
"mockup_uuid": "your-template-uuid",
"smart_objects": [
{
"uuid": "smart-object-uuid",
"asset": {
"url": "https://cdn.example.com/design.png"
}
}
],
"export_options": {
"image_size": 1024
}
}
JSON;
$ch = curl_init('https://api.sudomock.com/api/v1/renders');
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_CUSTOMREQUEST => 'POST',
CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER => [
'X-API-KEY: sm_your_api_key',
'Content-Type: application/json',
],
CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => $payload,
]);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);
echo $response;

When to Use Each

Where Photoshop Actions stop

  • Desktop Actions run inside Photoshop, on a machine that has it installed
  • Each batch of new designs is started on that machine
  • Calling them from a web app, workflow or server goes through Adobe's separate Photoshop API, which runs recorded .atn files (developer.adobe.com, read October 4, 2026)

Choose SudoMock if:

  • You need to generate mockups at scale
  • You want to trigger mockups from web apps or workflows
  • You're building a SaaS product with mockup features
  • You need consistent, fast results without manual oversight
  • You want to avoid Adobe subscription costs
  • Browse ready-to-use t-shirt and apparel mockups to start immediately

Cost Analysis

Plans start at $25/month. Subscriptions from $0.002 per render.

$22.99

Photoshop

Adobe list price, Oct 2026

from $0.002

SudoMock API

Per render

The Verdict

For high-volume mockup generation, APIs are faster, cheaper, and more scalable.

Next step

To move a mockup workflow from Photoshop Actions to an API, upload the PSD template once and send one render request per design. Render a PSD without Photoshop covers the whole job end to end, and the quickstart gets you from a Photoshop file to a rendered mockup in two requests.

Preparing a PSD shows the smart object setup a template needs before upload. If you have no PSD yet, start from the ready-made mockup templates for POD sellers.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a mockup API and Photoshop Actions?

Mockup APIs process templates server-side without needing Photoshop installed, offer true programmatic automation, and scale infinitely. Desktop Photoshop Actions run inside Photoshop on a machine that has it, each batch is started on that machine, and running actions from a server goes through Adobe's separate Photoshop API.

Which is faster: Mockup API or Photoshop Actions?

Mockup APIs are significantly faster for batch processing - generating hundreds of images in minutes. Photoshop Actions process one image at a time on a single machine, making them impractical for large volumes.

Do I still need Photoshop if I use a mockup API?

No. Once templates are ready, the API handles all rendering server-side. This means your production workflow runs without any Photoshop dependency.

Can I convert my existing Photoshop Actions to API workflows?

Yes, by recreating the workflow. Export your PSD templates with Smart Objects, then configure the API to target those layers. The result is a scalable, automated version of your Action.

What are the cost differences between Mockup API and Photoshop?

Photoshop requires monthly subscription fees plus hardware costs. Mockup APIs typically charge per render or offer volume-based pricing. For high-volume use cases (1000+ images/month), APIs are usually more cost-effective.

Sources

  1. Photoshop plans (opens in new tab), Adobe
  2. Photoshop Actions (opens in new tab), Adobe
B

Beck

CTO

View all posts

On this page

  • Quick Comparison
  • Photoshop Actions: The Traditional Approach
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Mockup API: The Modern Approach
  • Pros
  • Example API Call
  • When to Use Each
  • Where Photoshop Actions stop
  • Choose SudoMock if:
  • Cost Analysis
  • Next step
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Sources

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Guide

PSD Mockup Template Guide: Best Practices for Automation

Learn how to create API-ready PSD mockup templates. Complete guide covering dimensions, Smart Object setup, layer naming, blend modes, and optimization for automation.

Dec 24, 2025 · 7 min read

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Render your own PSD via API with 500 one-time credits.

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