Dec 1, 202510 minSudoMock Team

PSD Mockup API vs Photoshop Actions: Complete Guide

When to use a mockup API vs Photoshop actions. Pros, cons, and use cases for each approach.

Choosing between a mockup API and Photoshop Actions? This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for each approach - so you can pick the right tool for your workflow.

Quick Comparison

FeaturePhotoshop ActionsMockup API
Setup time30-60 min5 min
Speed per mockup10-30 secFast
Requires Photoshop-
Server/cloud ready-
Batch processingManualAutomatic
Cost$22.99/mo + time$0.002/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
Complex edits - Handle advanced compositing and effects

Cons

  • Requires Adobe Creative Cloud subscription ($22.99/mo)
  • Must run on a machine with Photoshop installed
  • Can't integrate with web apps or serverless functions
  • 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
bash
1curl -X POST "https://api.sudomock.com/api/v1/renders" \
2  -H "X-API-KEY: sm_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://cdn.example.com/design.png"
10      }
11    }]
12  }'

When to Use Each

Choose Photoshop Actions if:

  • You need complex layer effects not supported by APIs
  • You're working offline frequently
  • You already have Photoshop and do low volume
  • You need pixel-perfect manual adjustments

Choose Mockup API if:

  • You need to generate mockups at scale (100+ per day)
  • 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

Cost Analysis

Let's compare the total cost of ownership for 1,000 mockups per month:

$22.99
Photoshop
Monthly subscription
~8hrs
Manual time
At 30sec each
$2.00
SudoMock API
1,000 renders
~17min
API time
At 1sec each

The Verdict

For high-volume mockup generation, APIs are faster, cheaper, and more scalable. Use Photoshop Actions for one-off complex edits where you need full creative control.

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