What's the difference between PLACEHOLDER and other smart object names?

Ratio Ready's layer-order compositing engine specifically searches for a layer named 'PLACEHOLDER' (case-sensitive). Other names won't work. If your template has a differently-named smart object, rename it in Photoshop and re-upload.

Can I use multiple smart objects in a template?

Ratio Ready supports exactly ONE PLACEHOLDER layer for the user art. Additional smart objects (e.g., for pattern fills or design elements) must be rasterized or embedded into the background. Only PLACEHOLDER is replaced; others are preserved.

What happens if my template is 800×800 (too small)?

Mockups output at 2048×2048. An 800×800 template gets upscaled 2.5× and becomes pixelated/blurry. Always create templates at least 1024×1024, or 2048×2048 for best quality.

Can I use a template from Etsy or Creative Market?

Yes, as long as it passes this 8-item checklist. Downloaded templates often have smart objects with non-standard names. Rename the art layer to 'PLACEHOLDER' (case-sensitive) before uploading to Ratio Ready.

Do blend modes matter in my template layers?

Yes. Multiply, Screen, Overlay, and Soft Light blend modes are preserved during Ratio Ready's layer-order compositing. Unusual modes may not translate correctly. Stick to common blend modes for best results.

Can I upload a template with text layers?

Yes. Text remains editable in Photoshop, but Ratio Ready's mockup output is rasterized (flattened JPG). Text is preserved in the final image. Very small fonts (< 8pt) may become hard to read at 2048px output.

What if my template has linked smart objects?

Linked smart objects reference external files. Ratio Ready may fail to process them. Rasterize or embed all linked objects EXCEPT PLACEHOLDER, then re-upload.

Can Ratio Ready help me validate my template?

Not yet, but you can test by uploading a custom template to your Growth or Pro plan mockup set, then running a test mockup with sample art. If it fails, check items 1–7 and adjust.

Template Specifications

Mockup Template Checklist

Q: What if my template has linked smart objects?

Linked smart objects reference external files. Ratio Ready may fail to process them. Rasterize or embed all linked objects EXCEPT PLACEHOLDER, then re-upload.

Q: Can Ratio Ready help me validate my template?

Not yet, but you can test by uploading a custom template to your Growth or Pro plan mockup set, then running a test mockup with sample art. If it fails, check items 1–7 and adjust.

Verify your PSD template meets all requirements before uploading to Ratio Ready.

MA By Mac · 4 min read · May 2, 2026 · Updated May 2, 2026

Before you upload a PSD template to Ratio Ready or use it with your mockup set, verify the 8-item checklist below. A template that looks good in Photoshop can fail when Ratio Ready processes it—missing smart objects, wrong dimensions, or incompatible layer structure all cause failed composites.

This checklist ensures your PSD template works with Ratio Ready's smart-object replacement engine. Check both custom uploads and templates you download from third parties. Use our wall art sizing guide for frame dimensions.

The 8-Item Template Checklist

Before uploading or using a PSD template for mockups, verify these 8 items. Missing even one can cause Ratio Ready's smart-object replacement to fail or produce misaligned composites.

Item	Requirement	How to Check
1. Smart Object Layer	Exactly one layer named "PLACEHOLDER" (case-sensitive)	Layers panel → search for "PLACEHOLDER"
2. Template Dimensions	Width ≥ 1024px, height ≥ 1024px (mockups output at 2048px)	Image → Image Size
3. Color Space	RGB (NOT CMYK or Grayscale)	Image → Mode → RGB
4. File Format	PSD (NOT PSB, PDF, TIFF, or flattened image)	Check file extension
5. Layer Structure	Organized hierarchy; shadow/lighting effects on layers above PLACEHOLDER	Expand all groups in Layers panel
6. File Size	≤ 100 MB (smaller = faster upload)	Right-click file → Get Info
7. Rasterize Smart Objects	All non-PLACEHOLDER smart objects rasterized or embedded	Layers panel → check for linked icons
8. Text Legibility	All text readable at 2048px output (no tiny fonts or hairlines)	View at 100% zoom; test composite with sample art

Why this matters

A PSD template that looks perfect in Photoshop can fail completely when processed by Ratio Ready. Missing the PLACEHOLDER smart object means no art gets inserted. Wrong color space causes color shifts in the output. Unrasterized smart objects conflict with layer-order compositing. File size over 100 MB times out during upload. Running this 8-item checklist before upload prevents wasted time and credits, and ensures every mockup composite aligns perfectly.

When you'd use this

Use this checklist in these scenarios:

Before uploading a custom PSD template. Growth plan users can upload up to 60 custom templates. Verify each one against this 8-item checklist before upload to avoid processing failures.
Before adding a template to your mockup set. Select templates for your A/B/C/D mockup sets from the library. Downloaded third-party templates should pass this checklist first.
Before downloading a third-party template pack. If you buy PSDs from Etsy or Creative Market, run this checklist before paying to upload them to Ratio Ready.
Troubleshooting failed mockup composites. If a mockup generates but looks misaligned or incomplete, check items 1, 5, 7, and 8 first—layer order and smart object placement are the most common culprits.

Common mistakes

These template mistakes cause mockup generation to fail or produce bad composites:

1. Missing or misnamed smart object layer

Ratio Ready looks for a layer named exactly "PLACEHOLDER" (case-sensitive). If you named it "Placeholder", "placeholder", "Smart Object", or left it unnamed, Ratio Ready can't insert the art. Rename the layer in Photoshop and re-upload.

2. Dimensions too small (< 1024px)

Mockups output at 2048×2048. A template smaller than 1024px gets upscaled and becomes pixelated. Always create templates at least 1024×1024, or 2048×2048 for best quality.

3. Template in CMYK or Grayscale color space

Ratio Ready composites in RGB. CMYK or Grayscale templates get converted and lose color accuracy. Always work in Image → Mode → RGB.

4. Uploading PSB instead of PSD (or flattened JPG)

Ratio Ready requires standard PSD format (not PSB — Photoshop Big). Flattened images (JPG, PNG) have no layers and can't be used as mockup templates. Save as .psd with all layers intact.

5. Shadow or effect layers below the PLACEHOLDER smart object

Layer order matters for compositing. Shadows and drop shadows should be ABOVE the PLACEHOLDER so they appear on top of the inserted art. If shadows are below, they'll be hidden behind the art and the mockup looks wrong.