PSD smart object mockup automation

PSD smart objects are essentially containers. They reference an embedded or linked image and act like a single layer while keeping the original file intact. Production compositing swaps the smart object source (your artwork) into a PLACEHOLDER layer, then applies the template's transforms and masks.

Correct compositing reads layer blend modes and isolated shadow layers. A shadow layer should be a separate raster layer or group, not baked into the artwork. The pipeline preserves masks, clipping paths, and blend modes so the injected art inherits highlights, edges, and texture the template expects.

• Single PLACEHOLDER layer named consistently. The system looks for exact names.
• Smart object is non-destructive and sized to cover the canvas at 300 DPI.
• Blend modes applied on top layers (Multiply, Overlay, Soft Light). Do not rasterize blend-mode effects.
• Shadow layers separated and labeled. Keep shadows on their own group so they can be toggled or adjusted.
• Limit linked assets so the PSD stays under the 100MB PSD limit.

We parse the PSD, find the PLACEHOLDER smart object, replace its contents with your print-ready file at 300 DPI, and honor layer blend modes and shadow layers. For wall art jobs we output 5 print sizes (2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 11:14, ISO A1) at 300 DPI, up to 20 mockups, a 15-second 1:1 listing video, a listing-copy PDF, and a Drive folder with a shareable link. A wall art job costs 59 credits.

Poster jobs produce a single 300 DPI print file plus mockups and the video, cost 55 credits, and are for physical products that need an Etsy shipping profile (no Drive shareable folder or customer PDF).

Audit your PSD library. Standardize PLACEHOLDER layer names and remove baked shadows. Trim linked layers to keep PSDs under 100MB. Run 3 templates through a test job to validate results before a full migration.

Use the included Make.com blueprint to automate uploads and callbacks. Setup is a one-time 30–45 minute job and runs on Make.com's free tier (1,000 ops/month ≈ 80–125 listings/month). For full automation use our REST API with n8n, Zapier, custom webhooks, or custom code.

• Keep PSDs under 100MB. Compress linked images and rasterize very large smart objects before upload.
• Use consistent naming for PLACEHOLDER, shadow, and highlight layers so automation is predictable.
• Test a 3-template batch first, then scale with the Make.com blueprint or the REST API.
• Pricing guardrails: wall art 59 credits, posters 55 credits, clipart batches start at 29 credits + 10 credits per additional 5 images. You get 75 free credits on signup.