Where to Find and How to Use Poster Mockups
How to Get Free, High-Converting Poster Mockups (Canva & Photoshop)
If you sell posters with print-on-demand, your mockups are everything. They’re the first thing a shopper sees, and they can be the difference between scroll-past and “Add to cart.” The good news: you can make great mockups 100% free in minutes.
This guide shows you exactly how to do it in Canva, plus options for Photoshop users, and the key tips for maximizing Etsy listing images.
Why Mockups Matter
- They show your art in context (on a wall, in a frame).
- They build trust (clean lighting, realistic shadows, crisp edges).
- They improve click-through and conversion — especially when you show a close-up and a lifestyle scene, not just a flat image.
Option 1: Free Mockups in Canva (Fastest)
1. Export your poster design
Finish your artwork in your design tool, then download a high-quality JPEG/PNG.
2. Open Canva’s mockup library
Go to canva.com/mockups and search “poster frame” (or “frame,” “gallery wall,” etc.).
Tip: The best, most realistic scenes are often further down the page — don’t just pick the first row.
3. Pick a realistic scene
Choose a clean room setup with natural lighting and a straight-on frame.
4. Place your artwork
Click Select → Upload/Add your image → it snaps into the frame. Adjust crop/fit if needed.
5. Download your mockup
Export a high-quality JPEG. That’s it — ready for your listing.
What to look for in a Canva mockup
- Straight-on frame (avoids warped edges)
- Subtle shadows (adds realism)
- Neutral walls/props (doesn’t compete with your art)
- Breathing room around the frame (helps Etsy’s auto-crop)
Option 2: Free PSD Mockups for Photoshop (More Control)
If you have Photoshop, smart-object mockups give you premium realism:
- mockupfree.co – large library of poster/frame scenes
How to use them:
- Download the PSD
- Open in Photoshop
- Double-click the smart object
- Paste your poster
- Save — done
Why PSD mockups?
- Better perspective and depth
- Realistic glare and shadows
- Fine control over background, frame colour, and paper texture
What to Show in Your Etsy Image Gallery
Your first image sells the click; the rest sell the purchase. Use the full gallery.
Image 1 (Hero thumbnail)
- Clean lifestyle/frame scene
- Centred composition with breathing room
- 2600 × 2000 px landscape so Etsy can crop to square cleanly
Image 2 (Straight-on mockup)
- Front-facing framed poster
- No heavy props or distractions
Image 3 (Close-up)
- Zoomed crop showing print detail, paper texture, or frame edge
Image 4 (Alternate scene or multiple sizes)
- A gallery wall
- Or one design shown in two sizes
Image 5+ (Support images)
- Size/ratio chart
- Alternate colourway or room style
- Packaging/dispatch info
Pro Tips
- Keep walls bright and uncluttered
- Avoid fake-looking shadows or extreme angles
- Make the art the focus (props are secondary)
Quick Quality Checklist (Don’t Skip)
- Artwork exported sharp (aim 300 DPI at target size)
- Edges of frame crisp and straight
- No heavy reflections over the design area
- Colours look natural (not hyper-saturated unless intentional)
- Text (if any) readable at thumbnail size
Common Mistakes (Easy Fixes)
- Overbusy rooms → switch to minimal scenes
- Skewed frames → use straight-on mockups
- Flat PNG stuck on a wall → use mockups with real shadows
- Only one image → fill your gallery for higher conversions
Bonus: Where to Find Good Mockups
- Canva: canva.com/mockups → search “poster frame”
- Photoshop (PSD): mockupfree.co (free with attribution if required)
Learn Faster, Sell More
We share curated mockup resources and step-by-step poster tutorials inside our free Skool community — including the exact wall scenes and listing templates we personally use. If you’re new, it’s the fastest way to level up.
Final Word
Great mockups aren’t about fancy editing — they’re about clarity and realism.
Show your poster exactly as it will look on a wall, keep the scene clean, and fill your gallery with:
- A hero mockup
- A straight-on mockup
- A close-up
- A size/context shot
Do that consistently and you’ll see the difference in clicks, favourites, and sales.