How to create product mockups with AI

Before opening any tool, define the type of mockup. This helps you pick the right template in Canva and write the right prompt in Midjourney.

Ask yourself:

1. What is the product? (t-shirt, packaging, app, mug, bottle, poster, etc.)
2. Where will the mockup be used? (Instagram, online store, presentation, investor pitch)
3. What do you want to show? (just the product, the product in use, the product in a real-life setting)

For example: “I want a mockup of an artisan coffee bag to use on Instagram and my Shopify store; I want to see the bag in a modern kitchen.”

That description gives you everything you need for the steps ahead.

Canva is the most accessible tool for creating mockups: it has hundreds of ready-made templates and you can start for free.

1. Go to https://www.canva.com
2. Click Sign up and create your account (you can use your Google or Apple account).
3. The free plan gives you access to basic mockup templates and some included AI tools.

If you already have a Canva account, sign in with your credentials. No need to create a new one.

For this tutorial you’ll need your design or logo file in PNG format (transparent background if possible) or JPG. If you don’t have a logo yet, check our guide How to design a logo with AI before continuing.

Canva has an enormous library of mockup templates. Here’s how to find them:

1. On Canva’s home screen, click Create a design.
2. In the search bar, type “mockup” followed by your product type: “t-shirt mockup”, “packaging mockup”, “phone mockup”, etc.
3. Choose a template that looks like what you want and click it to open it.
4. Inside the template, click the area where your design goes (usually marked with a placeholder).
5. Drag your logo or design file there, or use Upload files in the left panel to import it.

The mockup assembles itself: your design appears on the product as if it had always been there.

Canva has “Free” and “Pro” filters for templates. With the free plan you can use the ones marked free; Pro templates require a subscription ($15/mo, confirm at canva.com/pricing/).

Canva includes Magic Studio, its AI tool suite, directly inside the editor. The most useful ones for mockups:

• Magic Eraser: removes objects or backgrounds from images with a click.
• Background Remover: strips the background from your logo or product photo to integrate it cleanly into the template.
• Magic Edit: describe a change in words (“change the mug color to green”) and AI applies it.
• Text to Image: generate a background or environment image by typing what you need.

To access them, select an image in the editor and look for the Edit image button or the AI menu in the top bar.

Some Magic Studio tools are available on the free plan with a limited number of uses; others require the Pro plan. Check which ones apply to your account at the moment.

Midjourney generates environment and scene images for your product: lifestyle photos showing the product in a real context. This works great for social media and catalogs.

Important: Midjourney has no free plan (from $10/mo; confirm at midjourney.com). Before paying, evaluate if the investment makes sense for your project.

If you decide to use it:

1. Go to https://www.midjourney.com and create your account.
2. Describe the scene you want in English (Midjourney works better in English):

product photography, artisan coffee bag on a marble countertop,
modern minimalist kitchen, warm natural light, professional shot,
8k, commercial photography

3. Generate several versions (use the V button for variations).
4. Download the image you like best.
5. Open that image in Canva and use the Background Remover or Magic Edit tool to place your real packaging design on top.

This combination (Midjourney scene + Canva design) gives results that look like professional product photos.

When the mockup is ready in Canva:

1. Click the Share button (top right) and choose Download.
2. For social media, choose PNG or JPG (high quality).
3. For printing or presentations, choose PDF (print quality).
4. If you need a transparent background (to use on top of another design), choose PNG with transparent background (requires Canva Pro).

Where to use your mockups:

• Instagram, TikTok or Pinterest posts
• Online store (Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce)
• Investor pitch or product presentation
• Validate the idea before manufacturing (show it to potential customers and measure interest)

Problem	Fix
My logo looks pixelated in the mockup	Use a high-resolution PNG file (at least 1000 px wide); avoid compressed JPGs
The template I want is Pro-only	Look for a similar one with the “Free” filter, or try Canva Pro’s 30-day trial
Midjourney doesn’t place my product well in the scene	Use Midjourney only for the background and place the product on top manually in Canva
The mockup color doesn’t match the real one	Use Canva’s Color Adjuster to calibrate; or download the template and edit in the editor
I don’t know what design to put on top	Start with your logo in PNG format with transparent background; it’s the cleanest starting point