Have you ever wanted to showcase your designs in a professional and eye-catching way? Then you need to know about mockups! Finding the perfect mockup can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. Where are the Smart Mockups? Don't worry, I'm going to show you three different ways to find them in Canva.
Plus, I'm going to show you a really cool trick to turn your own photos into mockups! This opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Are you ready to get started?
Where to Find Mockups in Canva: Three Hidden Spots
It can be a little frustrating when you can't find what you're looking for, right? It used to be tricky finding Smart Mockups in Canva. But, don't worry, I'm going to show you three easy ways to find them.
Method 1: Apps on the Main Page
- Go to the Canva homepage.
- Click on the Apps tab.
- Type “Mockups” into the search bar.
- The Mockups app will pop right up!
Method 2: Within the Design Editor (Elements)
- Open any design in the Canva editor.
- Click on the “Elements” tab.
- Scroll down until you see “Mockups.”
Method 3: The “Edit” Feature (New & Exclusive!)
This is super cool! But, heads up, not everyone has this feature yet. Canva is rolling it out gradually. If you don't see it yet, don't stress! It's coming. This feature lets you turn almost any image into a mockup. I'm talking about photos of phones, laptops, anything! Want more Canva tips and tricks? Join Pam's Canva Creations Facebook Group!
DIY Mockups: Turning Your Images into Design Gold
Okay, this is where it gets really fun. You can use your own images to create mockups. It doesn't matter if the image is already in Canva or not. You can use photos from your phone, your computer, anywhere!
I created one in Midjourney using this PROMPT: Aerial view of a desktop setup with a large smartphone. Surrounding it are pastel-colored stationery, a small potted plant, and a cup of coffee. The image was captured in a high-definition, realistic photography style with soft lighting and warm tones.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Laptop Mockup
Let's walk through creating a laptop mockup.
Finding an Image
- Go to the “Elements” tab.
- Search for “laptop photo.”
- Pick a photo you like.
Think about whether you want a background in your mockup. Some laptop photos have backgrounds, others don't. If you want the background to be part of your mockup, choose a photo that has one!
Using the “Edit” Feature
- Click on the laptop image you chose.
- Click “Edit” in the top toolbar.
- Find the “Mockups” option. It might be at the bottom.
Selecting a Mockup Style
Once you click “Mockups,” Canva will show you different styles. The tool might even detect other objects in the photo, like a mousepad or a vase. Just choose the part of the image you want to use as the mockup (in this case, the laptop screen). Then, confirm your choice.
Adding Your Design
- Upload your image or design to Canva.
- Drag and drop it onto the laptop screen in the mockup.
- You might need to adjust the fit. Try the “fill” or “fit” options.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, the image might not load correctly. If that happens, try detaching the image and trying again. Also, picking the right image to start with is key for the best results.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your image isn't loading correctly, detach it from the background and try again. Make sure the image is clear and high-quality for the best mockup result!
Important Note: Canva Team Images
Here's a little gotcha: you can't use Canva Team Images with this “Edit” feature. Just a heads up!
Exploring Pre-Made Mockups: A World of Options
Canva also has a ton of pre-made mockups you can use. There are SOOOOO many mockups and all you need is PNG's of your product.
Let's take a look at some of the categories.
Navigating the Mockup Categories
- Print: Perfect for checklists, cards, and calendars.
- Smartphones
- Apparel
- Computers
- Home Living
- Packaging
- Outdoors
Showcasing Print Mockups: Cards, Calendars, & More
The print mockups are great for showcasing things like business cards or calendars. It's so easy to position your design and see how it looks in real life.
Highlighting Social Media Mockups
Mockups are perfect for social media! They help you engagingly showcase your products and designs. Just drag and drop your image into the mockup, and you're good to go. My membership The Template Treehouse has so many mockups that are DIFFERENT than the ones in Canva !
Here are some great ways mockups are good for social media:
- Product announcements
- Promotional materials
- Portfolio pieces
- Brand showcases
So, there you have it! The ways to find mockups in Canva, plus how to create your own. Mockups are a fantastic way to showcase your designs and products. Experiment with different options and see what works best for you! Now go look at the mockups and pick which works best for you!
My Resources
- Try Canva Pro free for 30 days with Pam Allen's Canva Pro free trial.
- Join Pam Allen's Facebook Group.
- Access Pam Allen's FREE Course.
- Check out Pam Allen's affordable memberships for in-depth training and support. The Clubhouse is all about CANVA and costs only $15 a month. The Template Treehouse has templates, DFY products, Resources, and so much more—all with Commercial Licensing.
The Template Treehouse isn't just another resource library—it's your ticket to reclaiming your time while scaling your business. By transforming 38 hours of content creation into just 4, you can focus on what truly matters: serving your audience, growing your brand, and finally enjoying the freedom you started your business for. With fresh templates, done-for-you products, implementation calls, and quarterly business kits all included for just $27 per month, the question isn't whether you can afford to join—it's whether you can afford not to. Stop creating everything from scratch and start building your business with the smart, sustainable approach that The Template Treehouse provides. Your future self (and your calendar) will thank you.
