Hardcover A5 Book Mockup
What's inside
- Applications Photoshop
- File Types PSD
- License Free (see author's terms)
- Author Pixeden
Need to show a book cover to a client? This hardcover A5 book mockup does the job in a few minutes.
Cover designers and authors tend to get the most out of files like this. One thing worth knowing: design the spine too, even if it’s narrow. Book mockups showing the side look unfinished with a blank spine.
Seeing a layout on a real book is also the easiest way to catch problems early. A phone number that looked fine on screen can turn out too small once it sits on paper. If you’re building a full identity, pair it with an envelope or letterhead mockup for a matching set.
The file is made by Pixeden. The download button takes you to their page, where you get the original file and the licence details.
Editable options in the Hardcover A5 Book Mockup PSD
The PSD is layered, so you can change:
- Your design, placed through the smart object
- Front and back artwork, where both sides are shown
- Paper texture you can turn up or down
How to edit this Hardcover A5 Book Mockup in Photoshop
- Set up the design flat at the real print size and keep text inside a safe margin.
- Open the PSD in Photoshop and find the smart object layer, usually named “Your Design” or “Place Here”.
- Place your design, hide the sample artwork, save, and go back to the main file.
- Change the background or paper colour with the colour layer.
- Save a JPG for clients and social media, and keep the PSD for later changes.
Another tip: export your artwork at the size the smart object asks for; scaling a small file up is the usual reason print mockups look soft.
Where the Hardcover A5 Book Mockup works best
- Show a novel jacket to a client before it goes to print or production.
- Present an annual report cover in a client proposal or brand guide.
- Use it as the cover image for a cookbook in your portfolio.
Good to know
- Made by Pixeden. The download size and format are listed on their page.
- Built for Adobe Photoshop. A recent CC version handles the smart objects best.
- Check the smart object size before you design, so your artwork fits without stretching.
More free book mockups are listed below, each linking to the original author.
Questions about this mockup
Is it free for commercial use?
It's free to download, but the licence belongs to Pixeden. Check their page: it states whether commercial use is allowed and if attribution is needed.
How do I put my artwork on the book?
Find the smart object layer (it has a small icon on its thumbnail), double-click it, place your design, then save and close that tab.
Which Photoshop version do I need?
A recent Photoshop CC version is best. Older versions can open the file but sometimes have trouble with smart objects and effects.
Can I show both sides?
It depends on the file. Many print mockups include a front and a back smart object; the preview usually shows whether both sides are visible.
Why does the download open another website?
We list free files from designers around the web and link to the original page, so Pixeden gets the visit and you get the file exactly as they published it.
