Magazine Mockups
What's inside
- Applications Photoshop
- File Types PSD
- License Free (see author's terms)
- Author Vectogravic
Here’s a magazine mockup that works well for an editorial spread, a magazine cover and similar projects.
Good pick for publishers, design students or anyone putting together a portfolio. One thing worth knowing: dark designs often look flat on paper mockups. Turning the highlight layer up slightly brings back the sheen.
Seeing a layout on a real magazine 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.
Vectogravic created this one and hosts the download on their own site, so you always get the latest version straight from the source.
What you can edit in this Magazine Mockups
Everything below is on its own layer:
- Your design, placed through the smart object
- Front and back artwork, where both sides are shown
- Paper or background colour
- Shadows and highlights on their own layers
Editing the Magazine Mockups, step by step
- Export your artwork as a high-resolution PNG or JPG, around 300 ppi at print size.
- Open the file in Photoshop and double-click the smart object thumbnail in the Layers panel.
- Paste your design, resize it to fill the area, then save (Ctrl/Cmd + S) and close that tab.
- Turn the texture layer up or down to match the paper you’ll print on.
- 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.
Best uses for this Magazine Mockups
- Use it as the cover image for a magazine cover in your portfolio.
- Show a company newsletter on your online shop or product page.
- Make two or three colour versions of an editorial spread and let the client pick.
Before you download
- Made by Vectogravic. The download size and format are listed on their page.
- The preview shows the angle, background and lighting you’ll get.
- Check the licence on the author’s page. Personal and commercial terms differ from file to file.
- Check the smart object size before you design, so your artwork fits without stretching.
Scroll down for similar magazine mockups from other designers.
Questions about this mockup
Is it free for commercial use?
That depends on the author's terms. The download page lists what is allowed; when in doubt, ask the author directly.
How do I put my artwork on the magazine?
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.
