Kraft Paper Notebook Mockup
What's inside
- Applications Photoshop
- File Types PSD
- License Free (see author's terms)
- Author Ls.Graphics
A journal cover looks better on a kraft paper notebook mockup than on a white artboard, and this mockup is set up for exactly that.
It’s a handy file for stationery brands and Etsy sellers. One thing worth knowing: if the paper has texture, drop the opacity of your art by a few percent so the grain shows through.
Print jobs are expensive to redo, so a realistic preview before the order goes out is cheap insurance. If you’re building a full identity, pair it with an envelope or letterhead mockup for a matching set.
Good for
- A journal cover
- A branded cover
- A planner design
Credit goes to Ls.Graphics. We link to their download page rather than re-uploading the file, so check their terms there before commercial use.
Editable options in the Kraft Paper Notebook Mockup PSD
Main things you can change in Photoshop:
- Your design, placed through the smart object
- Paper or background colour
- Front and back artwork, where both sides are shown
- Shadows and highlights on their own layers
Add your design to the Kraft Paper Notebook Mockup
- Get your artwork ready at print size, with 1/8 inch of bleed if it runs to the edge.
- 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.
- Save a JPG for clients and social media, and keep the PSD for later changes.
Another tip: dark designs often look flat on paper mockups. Turning the highlight layer up slightly brings back the sheen.
Best uses for this Kraft Paper Notebook Mockup
- Use it as the cover image for a planner design in your portfolio.
- Show a journal cover on your online shop or product page.
- Share a branded cover on Instagram, Behance or Dribbble with a real-looking preview.
Good to know
- Made by Ls.Graphics. 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.
Browse more free notebook mockups on Artistic Orbit, with new files added every day.
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 notebook?
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.
Will my artwork look printed or pasted on?
Most print mockups keep the paper texture and lighting on separate layers above your design, so it takes on the grain and shadows. If it still looks too clean, lower the opacity of your artwork a little.
