Softcover Book Mockup PSD
What's inside
- Applications Photoshop
- File Types PSD
- License Free (see author's terms)
- Author MockupFree
This softcover book mockup is one of the simpler ways to present a cookbook or a novel jacket convincingly.
It’s a handy file for authors and cover designers. One thing worth knowing: design the spine too, even if it’s narrow. Book mockups showing the side look unfinished with a blank spine.
Print jobs are expensive to redo, so a realistic preview before the order goes out is cheap insurance.
Use it for
- A cookbook
- A novel jacket
- An annual report cover
MockupFree created this one and hosts the download on their own site, so you always get the latest version straight from the source.
Editable options in the Softcover Book Mockup PSD
The PSD is layered, so you can change:
- Your design, placed through the smart object
- Paper texture you can turn up or down
- Paper or background colour
- Front and back artwork, where both sides are shown
How to use the Softcover Book Mockup
- Set up the design flat at the real print size and keep text inside a safe margin.
- In the Layers panel, find the layer with the small smart object icon and double-click it.
- 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.
- Export a full-size image for your portfolio and a smaller one for social media.
Another tip: use CMYK-friendly colours in the artwork itself, even though the mockup is RGB, so what the client sees is close to print.
Where the Softcover Book Mockup works best
- Use it as the cover image for a book cover in your portfolio.
- Show a cookbook on your online shop or product page.
- Show a novel jacket to a client before it goes to print or production.
Before you download
- Made by MockupFree. The download size and format are listed on their page.
- Some free mockups ask for credit when you post them. A short line in your caption is enough.
- Check the smart object size before you design, so your artwork fits without stretching.
- Check the licence on the author’s page. Personal and commercial terms differ from file to file.
More free book mockups are listed below, each linking to the original author.
Questions about this mockup
What licence does it come with?
MockupFree sets the licence, and it can differ from file to file. Many free files allow personal and commercial use, but some are personal-only or ask for credit. Read the terms on the download page before a paid project.
How do I add my design?
Open the file in Photoshop, double-click the smart object thumbnail, paste or place your artwork in the new tab, save it (Ctrl/Cmd + S) and close. The main file updates on its own.
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.
