These are the 7 best mockup tools

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Create a screenshot, insert it into a stylish template, and the presentation is ready: Apps and websites can be stylishly presented using mock-up tools. We introduce you to the most popular services.

For developers and designers, it is important to present their product authentically before the first download and to make it “tangible” to a certain extent. Of course, this also applies to wireframes that are intended to give a first impression of a website – regardless of whether they are to be shared only in a team or directly with customers. If it looks nice, it’s nice.

But also marketers and journalists help when it comes to creating appealing images and not just relying on boring screenshots. Such product presentations, which are based on real conditions, can be created with the help of online tools within a few minutes and with little click – you don’t have to be able to use Photoshop or other image editing programs.

Mockup tools are a dime a dozen and not all are created equal. It starts with the pricing: some providers allow the free download, but provide the image with a watermark that can only be removed for a fee. Still other mockup apps only make some of their images available for free download. There are also big differences in terms of device selection – smartphone mockups do not always include iPhone mockups or the latest devices. It is worth taking a closer look here. Most mockup tools also offer different designs – this can relate to device colors, but also to the backgrounds. From the isolated device to professional and private background scenarios, there should be something for everyone: n.

In the following we introduce you to the most popular mockup tools. In principle, they can all be used free of charge – but in some cases with a limited range of functions.

Placeit * is the top dog among browser-based mockup services. If you want to put your app or web project in the limelight, you can hardly avoid the solution of the template marketplace Envato. The selection is huge and impresses with its high quality across the board. Each screenshot can be embedded in an authentic product image using drag & drop. A wide variety of contexts are available, from cafés to living rooms to abstract presentation areas. Many images are available free of charge in a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels and may also be used commercially. Those who prefer printable resolutions or more choices pay $ 14.95 a month or $ 89.69 a year.

Particularly practical: The range of functions of Placeit goes beyond pure mockup creation and also includes elements of image processing. Users: inside can crop or rotate image sections, adjust background colors or insert logos and text.

If you value good filter options in addition to a large selection, you should Smart mockups look once. The go-to tool of the t3n editorial team offers over 8,000 partly free mockups of current devices from various manufacturers such as Apple or Samsung. In addition, there are various operating systems and scenarios from the isolated device to the coworking space to a cozy dinner. Templates that can be used free of charge can be downloaded in medium image quality. If you want more, you have to pay $ 14 a month or $ 108 a year. There are then more functions, video mockups and branding options.

Shotsnapp from Malaysia knows how to convince compared to many competitors with a well thought-out design and high-quality presentation. The tool is also technically impressive: In addition to the device of their choice, users can also choose their own background, define colors and even add individual lettering to their mockups. In principle, Shotsnapp is free for users. There are a few restrictions, however. For example, if you want to display several images or objects in a mockup, you have to purchase an annual license for 36 dollars.

Anyone who does not attach great importance to authentic product images with a stock photo charm is with us Mockuphone at the right address. The online service embeds screenshots in smartphone robes from well-known manufacturers. Users select the device they want and simply upload the relevant screenshots using drag & drop. You can then download the generated product image in all its variations as a ZIP file – but there is no preview. The service is free.

With a large selection without incurring costs, you can Mockup to convince. In addition to smartphone and tablet mockups, the service also offers numerous templates for billboards, televisions or murals. The devices are not always up to date – so if you want to use Mockuper, you should take a closer look.

Particularly practical: Mockuper offers templates with several devices, all of which can be “filled” differently.

If you just want to quickly see what a website looks like on different Apple devices, you should go to the Multi Device Website Mockup Generator to grab. Users enter the correct URL of any website once and it appears in the iMac, iPhone, Macbook and iPad template. The service is free.

If you like it a little more abstract and don’t value realistic scenarios, you could join Previewed to become happy. Users can color Apple devices the way they want – whether the device is available in stores does not matter. Backgrounds and image details can also be adjusted. If you want to work with Previewed, you have to register on the site. Mockups can be downloaded free of charge in a resolution of 720p, which can then be used under a “CC BY 3.0 DE” license. For a one-off payment of seven dollars, there is a higher resolution, more editing options, mock-up video clips and five downloads. It costs from $ 19 a month if you want to download an unlimited number of mockups and create videos with a higher frame rate.

Did we forget a mockup tool in this listing? Tell us in the comments!

This article was fundamentally revised on September 29, 2021.