How to Use Mockups in Inkscape

Have you wondered how an SVG or sublimation design may look on a product before making it? Mockups are an easy way to test out different sizes or colors of a design. You can also use mockups to display your finished product and easily show customers the project possibilities.

In this tutorial we will use a white t-shirt mockup and an SVG from this sunflower SVG bundle. If you like sunflowers, make sure to check out all the beautiful sunflower SVGs available on Design Bundles.

Step 1 - Import the Mockup

Open Inkscape and select New Document depending on the version you are using. A mockup can easily be created so your design can be placed over it. To import the mockup, go to File > Import (shortcut Ctrl + I).

Choose the mockup image and click Open. We are using a JPEG, but your mockup could be another image file type like a PNG.

A popup will appear. You can make adjustments if you wish. We used the defaults. When using the Image Import Type as Embed, the image will be embedded in the file. This means that even if you move the file to a different location, it won't change in the Inkscape document. Next, click OK to import the mockup.

Step 2 - Import and adjust your design

We are now ready to import the design and add it to the mockup. Once again go to File > Import. Choose the design file and click Open. We are using an SVG, but you could also import a sublimation design or other image type.

A popup will appear. As we want to be able to edit the document, we left the settings as is. The recommended DPI is set to 300 for best quality. Click OK to import the design.

Adjust the rotation and resize the SVG image to fit onto the mockup. If you need help with adjusting the image size, follow our great tutorial on how to resize an image in Inkscape. Try repositioning the design until you are happy with the placement. The images below will give you an idea of how to place the design.

Option 1 - Large SVG in Center of Shirt

Option 2 - Small SVG on Top Left Corner of Shirt

Step 3 - Export Mockup Image

Now that you have set up your mockup and design, it's time to export it. To export your completed mockup, go to File > Export PNG Image (shortcut Shift + Ctrl + E). You have four options for the export area, but page and drawing are mostly used.

Export Area - Page

The Page option will export a PNG that is within your page (the gray outlined box you design in). This option gives you more control over the size and shape of the export image.

It's especially great if the design is at an angle with areas outside of the page.

Export Area - Drawing

The Drawing option will export a PNG that includes all items whether inside or outside of the page border. In this case the PNG mockup image and the SVG design.

This is a great option if you want the mockup image to export at the same size it was imported. The option also lets you skip the step of adjusting the size of your artboard.

Once you have the settings as you wish, click Export to complete the process.

If you liked this tutorial, make sure to check out our other tutorials like how to use font glyphs in Inkscape, how to create an offset, and how to use digital papers in Inkscape.