How to Place Your Artwork Into a Frame Mockup in Photoshop

If you are new to frame mockups, the most important thing to learn is how to place your artwork into the file correctly. Once you understand the smart object workflow, the rest is straightforward.

In this post, I’m sharing a quick video tutorial that shows you how to open the smart object, replace the artwork, adjust the matte when included, then save and return to the main mockup to see your frame update automatically.

This tutorial uses my mockup collection Modern Traditional: Oak and Cashmere, but the steps apply to any layered PSD frame mockup that uses smart objects.

What You Will Learn

In this walkthrough, you will learn how to:

Find and open the smart object layer
Place your artwork into the smart object
Scale and position artwork with Free Transform
Adjust the matte when an Adjustable Matte layer is included
Save the smart object and view the update in the main mockup

Step By Step: Place Your Artwork Into The Frame Mockup

1. Open the PSD in Photoshop
   Download the mockup and open the PSD in Photoshop. If you see a message about missing fonts, click OK. It won’t affect replacing the artwork.

2. Open the smart object
   In the Layers panel, find the layer labeled double click smart object icon, then double click the smart object thumbnail to open it.

3. Place your artwork
   A new tab opens. This is the smart object. Think of it as the artwork placeholder. Place your artwork into this tab.

4. Scale and position your artwork
   Use Free Transform, Command T on Mac or Control T on PC, to scale and position your art. Scale from a handle, then position it exactly where you want it inside the frame opening.

If your artwork is not the same aspect ratio as the frame opening, you have two clean options. You can scale to crop so the artwork fills edge to edge, or if the file includes a matte, you can adjust the matte opening to match your aspect ratio.

1. Adjust the matte when included
   If the file includes a matte, it will be the layer labeled ‘Adjustable Matte’, and you will adjust it inside the smart object.

To change the matte color, select the solid color thumbnail, then use the color picker to choose your matte color and watch it update in real time.

To change the matte opening size, click the mask thumbnail first, that part matters. Then use Free Transform, Command T on Mac or Control T on PC, to adjust the opening by dragging a handle, and apply the change.

The matte realism is already built in for you. The matte includes its own effects stack, including realistic matte board texture, a soft matte drop shadow, and a subtle beveled edge so the matte looks dimensional and finished.

1. Save the smart object, then view the update
   When everything looks right, save the smart object, Command S on Mac or Control S on PC.

Now click back to the main mockup tab. You’ll see your art update inside the frame automatically.

In the main mockup, the frame and room realism is already handled for you, including details like the frame’s drop shadow, light falloff from the ambient light in the room, and sometimes glass reflections. These effects are designed to stay on so the final result looks natural and believable, but they are also adjustable if you’re comfortable working with layer styles.

Technical Requirements

Photoshop or Photopea is required to edit layered PSD files.

Please note that use of these materials requires a working knowledge of photo editing software. The Background Co. does not provide training or technical support for editing software. By purchasing and using these products, you acknowledge that you possess the skills needed to use them effectively. The Background Co. is not responsible for issues arising from improper use or lack of technical knowledge. We strongly recommend testing these materials before using them in commercial or client work.