If you sell digital or physical products online, you already know that presentation plays a huge role in grabbing customer attention. Whether you’re listing on Etsy or Gumroad, product photos are often the first thing shoppers notice before deciding to click. That’s where free product mockup templates come in handy.
In this guide, we’ll talk about why mockups are essential for your store, the types of mockups you can use, and where to find the best free mockup templates for Etsy and Gumroad sellers. We’ll also share some practical tips for customizing them so your shop stands out.
Read More: Top Free Canva Templates for Social Media & Branding
Why Mockups Matter for Etsy & Gumroad Sellers
When you’re selling online, customers can’t physically touch or try out your product. Instead, they rely on visuals to decide whether or not your listing is worth their time (and money). A good mockup template:
- Makes your product look professional and polished
- Helps customers imagine themselves using it
- Saves time and money compared to photoshoots
- Creates a consistent brand look across all your listings
For digital creators (like eBook authors, printable designers, or template makers), mockups are especially useful. Instead of just showing a plain PDF cover, you can display your design inside a tablet, notebook, or on a stylish desk scene.
Read more: 10 Quick Tips for Creating Digital Products in Canva
Types of Free Mockups You Can Use
Depending on what you sell, you’ll need different styles of mockups. Here are some popular categories for Etsy and Gumroad:
1. Book & eBook Mockups
Perfect for authors and digital creators. These mockups showcase covers on devices like iPads, Kindles, or in realistic paperback scenes.
2. Print Mockups
If you sell posters, planners, or wall art, print mockups let customers visualize how your design will look framed on a wall or placed on a desk.
3. Packaging Mockups
For sellers of physical products like candles, soaps, or handmade crafts, packaging mockups help you present your branding before even printing.
4. Stationery Mockups
Useful for planners, journals, and other office-style products. These often feature desk setups with pens, paper, and coffee cups.
5. Apparel Mockups
If you’re into print-on-demand (POD), free t-shirt and hoodie mockups are a lifesaver. You don’t need a model or studio—just drop your design into the template.
Read more: 20+ Free Digital Planners, Templates, and Tools (No Signup)
Where to Find Free Product Mockup Templates
There are plenty of places online to find high-quality free mockup templates for your Etsy or Gumroad shop. Here are some reliable sources:
1. Canva
Canva is a beginner-friendly design tool that offers tons of free mockup elements. You can find device frames, desk setups, and even apparel mockups.
- Easy drag-and-drop editing
- Free and Pro options available
- Great for quick, no-software-needed mockups
[Read more: 10 Quick Tips for Creating Digital Products in Canva]
2. Placeit by Envato
Placeit is a go-to platform for many sellers. While it has premium plans, there are also free mockups you can use.
- Wide range of product categories
- Perfect for Etsy sellers who need lifestyle-style mockups
- Editable in your browser, no design skills required
3. Freepik
Freepik offers thousands of free mockup templates that you can edit in Photoshop or Canva.
- Includes book, stationery, apparel, and packaging mockups
- Many templates come with layered PSD files
- Great if you want more customization control
4. Mockup World
This site curates high-quality free mockups from different designers around the web.
- Hand-picked templates for professional results
- Especially useful for packaging and print products
- Easy to download and edit
5. Creative Market Freebies
Creative Market has a weekly freebies section where you can often grab premium-quality mockups for free.
- Limited-time offers (changes weekly)
- Covers multiple product categories
- Ideal for unique, stylish mockup templates
How to Customize Mockup Templates
Downloading a free mockup template is just the first step. To make your Etsy or Gumroad shop stand out, you should always customize them to match your brand style. Here are some quick tips:
1. Stick to Your Brand Colors
Change background colors or props in the mockup to match your brand palette. This makes your shop look cohesive.
2. Keep It Simple
Avoid using overly busy mockups. Too many props can distract buyers from the actual product.
3. Show Multiple Angles
If possible, use more than one mockup per listing. For example, if you’re selling an eBook, show it on a tablet, a phone, and a physical book cover.
4. Add Realistic Shadows and Lighting
If you’re editing in Photoshop, make sure your design blends naturally with the background using shadows and light effects.
Tips for Using Mockups on Etsy & Gumroad
Your product photos can make or break your sales. Here are some platform-specific tips:
For Etsy Sellers:
- Use lifestyle mockups (like wall art in a living room) to help buyers picture the product in their homes.
- Etsy allows up to 10 images per listing—use mockups for variety.
- Keep file sizes optimized so your shop loads quickly.
For Gumroad Sellers:
- Focus on digital product mockups like eBooks, courses, and printables.
- Create a cover image that looks like a professional product package.
- Use mockups that reflect modern digital devices (like tablets, laptops, and phones).
Free vs. Paid Mockup Templates
While free mockups are a great way to get started, paid options often come with extra features like higher resolution, more customization, and exclusive designs. If you’re just starting out on Etsy or Gumroad, free templates are more than enough. As your shop grows, investing in premium templates can help you level up your branding.
Final Thoughts
Using free product mockup templates is one of the easiest ways to improve your Etsy or Gumroad listings without spending a lot of time or money. They help your products look professional, attract buyers, and build trust with your audience.
Start with free resources like Canva, Freepik, and Placeit, then customize them to match your brand style. Over time, you’ll create a shop that not only looks appealing but also converts visitors into happy customers.
