How to create placeholder images
Overview
A practical guide to making placeholder images for mockups and layout checks from a size and a short line of copy.
Quick answer: Choose the size first, keep the text short, and make sure the contrast is strong enough for layout review.
1. Pick the size first
Choosing the right aspect ratio up front makes the workflow much faster. OGP, square, landscape, and portrait layouts cover most common mockups, and matching the target surface helps you judge spacing more accurately.
OGP 1200 × 6302. Keep the copy short
Placeholder images are mainly there to test layout, so short copy works best. If the text gets too long, it becomes harder to read and less useful for confirming the composition.
- Keep headings short
- Avoid too many lines of text
- Check the balance between whitespace and type size
3. Use the right export format
PNG is convenient for handoff and quick sharing, while SVG is useful when you want easy scaling or later edits. Picking the right format for the job keeps the mockup workflow simple.
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