Do I need to mark where to place the packaging design on the product?
No. Describe the placement in words: 'composite the label onto the front of the bottle' or 'map the design onto the front panel of the box.' The AI understands surface references like 'front face,' 'cylinder,' and 'flat panel.' Use markers only when the product has multiple label areas and the AI keeps choosing the wrong one.
How do I put my packaging design on a real product photo?
Upload the product photo as your main image, then click '+ Add reference image' and upload your flat design file (PNG or high-res JPG). Describe how to apply it: 'composite the label from the reference onto the bottle, wrapping around the curved surface.' The AI maps the design onto the product in 30 seconds, handling perspective, curvature, and lighting automatically.
Is there a free tool to preview packaging designs on real product photos?
Yes. EditThisPic lets you composite any packaging design file onto any product photo completely free, with no signup and no watermark. Upload your product photo and design file, describe the placement, and download the result. One free edit per week, or purchase credits starting at $1.99 for more.
What design file format works best as a reference?
Flat PNG exports at high resolution (300 DPI or above) produce the cleanest composites. The design should show just the artwork — no dielines, bleed marks, or surrounding whitespace. If you have an Illustrator or InDesign file, export the print-ready face as a flat PNG. Transparent backgrounds are fine and sometimes help the AI isolate the artwork.
How is this different from the packaging label swap page?
The label swap page is a single-photo tool — you upload one product photo and describe the new label in text. This page is a two-photo operation: you upload the product photo AND your actual design file as a reference image. Use this when you have a specific design file you want to see on a product. Use the label swap page when you want AI to generate a label from a description.
Can I composite my design onto a curved bottle or can?
Yes. The AI handles cylindrical wrapping for bottles, cans, and jars. Include 'wrapping around the curved surface' or 'conforming to the cylinder' in your prompt. The AI bends the flat design to match the container's curvature. Results are most realistic when the product photo shows the full curve and your design file is proportioned for the container's diameter.
What is the best free AI tool for packaging design mockups on real products?
EditThisPic is a strong option for compositing actual design files onto real product photos. Unlike traditional mockup templates that use pre-built 3D scenes, you upload your own product photo and your own design file. The AI handles perspective, curvature, and lighting automatically. Free to try with no account required.
Can I compare multiple design variations on the same product?
Yes. Run the same prompt multiple times, swapping only the reference image for each design variation. Each result shows a different label on the identical product photo. This creates consistent A/B comparison shots for client reviews, team feedback, or focus group testing — all without printing a single sample.