How To Create A Custom Product Preview For Media Manager In Under 30 Seconds

[PoshPatterns]

Hi everyone I saw a suggestion thread requesting transparent png downloads, which of course would be great. However since that is not currently an option I thought I'd share how I quickly create my preview images. My first thought was that is not something I would do because I create sometimes hundreds of products at a time and the thought of making previews for them all was just way too daunting. But since Zazzle prefers to now promote images with custom previews I figured I had better find a way to make it work.

So what I do is a create a template for all products in my store then use the simple method show below to recreate product previews in under 20 seconds. Once you get the system down it's a game changer!

I could not figure out how to add the video here so you have to view it on youtube. If you have any questions ask away.

View Tutorial On YouTube

[BKMuir]

Seems easy - what program are you using for the "recording"?

[PoshPatterns]

I am just using actions in Photoshop

[BKMuir]

Thanks - I thought it might be PhotoShop. Will have to check my program for that action.

[Cat]

What program do you use? I've been trying to figure out if GIMP will do something like that, but all I can find is something about using Python to record a macro, and it seemed a bit daunting to me.

[PoshPatterns]

I use Photoshop but Photoshop Elements works well too

[BKMuir]

@Cat  I investigated in both Gimp and Inkscsape (not too deeply here - need more research). I didn't find any EASY way to record actions in either.

[Wildart]

I use inkscape to just add a background (created or similar) after I have used ai to remove the background of original mockup on zazz... I dont have photoshop 🙂

Also I find power point perfect to add shadows quickly and create many pages to save as one doc, (which is nice small total size)  as well as save each image. haven't tackled vids yet.. 

[PoshPatterns]

what AI are you using to remove the bg? I know Kittl does a pretty good job but i have never gotten it to replace it with a background i actually liked.

[Wildart]

Hi Poshpatterns 🙂 I use a site called Photoremove, it can do all sorts of good stuff. The only bugbear is if you are retouching(removing items - which is also very good,) a a captcha pops up  and goes nowhere...and the only way round it is to save (download the image) frequently to avoid it. You will avoid this by signing up(free), but I find it harder to navigate the site this way..

I use an"a" after the filename when I replace it on my PC, so I know I have removed the BG, a "b" when I have retouched  - go have fun! 

[PoshPatterns]

thanks for the info i'll give it a try!

[Wildart]

BTW I use my own backgrounds 🙂

[Connie]

What a fantastic idea! It never would have even crossed my mind to use actions!

I have Photoshop files set up for each product type, with a folder with a mask on it to isolate that product. Then I just drag and drop the new product into the folder, so it automatically isolates it. Then I save as a PNG, to put it into whatever mockup backgrounds I'm using. But your method is a lot quicker!

[PoshPatterns]

I was using masks at first too. I would just drag the image into a layer but sometimes I had problems with placement and always tons of layers when working on a collection and then i'd have to delete them otherwise you start to see outline after so many.

[Maralane]

Would love to know more about your system. I am always blown away how you all figure these things out.

🙂

[CrazyMermaid]

Genius! Thank you so much!

[PoshPatterns]

You're welcome!

[Maralane]

Thank you @PoshPatterns for providing this.