You’ve probably used the big-name design tools—Photoshop, Figma, or Sketch—to create mockups and previews. But guess what? There are some seriously underrated tools out there that deserve your attention. They’re fast, fun, and might just make your next mockup project way easier.
TLDR: You don’t have to stick with the same old design tools. There are some lesser-known tools that are excellent for making mockups and previews. They’re simple, powerful, and can save you time. Check out our six favorite underrated picks below.
1. MockupBro – Fast and Free Browser-Based Mockups
Why it’s awesome: It’s crazy simple. No app or software to download. Just drop your design into a web browser, pick a context—like a laptop, t-shirt, or billboard—and you’re done.
Best for: Quick marketing mockups without the fuss.
Pros:
- No sign-up needed
- Instant previews
<li<Free to use
What’s missing: It’s not super customizable. You get what you see.
Perfect for creating quick visuals for social posts or presentations when you’re in a rush.
2. Cleanmock – Sleek, Modern Device Frames
Why it’s awesome: Cleanmock gives your designs a polished look with ultra-crisp device frames. It’s made for people who love minimalism.
Best for: UI/UX designers showcasing apps or websites.
Pros:
- Modern, real-looking devices
- Dark and light modes
- High-quality PNG exports
What’s missing: Fewer mockup templates than bigger platforms.
A great choice if you’re all about aesthetics and want your app preview to shine.
3. Rotato – 3D Mockup Magic for Mac
Why it’s awesome: Want your app or website to spin, tilt, or dance in 3D? Rotato has your back. It makes your mockups look like a million dollars (but without the cost).
Best for: Eye-catching app promos, investor demos, or product landers.
Pros:
- 3D animations without needing After Effects
- Works offline on Mac
- You can export as GIF, image, or video
What’s missing: Mac-only. Sorry, Windows friends.
If you’re a Mac user and want to blow people’s minds with motion, this one’s for you.
Why it’s awesome: Screely turns your screenshots into beautiful previews with browser frames and cool backgrounds. All in seconds.
Best for: Developers showing off websites or code snippets.
Pros:
- No design skills needed
- Custom background color or gradient
- Drag-and-drop workflow
What’s missing: Mostly focused on browser-style mockups. Not ideal for mobile interfaces.
If “fast and clean” is your vibe, Screely is a dream.
5. Artboard Studio – Drag, Drop, and Animate
Why it’s awesome: Artboard Studio is like Canva’s cooler cousin. You can build interactive mockups, animate them, and do it all right in the browser.
Best for: Marketers, content creators, and designers who love to tinker.
Pros:
- Huge asset library
- Animation support
- Works in browser with team collaboration
What’s missing: A bit of a learning curve for new users.
If you love building unique scenes with layers and effects, try this one out.
6. Previewed.app – Smart Mockups for Product Creators
Why it’s awesome: Previewed helps you make high-end visuals for app stores, websites, and more—super quickly. It even suggests layouts based on your content.
Best for: Indie developers, startup founders, and digital creators.
Pros:
- Tons of ready-made templates
- Realistic device renders
- Smart autoscaling and layout tools
What’s missing: It’s more tailored for mobile app previews than other kinds of mockups like posters or tees.
Perfect for crafting visual assets to launch your app on the App Store or Play Store.
Bonus Tips to Pick the Right Tool
Choosing the right mockup tool depends on what you’re working on. Here are a few quick things to keep in mind:
- Speed: Need something fast and frictionless? Go with MockupBro or Screely.
- Style: Want ultra-clean aesthetics? Use Cleanmock or Artboard Studio.
- Animation: Need motion? Rotato and Artboard Studio both offer animations.
- Apps: Launching an app? Previewed.app is ideal for that mission.
Wrap-Up: Don’t Overlook the Underdogs!
You don’t always need the biggest app or the fanciest software to make great previews. These six underrated tools make mockups easy, beautiful, and sometimes even fun. Whether you’re building a landing page, showing off an app, or presenting a website—you’ve got options. Sleek, smooth, and maybe even surprisingly powerful.
So go ahead—test a few of these tools out. You might just find a new favorite for your design toolkit.
