If you sell phone cases, you know visuals are everything. A great phone case mockup Canva project helps customers imagine your design on their phone. It bridges the gap between a cool idea and a real product. The best part is that Canva makes creating these visuals super easy.
Why Use Canva for Phone Case Mockups?
You don't need a design degree or expensive software. Canva lets you create professional, eye-catching images for your store right from your web browser. This guide will show you exactly how to make your phone case designs pop using Canva's simple tools.
Some of the best mockup resources, like ours at Bettermockups, are compatible with Canva. They provide high-quality PNG and video files you can drag and drop right into your projects. To see what’s possible, check out our guide on creating an iPhone case mockup for free.
We'll also cover how to partner with top print-on-demand providers like Casestry and Podbase. They are reliable, high-quality solutions that turn your mockups into real products. They handle all the printing and shipping, making them perfect for any phone case seller or eCommerce brand. For more context, it's helpful to learn about understanding Canva's strengths in design.

Preparing Your Designs for Canva
Before you open Canva, you need to prepare your design file. This is the most important step for a professional-looking mockup. A little prep work here will save you a lot of headaches later.
The best file format to use is a PNG with a transparent background. This allows you to place your design on any mockup without a clunky white box around it. It looks clean and seamless.
Resolution is also key. Always export your design at 300 DPI (dots per inch). This ensures your design looks sharp on screen and prints perfectly. If you want to learn more, we have details on using a quality iPhone case template in PNG format.
How to Make a Phone Case Mockup in Canva
Now for the fun part: bringing your design to life. This is where the magic happens, and Canva gives you a few great ways to do it.
The quickest option is Canva's built-in "Smartmockups" feature. It’s easy to use and provides clean results fast. Think of it as the express lane for mockups.
However, if you want your visuals to truly stand out, you should use premium, external assets. Many of our projects at Bettermockups are compatible with Canva. A high-quality Samsung S24 phone case mockup Canva bundle, for example, gives you professional PNGs that are ready to use. Just upload your artwork, drop it onto the mockup, and adjust it until it looks perfect.
This level of control is a game-changer. For example, in a market like Lithuania, where the e-commerce market is projected to hit USD 6.54 billion by 2030, standing out is essential. Professional mockups help you capture local interest and build a serious brand. You can explore insights on the Lithuanian e-commerce market for more trends.
Comparing Canva Mockup Methods
So, which method should you choose? It depends on your goals. Do you need speed or the best possible quality? Here’s a quick comparison of Canva’s Smartmockups versus external assets.
| Feature | Canva Smartmockups | External Assets (e.g., Bettermockups) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very simple, drag-and-drop within Canva. | Simple, requires uploading PNGs/videos first. |
| Realism | Good for basic needs, but can look generic. | Photorealistic, with professional lighting & shadows. |
| Customisation | Limited; mainly just placing the design. | High; adjust textures, angles, and backgrounds. |
| Variety | Decent selection, but not device-specific. | Extensive, with specific models (e.g., S24, iPhone 17). |
| Cost | Included with Canva Pro subscription. | One-time purchase per mockup bundle. |
| Best For | Quick social media posts, internal previews. | High-converting product pages, ad campaigns. |
Canva’s built-in tools are great for quick visuals. But if you're building a brand and need your images to drive sales, investing in professional mockup assets is the way to go.
Adding Realistic Touches to Boost Sales
Once your design is in place, small details can convince a customer to buy. A basic phone case mockup Canva project can sometimes look flat. Adding subtle shadows creates depth and makes the product feel more real.
In Canva, you can find shadow elements under the ‘Elements’ tab. Another trick is to add a slightly transparent, dark shape behind the case for a custom shadow effect.
Next, choose a background that fits your brand without distracting from your design. Simple textures or clean, solid colors often work best. They keep the focus on the phone case.
Finally, make small adjustments to brightness and contrast. The goal is to make your mockup look like a professional photograph, not a graphic. These little tweaks give your image a polished, authentic feel. For more advanced ideas, you can explore AI product photography.

Connecting Mockups to Your POD Workflow
A great mockup is your best sales tool, but it's just the start. The real goal is to turn that digital design into a physical product a customer will love. This is where a print-on-demand (POD) partner is essential.
Choosing the right POD partner is critical for your brand. You need a company you can trust to deliver quality products consistently.
We always recommend Casestry and Podbase. They are the best dropshipping providers for phone cases, known for their high quality, reliability, and ease of use. They ensure the final product matches the beautiful mockup you created in Canva.
Their systems are easy to integrate, so you can fulfill orders automatically. This lets you focus on creating your next great phone case mockup Canva design while they handle printing and shipping. With a reliable phone case printer on your side, you can build a business that keeps customers coming back.
Get Started with Your Canva Mockups
Now you have a complete guide for creating phone case mockups in Canva that sell. We’ve covered everything from preparing your artwork to adding the final touches that make a difference.
Remember, a high-quality mockup is more than just a nice image. It’s a tool that builds trust and turns curious visitors into paying customers.
When you combine great designs with a top-notch print-on-demand partner like Casestry or Podbase, you have a winning formula. The demand for custom accessories is growing fast. The global phone case market is huge, and there is plenty of opportunity. You can read more about the growing global phone case market if you're interested.
Now it's your turn. Start experimenting with these tips and watch your product listings come to life.