[techtalk] GRAPHICS - Book Mockup Generator… and More

Wed Jan 29 09:07:14 PST 2025

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Create your own custom book covers

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[Plies of colorful books stacked horizontally.]<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tJoiPKRNiwutzr2K8mi7zlkD4QtwfXD1FAtAYXAUePIwoKIuIt9Q2ZFO6Lchrzr1rZMfb3dAwybsAA74I0xbHq07EB4DwXJUU5_uLfKnWo683PGtuSw79XYDaUQTmNmgh2Zp3p_B1Okix_tai_RfhAzwq7pWfjLpViYwzA_FsHDDjedSMyCQlKI9Y4QRtE29B-9n_kDanwk=&c=Cdm9FyK3OXlkwH_-rxa4kMPX7FKaHB09-QhN13vGXAXKWBghGaFgeA==&ch=gOJZEjDETx9_kp782SHt2VPtTJ6NkiWI-Ju-Y6M3pMnYUw-7cIXSaQ==>

Photo by Robert Anasch<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tJoiPKRNiwutzr2K8mi7zlkD4QtwfXD1FAtAYXAUePIwoKIuIt9Q2ZFO6Lchrzr1U_mR0dyuA_tggaqfQ3MAYYMGcLaCoz5KAueRZ4ZTuUEcCkv2soNz5akZUvh4V6xmFkwRd0mcSq0hmszcT7ZNZwFTUAxB7FBWTpdnEWk3jaRcrk8aTopbPq_brszIuufRechKrOdmGkJ_VJV0I0FhMmCQUGM_eDq_SqrhjS41g6GdYuYYvfVcjzdctTah19BrjXITi-5rA7U=&c=Cdm9FyK3OXlkwH_-rxa4kMPX7FKaHB09-QhN13vGXAXKWBghGaFgeA==&ch=gOJZEjDETx9_kp782SHt2VPtTJ6NkiWI-Ju-Y6M3pMnYUw-7cIXSaQ==> on Unsplash<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tJoiPKRNiwutzr2K8mi7zlkD4QtwfXD1FAtAYXAUePIwoKIuIt9Q2ZFO6Lchrzr15MmcrPA1frIIQQWNi_9UZ6ko0kFJzgUDJ4WumWXHSibgtcfQXeTzKrY-zJPsaWxDnUXRcdxTM9Q8xA-AbLI-Or5hyoi8fpYVjVk4vEgBoF4KmNZ_3NtzLDVNeqOHv75i-rnTy0vY-Am_tpy2OPw3Dk-8CYGtSWl6w6Aa5yj8Q4HSZQmLr5BDdqFoJVpJZzqRiLyoIeA9OwuDZvP3o4fL4A4rYntACFoekFqngbLZYk4DdroDGkVprm6UEPoUjBQ7&c=Cdm9FyK3OXlkwH_-rxa4kMPX7FKaHB09-QhN13vGXAXKWBghGaFgeA==&ch=gOJZEjDETx9_kp782SHt2VPtTJ6NkiWI-Ju-Y6M3pMnYUw-7cIXSaQ==>

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Webinars for You

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March 12: [AI] Empowering Creativity with AI: 3 Tools to Design Stunning Visuals Why attend? You want a boost in your creativeness.

March 26: [COMMUNICATE] Unlock the Secret to Effective Communication with the Tech-Talk "Magic Form" Why attend? You want to create more focused and effective letters, email notes, presentations.

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GRAPHICS - Canva's Book Mockup Generator

Intermediate

Have you ever created an important document, crafted a cover for it and then put it on a website or a social media post ... wishing you could make it look more substantial and professional?

How about giving it dimension, making it appear to be a physical entity? You can transform your flat book design into a lifelike image of a book in various formats ... a hardcover, paperback, or eBook ... if you have a "mockup generator".

[Two images display "The 7 Secrets in Organizing Your Email" cover, transitioning from a flat design to a 3D book rendering.]

Canva's Mockups App

[A tote bag with text "The 7 Secrets in Organizing Your Email," alongside a cup, package, and decorative items.]

There is an app within Canva called "Mockups" (formerly called Smartmockups). You'll be delighted to discover that not only are there many layout options for books ... you can put this cover image on tablets, smartphones and more.

You can even add your image to physical items such as a tote bag!

Print Materials

[Four notebooks with covers showing a green hill and cloud against a blue sky; one is spiral-bound.]

You can create the look of a "book" for a variety of information. For instance...
·     An instructional guide
·     A quick tip checklist
·     An employee handbook
·     An annual report
·     A process document
·     A presentation
·     A program guide
·     An annual report
·     A grant proposal

[Various items displaying a minimal landscape design, including a mug, bottle, pouch, clothing, phone, tablet, and desktop screens.]

The Mockup app generator in Canva also lets you customize the look of something physical with templates like shirts, mugs and packaging. It helps you place your image into a design so that it looks real.

TIP: If you're new to this platform and need help in using Canva, go to Tech-Talk.com/search<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tJoiPKRNiwutzr2K8mi7zlkD4QtwfXD1FAtAYXAUePIwoKIuIt9Q2el5v30JvGctnFrBoTs3wVVrjIwlXcCngAN7pMFzkEh2klAmX2NtUcRAuJPtHYcG_kUW8gWyE6indCK9iL2c9wXn59FBbNEle1GNHTir9uo8&c=Cdm9FyK3OXlkwH_-rxa4kMPX7FKaHB09-QhN13vGXAXKWBghGaFgeA==&ch=gOJZEjDETx9_kp782SHt2VPtTJ6NkiWI-Ju-Y6M3pMnYUw-7cIXSaQ==> and put "Canva" in the search box. Here you'll find many articles, videos and webinars on this topic.

Design Your Book Cover IMAGE

First, in the directions below we are assuming that you have already created your book cover design either in Canva or you can upload an image to your account that you want to place in your chosen mockup template.

How to Create a Book Mockup

There are a few ways to get started with the Mockup app. If you are looking for Mockups in the Create a Design/Templates section, you won't find them them. It is an app that you'll use in the design process.

Method #1. When Your Book Cover is a Canva Project

If you have already created a Canva project that contains the design you want to use in your mockup, use this method. (If your book image is in your Uploads, it is easier to use Method #2 below.)

When you go to Canva.com and sign into your account, you'll be on the Home page.

1. In the left menu click on Apps.

2. Scroll down to the Recommended section on the left and select Mockups. Or if the app is displayed in the center window, select it. NOTE: If you type "mockups" in the search bar it will appear, but not in the format we want.

3. Select the design type you prefer. In this case, we'll select Print to view book cover options.

[Screenshot of Canva interface showing "Mockups" section with template categories like "Desktops," "Laptops," and "Watches.]

[Canva interface showing various book mockup templates with landscape images on covers, under categories like portrait, square, and hard cover books.]

4. In the next window, select Books. Then, choose a layout option (as in the image to the right). NOTE: Many will have the "pro" crown on top of the image, but if you scroll down, you will find free layouts.

5. In the next window use the purple Select button to navigate to the project that you have created.

6. In the Select a Design screen, use the tabs on the left to navigate to an Uploaded image, or Designs to find a project you have created.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/00ce1d92-a5ab-41a1-a51e-108a57f71a34.png]

7. Then click the Next button to view your mockup, make any adjustments or Save.

Method #2. When the Book Image is in Uploads (or You're Using a Canva Picture)

You can also start by selecting a template or clicking the "Create a Design" purple button to open a blank canvas. For example, you may select a custom size of 400 x 600 pixels for a rectangular book cover design.

[Canva interface showing the Apps menu with options like Mockups, Placeit Mockups, and Easy Mockup. Red arrows point to "Mockups" and "Apps.]
·     From the Home page, select a design template or custom size.

·     In the design editing screen, in the left menu, scroll down and click on Apps.

·     In the search box type Mockups and select that app to start using it.

·     TIP: Once you use an app it will be loaded to your left navigation. Sometimes you need to scroll way down to see it in the left menu towards the bottom. You may have to hover over the area to get the scroll bar to show.

[Image editor interface showing file, resize, and editing options, with thumbnails of a person holding a tote bag, a hat, and hands holding prints.]

Now you will see the mockup design ideas in the left column.

To find the book cover options, under the Print category, click See All.

[Seven book icons with blue sky, white clouds, and green hills on the covers, shown from different angles on a white background.]
·     Now scroll down to find 20+ book cover options.

·     Drag one to the design area.

Adding your cover image to the book mockup depends on where it is saved.

Uploads – If you have an image that you have saved on your computer, go to Uploads in the left menu to bring it into your Canva account. Then drag it to your book template (as in the image below). It will snap into place in the book cover area. Use the editing tools if needed to tweak your design.

[Editing interface with a book cover titled "Everything We Thought Was True" by Lisa Montanaro on the right.]

Images/Elements – Or you may want to drag an image from the Photos library or Elements.

When your design is complete you can download the book mockup as an image to use where needed.

Or, if you want to use it in another Canva project, you can right-click on the book mockup and choose Copy. Open the project in another window and right-click and choose Paste.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/e565d7d1-215e-487a-8e78-f332113e7825.jpg]

Communications: Talking & Writing

“Would You be Willing to …?”

When you're asking for someone to think about a new idea, or handle a task, or do an errand, think about using the word "willing".

When you ask, "Are you willing to…" or "Would you be willing to…" you open up conversation and dialogue.

You're asking (or even directing) someone to do something. But it is softened and shows more respect if you use the "willing" word in some way. You are gaining concurrence.

So instead of... "I'd like you to re-think your position on this project."

Try saying…

"Would you be willing to re-think your position on this project?"

Now, of course, if the individual says no, and you really do want it to happen, you haven’t backed yourself into a corner. You can still follow with a stronger, insisting statement. You haven’t lost anything. But you have shown a respectful consideration. And more often than not, the question will yield a higher quality dialogue which will prove valuable.

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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