How to Generate Placeholder Images for Wireframes
Building a mockup or wireframe? Generate placeholder images in any size with custom colors and text — instantly.
Quick Answer
Use the free placeholder image generator at dotsapps.com. Set your dimensions, choose colors, add optional text, and download. Perfect for wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.
Why Use Placeholder Images?
When you are designing a website, app, or presentation, you often need images before the real content is ready. Placeholder images let you:
- Build layouts with correct dimensions before photos are taken.
- Show clients a realistic mockup without waiting for final assets.
- Test responsive designs with images of various sizes.
- Create wireframes that clearly show image placement and sizing.
Instead of searching for stock photos or using empty boxes, generate clean placeholder images that show their exact dimensions.
How to Create Custom Placeholder Images
Open the placeholder generator at dotsapps.com. Set the width and height in pixels. The tool creates an image at exactly those dimensions.
Customize the look:
- Background color: Pick any color to match your design.
- Text color: Choose a contrasting color for readability.
- Text: By default it shows the dimensions (e.g., "800 × 600"). You can add custom text like "Hero Image" or "Product Photo".
Download the image and drop it into your design tool or HTML layout.
Common Placeholder Sizes for Web Design
Here are the most common image sizes you will need when building website mockups:
- Hero banner: 1920 × 600 or 1920 × 800
- Blog thumbnail: 400 × 300 or 600 × 400
- Product image: 800 × 800 (square)
- Profile avatar: 200 × 200
- Social share image: 1200 × 630
- Sidebar ad: 300 × 250
Generate each of these in the tool to fill your wireframe with properly sized placeholders.
Placeholder Images for Developers
If you are building a website and need placeholder images in your HTML, there are two approaches:
Option 1: Download and use locally. Generate images in the tool, download them, and reference them in your code. This works offline and is fully self-contained.
Option 2: Use data URLs. Generate a placeholder, then convert it to Base64 using the Image to Base64 tool. Embed the data URL directly in your HTML — no external file needed.
For development and testing, downloaded files are simpler. For single-file prototypes, data URLs are more convenient.
How to Do It: Step-by-Step
- 1
Open the free Placeholder Image Generator at dotsapps.com.
- 2
Enter the width and height in pixels.
- 3
Choose background and text colors to match your design.
- 4
Add custom text or keep the default dimension label.
- 5
Download the placeholder image and add it to your wireframe or mockup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What format are the placeholder images?
PNG by default. PNG works in every design tool, browser, and presentation software.
Can I create placeholder images of any size?
Yes. Enter any width and height in pixels. Common sizes range from tiny avatars (50×50) to large banners (1920×800).
Can I use placeholder images in commercial projects?
Yes. The generated images are simple colored rectangles with text. They are not copyrighted and you can use them in any project.
How is this different from using lorem ipsum images?
Lorem ipsum image services (like placeholder.com) require an internet connection and rely on an external server. This tool generates images locally in your browser — it works offline and is faster.
Ready to Try It?
Placeholder Image Generator is free, private, and works right in your browser. No sign-up needed.
Open Placeholder Image Generator