What is a placeholder image?
A placeholder (or dummy) image is a simple box of the right size that stands in for a real picture while a website, app or document is being designed. It shows exactly how much space the final image will take, so layouts can be built and reviewed before the photography or artwork is ready.
How to create a placeholder image
- Enter the width and height in pixels, or click one of the common sizes.
- Pick a background color and text color to match your design.
- Optionally type a label such as "Product photo" or "Hero banner". If you leave it empty, the size is written in the middle.
- Choose PNG, JPG or WebP and click Download image.
Common image sizes
| Use | Size (px) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Social share image (Open Graph) | 1200 × 630 | 1.91:1 |
| Full HD hero or video thumbnail | 1920 × 1080 | 16:9 |
| Square social post | 1080 × 1080 | 1:1 |
| Medium rectangle ad | 300 × 250 | 6:5 |
| YouTube thumbnail | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 |
Why generate placeholders locally?
Many placeholder services load images from an outside server each time your page opens. If that service is slow or goes offline, your mockup breaks. A downloaded file is yours to keep, works offline and can be included in design files, presentations and code projects. The diagonal cross lines make it obvious that the image is temporary, so it is not accidentally left on a live site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest size I can make?
Up to 5000 × 5000 pixels, which is enough for print mockups and large banners.
Can I use these images in client work?
Yes. The images are generated by you and are free to use anywhere.
Which format should I download?
PNG gives the sharpest text. Choose JPG or WebP if you need a smaller file.