Placeholder Image Generator

What is a placeholder image generator?

A placeholder image is a simple coloured rectangle, usually labelled with its size, that stands in for a real photo or graphic while a design is being built. Designers use placeholders in wireframes and mockups, developers use them to test layouts before content is ready, and content teams use them to show where an image will go and what size it should be. This tool makes placeholder images of any size in seconds, without relying on an outside image service.

How to make a placeholder image

1. Enter the width and height in pixels, or choose a common size such as Open Graph 1200 x 630.
2. Pick a background colour and a text colour.
3. Type custom text, or leave the box empty to show the dimensions, for example 1200×630.
4. Set a font size, or leave it at 0 so the text sizes itself to fit.
5. Choose PNG, JPG, WebP or SVG and press Download image.

Features

• Any size from 1 to 5000 pixels on each side.
• Presets for social media images, banners, ads and thumbnails.
• Four formats: PNG for crisp edges, JPG for small files, WebP for modern websites and SVG for scalable vector images.
• SVG code and data URI to copy straight into HTML or CSS without saving a file.
• Live preview that updates as you type.

Common uses

Use placeholders when building a WordPress or Elementor template before the client sends photos, so you can check that cards and galleries line up. Create a 1200 by 630 image to test how links will look when shared on social media. Developers can paste the SVG data URI into an img tag or a CSS background while prototyping. Presentations and documentation can use labelled boxes to show the image sizes a page needs.

Tips

Match the real image ratio. If the final photos will be 4:3, make placeholders at 800 by 600, not square ones, so the layout is tested properly. Neutral greys keep attention on the layout, while brand colours make mockups look more finished. SVG placeholders are tiny and sharp at any size, but if you need a raster file for an upload form, pick PNG or JPG. Remember to replace placeholders with real, optimised images before the page goes live.

Private and offline friendly

Many placeholder services load images from another website, which can slow down a prototype or break when you work without a connection. This generator draws the image on your own device, so once the page has loaded it keeps working and nothing about your project is shared with a third party.