Dummy Image Generator

Updated: May 2026

A dummy image is a test image used to fill a visual space during development or design review. This guide explains when to use dummy images, what properties matter, and how to generate them in seconds.

Generate a dummy image →

Free · No upload · PNG / JPEG / SVG · In your browser

What is a dummy image?

A dummy image (also called a placeholder image or test image) is a synthetic graphic created specifically to occupy a layout slot without using real content. It differs from a real image in one key way: its only purpose is to simulate the space, color, and dimensions of a future asset.

Dummy images are used in:

Frontend development — to build layouts before photography is ready.
Component libraries — to demonstrate card, hero, or avatar components.
CMS staging — to populate image fields so editors can proof layouts.
Design handoffs — to show developers the intended image slot dimensions.
Email templates — to test responsive rendering across clients.

How to generate a dummy image with Flowfiles

Open the Placeholder Image Generator at flowfiles.app/en/placeholder-image/.
Type the desired width and height in pixels, or click a preset (800×600, 1920×1080, 1200×630, and more).
Choose a background color using the color picker or by entering a hex code. Set the text color separately.
Optionally enter a custom label — for example "Hero image" or "Product photo". Leave it blank to display the dimensions automatically.
Select the output format: PNG (default), JPEG, or SVG.
Click Download image. The file saves immediately to your device.

Tip: Use SVG for dummy images you paste into Figma, Sketch, or design system documentation. The file is tiny and scales perfectly at any resolution.

Dummy image versus placeholder image

The two terms are interchangeable in practice, but there is a loose convention:

Placeholder image — emphasizes that a real asset will replace it later.
Dummy image — emphasizes the synthetic, testing nature of the graphic.

Both refer to the same concept: a generated image with no photographic content, designed solely to occupy a space. The Flowfiles generator covers both use cases.

Which format for dummy images?

PNG — lossless, supports transparency, ideal for UI screenshots and dark backgrounds.
JPEG — smaller file size, best for simulating photographs in responsive layouts.
SVG — vector, infinitely scalable, tiny file. Best for design tools and component documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I generate hundreds of dummy images quickly?

Yes. Each image generates instantly in the browser. You can change dimensions and download repeatedly without any rate limit or account required.

Do dummy images generated here contain metadata?

No EXIF metadata is embedded in PNG or JPEG outputs. SVG files contain only the SVG markup. The files are as clean as possible.

Can I automate dummy image generation?

The browser-based generator is designed for manual use. For automated pipelines, consider generating SVG programmatically — the format the tool produces is a simple SVG string you can replicate in any server-side language.