Start Fast with These Demo Content Generators

Demo content is probably one of the least talked about items in a designer’s toolbox. Yet, it’s also very useful. While we often see it as a means to populate a mockup or show what a CMS theme is capable of, there are other good uses.

For instance, it can serve as a placeholder during site development – you know, while you wait for the “real” stuff to arrive. This helps you continue to move forward on a project that could otherwise be stalled.

Likewise, demo content can live up to its name by helping you demonstrate various processes. Things like training videos or documentation can use bits and pieces to show users how a certain feature works.

Overall, it’s something that can be quite handy to have around. And there are a number of resources out there to fill your specific needs. Below is a selection some of the coolest demo content generators on the web. Enjoy!

Web-Based Text Generators

Using generated text is a great way to test out the fit and finish of your design work. For instance, you can see how a template handles exceptionally long passages or even analyze how readable your typography is. This provides you with the information you need to make smart design decisions.

Professional Lorem Ipsum Generator for Typographers

There are a ton of lorem ipsum generators out there. But what makes this one a standout is the number of really useful options it offers. Sure, you can configure the amount of words or paragraphs you need – that’s fairly standard. However, this “Professional” tool also lets you choose between HTML and plain text (which you can copy or download), along with a number of different languages to pick from.

Blind Text Generator

The unique selling-point of Blind Text Generator is that it really focuses on the needs of web designers. For instance, in addition to setting a custom number of words or paragraphs, you can also generate a specific number of characters. This comes in handy when testing form inputs. Also included are a selection of pre-populated HTML tags, which you can then copy and paste into your design. Don’t like the standard lorem ipsum? Choose between different types of texts and languages.

CorporateLorem

While CorporateLorem embraces pure randomness, it also features English language words rather than Latin – a plus for some users. And it couldn’t be easier to use. Hit the refresh button in your browser (or the one provided on the top right corner of the site) and a new filler article will display. If you prefer to use famous movie quotes, they have a tool for that as well.

Image Placeholders

When building layouts, using a placeholder allows you to figure out where you want to position images without the hassle of making specific choices. This provides a more unbiased way to show clients your ideas, while encouraging them to imagine what kind of images they’d like to use in that space.

Better Placeholder

If you’re looking for a no-frills temporary image, Better Placeholder is for you. Just enter in your desired image dimensions, update the preview and a barebones image is generated. By default, the dimensions are displayed on the image, which makes for a handy reminder of sizing when swapping them out later on. However, you can also customize that text, as well as the color scheme and file format.

Gradient Joy

Who says that placeholders can’t add a splash of color? Gradient Joy offers a library of gradient images that use a number of different color schemes. Note that everything here is hosted remotely and requires that you add a link to an outside URL within your site. The URL structure also allows you to easily resize images to match your size requirements. Plus, the available JSON API can further automate the process.

Joe Schmoe

Joe Schmoe is an API that developers can tap into to add fun, illustrated avatar placeholders to their projects. Unlike most generators, this one is actually suggested for use on production sites. You could, for example, use the API to assign consistent, temporary avatars for new users on a membership-based site. There are a number of avatars to choose from, and they can either be called randomly or by name.

Add-Ons and Plugins

When you’re busy, every second counts. That’s where the add-ons and plugins below can help save your precious time by generating content directly within your favorite editor or CMS.

Emmet

Emmet is a plugin that works with a number of popular text editors, including Sublime Text, Dreamweaver, Notepad++ and a whole lot more. And it does a number of things to improve workflow, including the ability to generate lorem ipsum text with impressive ease.

FakerPress

If you build your own WordPress themes, you’ll want to ensure that they look pixel-perfect with a wide array of content. FakerPress lets you pick and choose which types of content you want to add to your test site. It can generate random HTML for posts, images (including featured images), user profiles, metadata and a whole lot more. When you’re done, the plugin will even delete the generated content for you.

Any Ipsum

Wouldn’t it be cool to generate your own custom filler text? Any Lipsum is a WordPress plugin that gives you the power to make it happen. Activate the plugin and you’ll be able to add your own custom words via a settings panel. Content can be returned as HTML, JSON or plain text. Command line users will be glad to know that it’s also compatible with WP-CLI.

Lipsum Generator

Generating random text can be as simple as one click, thanks to the Lipsum Generator Chrome extension. Settings include the ability to choose from a custom number of paragraphs, sentences or words. You can even set things up so that the generated text is automatically copied to your clipboard.

Talkin’ About My Generation

The tools above cover a wide range of niches and potential use cases. Whether you want to generate content within your favorite tool, web browser or an API, you’ll be able to do so with minimal effort.

However, it appears that there is an entire subculture dedicated to demo content generators. While we can’t possibly list them all here, you may want to check out Awesome Ipsum – a Github repository that features a huge curated list of tools. Whether you’re looking for something serious or humorous, there are plenty of interesting options to choose from.

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