Lorem Ipsum Generators Compared: 8 Tools for Every Design and Development Workflow
Compare the best lorem ipsum generators: Lipsum.com, Emmet VS Code, npm packages, Figma plugins, and more. Find the right tool for your workflow.

Choosing the right lorem ipsum generator saves time in design mockups and development. The best tool depends on your workflow: Lipsum.com for quick online use without installation, Emmet in VS Code for instant inline text, and npm libraries like ‘lorem-ipsum’ for programmatic control. Each tool has distinct strengths, from offline convenience to API-driven automation.
Online Generators: Lipsum.com and Browser Tools
Lipsum.com is the original lorem ipsum generator, online since the late 1990s according to Lorem Genius. It offers granular unit control: paragraphs, words, bytes, or lists. You can start with the classic ‘Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet…’ phrase or randomly selected text. However, Lipsum.com has no live preview; you fill the form and the text loads on a separate page Toolbox blog.
It only provides one text style (standard Latin), no Markdown export, no use-case presets, and a dated interface with intrusive ads. For static HTML wireframes, a browser-based generator is faster than plugin paths according to TextKit.
Editor Integrations: Emmet in VS Code
Emmet in VS Code is a built-in snippet system. Typing ‘lorem’ and pressing Tab generates a paragraph of lorem ipsum directly in the file. Word count is supported: ‘lorem10’ produces 10 words. Emmet works offline with zero network round-trip Toolbox blog. The downside: Emmet’s dictionary is small; large generations repeat patterns. It is ideal for quick placeholder text in code files without leaving your editor.
Code Libraries: npm and Python
The npm package ‘lorem-ipsum’ is the most widely used library. It supports words, sentences, and paragraphs, and includes seed support for deterministic output Lorem Genius. Local libraries are fully offline with zero latency MakeLorem. In Node.js, you generate 3 paragraphs with new LoremIpsum().generateParagraphs(3) InventiveHQ. In Python, lorem.get_paragraph() returns one paragraph. The broader library ‘@faker-js/faker’ includes lorem ipsum alongside names, addresses, and other mock data.
Design Software Plugins: Figma
Figma plugin ‘Lorem ipsum’ by Mashroom Studio fills selected text layers with placeholder text. Content Reel fills names and lorem text from spreadsheets Lorem Genius. Both are free and integrate directly into your design environment, speeding up mockups.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Platform | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lipsum.com | Web | Paragraphs, words, bytes; classic start option; historical background | Quick one-off use without installation |
| Emmet | VS Code | Inline generation; word count; offline | Rapid code placeholder text |
| lorem-ipsum (npm) | Node.js | Words, sentences, paragraphs; seeds; programmatic | Automated test fixtures, CI pipelines |
| @faker-js/faker | Node.js | Lorem ipsum plus broader fake data | Full mock data generation |
| Figma Lorem ipsum | Figma | Fills selected text layers | Design prototypes with text |
| Content Reel | Figma | Fills names, addresses, lorem from spreadsheets | Data-driven design mockups |
| Local library (any language) | Code | Zero latency; offline; deterministic | Production code with no external dependency |
| Remote API (e.g., MakeLorem) | Web | Nothing to install; fetch on demand | Quick prototyping without adding dependencies |
Local Library vs. Remote API
Local libraries are fully offline with zero latency and seed support. The sole cost is one dependency to install. In contrast, remote APIs require internet and have rate limits MakeLorem. They require nothing to install but introduce network latency and an external point of failure.
How to Choose
Select Lipsum.com for a quick online check without any setup. Use Emmet when coding in VS Code. For automated testing, pick the lorem-ipsum npm package. If you need a full suite of fake data, go with @faker-js/faker.
In Figma, install the Lorem ipsum plugin. Each tool solves a specific part of the placeholder-text workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lipsum.com free to use?
Yes, Lipsum.com is completely free. It has been online since the late 1990s and requires no registration. However, the interface is cluttered with intrusive ads and lacks modern features like live preview.
Can I generate lorem ipsum directly in my code editor?
Yes. In VS Code, the Emmet snippet lets you type 'lorem' and press Tab to insert a paragraph. You can specify word count with 'lorem10'. It works offline and requires no installation beyond VS Code itself.
What is the best npm package for generating lorem ipsum?
The 'lorem-ipsum' package is the most widely used. It supports words, sentences, and paragraphs, and includes a seed option for deterministic output. For broader mock data, consider '@faker-js/faker' which also includes lorem ipsum.
Are there Figma plugins for lorem ipsum?
Yes. The 'Lorem ipsum' plugin by Mashroom Studio fills selected text layers with placeholder text. 'Content Reel' is another option that fills names, addresses, and lorem text from spreadsheets. Both are free.
Should I use a local library or a remote API for lorem ipsum?
Use a local library (like the lorem-ipsum npm package) when you need zero latency, offline availability, and deterministic output. Use a remote API when you want to avoid installing dependencies, but be aware of rate limits and network dependency.
Does Emmet generate different text each time?
Emmet's dictionary is small, so repeated generations will produce the same patterns. It is not suitable for large bodies of text that need variety. For longer or varied output, use a library like lorem-ipsum.
Sources
- Lorem Ipsum: The Complete Guide (2026) | TextKit
- Top Lorem Ipsum Generators Compared (2026) | Lorem Genius
- How to Automate Lorem Ipsum Generation in Code | InventiveHQ
- Lorem Ipsum API & Libraries: Generate in Code - MakeLorem.com
- Best Free Lorem Ipsum Generators Compared - Lipsum.com Alternatives - Blog | ToolBox