How to Make App Store Screenshots

Start by taking screenshots from the iOS Simulator or a real device. Use the Simulator's screenshot shortcut (Cmd+S on Mac) to capture at the exact required resolution.

For iPhone 16 Pro, use the "iPhone 16 Pro" simulator which outputs at 1290 x 2796 pixels. For iPad, use the appropriate iPad simulator. Make sure your app is showing its best content — real data, not placeholder text.

Take at least 10-15 raw screenshots of different screens and features. You'll select the best 5-10 during the design phase. Capture your app in its best state: populated with realistic data, showing completed actions, and highlighting key features.

Before designing, plan what each screenshot will communicate. Your screenshots tell a story — each one should answer a different question a potential user might have.

Screenshot 1: What is this app? (Core value proposition) Screenshot 2: How does it work? (Key feature demo) Screenshot 3: What makes it special? (Differentiator) Screenshots 4-5: Supporting features, social proof, or additional use cases.

Write your text overlays before opening any design tool. Keep them to 5-7 words maximum per screenshot. Use action-oriented language: "Track your progress" is better than "Progress tracking feature."

Pick a background template that matches your app's brand personality. Dark backgrounds work well for productivity and developer tools. Light backgrounds suit health, lifestyle, and consumer apps. Colorful gradients grab attention for games and creative apps.

Add your raw screenshots into device frames. Device frames add context and make the screenshots look professional. The iPhone 16 Pro frame is the most commonly used.

Add text overlays above or below the device frame. Use your app's brand font if possible, or stick with a clean sans-serif like Inter or SF Pro. Keep text large enough to read in the App Store's thumbnail view.

Export your screenshots at every required device size. At minimum, you need the 6.7-inch iPhone size (1290 x 2796). For universal apps, add iPad Pro (2048 x 2732) and iPad Air (1668 x 2388).

Export as PNG for the highest quality. Make sure each export is at the exact pixel dimensions — App Store Connect will reject images that are even 1 pixel off.

With FrameFast, you can export all required sizes in one click. Upload your design once, and the tool generates every size automatically with proper scaling and layout adjustments.

Upload your screenshots to App Store Connect in the correct order. Remember, the first screenshot appears in search results and is the most important.

Preview your screenshots on a real device by searching for your app on the App Store. Check that text is readable, images are sharp, and the overall impression matches your brand.

Consider creating Custom Product Pages (CPPs) with different screenshot sets for different audiences. You can create up to 35 CPPs, each with its own screenshot set, optimized for a specific keyword or user segment.