How to Make App Store Screenshots

From raw screens to store-ready frames. The complete walkthrough for 2026. For exact dimensions and platform requirements, see our screenshot guidelines.

Capture your best screens

Take 5–8 screenshots that show your app at its best. Not the onboarding flow. Not the settings page. The core value moments. For a fitness app, that is the workout summary, the progress chart, and the streak screen. For a finance app, it is the dashboard, the transaction list, and the budget breakdown.

Tip: Turn off status bars. Apple rejects screenshots with battery percentages and carrier names visible.

Pick your narrative

Your 5 screenshots tell a story. Frame 1 is the hook — what problem does your app solve? Frame 2 is the solution — your hero feature. Frames 3–4 are supporting features. Frame 5 is social proof or a strong call to action. Do not list features randomly. Sequence them like a sales pitch.

Tip: Write your caption text before designing. It keeps you focused on the message, not the decoration.

Choose a tool

You have three options: hire a designer (expensive, typically days to weeks), use a template tool like Figma (requires design skill and time), or use an AI generator like Nuvex (fast, affordable). For most indie developers, AI is now the practical choice. The speed advantage is significant and the output quality has improved dramatically.

Tip: If you go the AI route, test with your actual screens before committing. Nuvex gives you 6 free credits (3 Low-quality frames) with no credit card required.

Design your frames

If using Nuvex: upload your screens, describe your app in one sentence, pick your device frame, and generate. You will get 5 options. Pick the best 3–5. If something is off, edit it with plain English: 'Make frame 2 more energetic' or 'Change the background to navy.' Only that frame re-renders — the others stay locked.

Tip: Keep text to 6 words or less per frame. App Store thumbnails are tiny. If it is not readable at 50% zoom, rewrite it.

Export and validate

Export PNG or JPG at the correct dimensions. For iPhone 16 Pro Max: 1290 x 2796. For Google Play phone: 1080 x 1920 minimum. Check that text is legible, no misleading claims, and no alpha channel (Apple rejects transparent PNGs). Upload to App Store Connect or Google Play Console and preview at every device size.

Tip: Always preview on an actual phone. What looks good on a 27in monitor might be unreadable on an iPhone SE.

Ready to ship better screenshots?

Nuvex designs five App Store-ready frames in 30 seconds. Free to start.

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