Appshots Design Workflow

App Screenshots Design Workflow

Build complete App Store screenshot sets from scratch using the CLI.

Max 10 design slots per set (matches App Store's 10-screenshot limit per display size).

Best Practice: Screenshot Order

The first 2–3 screenshots determine 80% of download decisions (users decide in ~7 seconds):

1. Hero shot — your app's #1 value proposition
2. Key differentiator — what makes you unique
3. Social proof or depth — trust indicator or key workflow
4. Features 4–7 — additional capabilities
5. Platform extras 8–10 — Watch, iPad, widgets

Complete Workflow

1. Open the Multi-Editor

appshots multi open --display-type APP_IPHONE_67

2. Add Design Slots (up to 10)

# Start with 1 slot. Add more as needed:
appshots multi add    # 2
appshots multi add    # 3
appshots multi add    # 4
appshots multi add    # 5
# ... up to 10 total

Tip: Use all 10 slots to maximize App Store real estate.

3. Set Screenshot Images

appshots multi set-image --file screenshot1.png --index 0
appshots multi set-image --file screenshot2.png --index 1
appshots multi set-image --file screenshot3.png --index 2
appshots multi set-image --file screenshot4.png --index 3
appshots multi set-image --file screenshot5.png --index 4

4. Batch Styling (All Designs at Once)

Apply consistent styling across all designs — consistency is critical for a professional appearance:

# Padding: 180–220px is the sweet spot
appshots multi batch --action set-padding --value 200

# Corner radius: 30–50px for modern rounded look
appshots multi batch --action set-corner-radius --value 40

5. Set Backgrounds

Dark backgrounds convert better and make text more readable:

appshots multi switch --index 0
appshots editor set-background --color "#0A0A1A"

appshots multi switch --index 1
appshots editor set-background --color "#0D1117"

# -- or use gradients for premium feel --
appshots multi switch --index 2
appshots editor set-gradient --json '{"type":"linear","colors":["#1A1A2E","#16213E"]}'

6. Set Device Frames

Use the latest device model for a modern look:

appshots editor list-devices

# Apply to each design
appshots multi switch --index 0
appshots editor set-frame --device "iPhone 16 Pro Max"

# Optional: subtle 3D tilt (values in RADIANS, not degrees!)
appshots editor set-rotation --x 0.03 --y -0.02 --z 0.01

7. Position Screenshots

Push the screenshot down to make room for text above:

# y = 250–350 depending on text length
appshots editor set-image-position --x 0 --y 280

8. Add Centered Text (Copy-First!)

Write copy BEFORE designing. Bad copy ruins good design. Follow the Iron Rules:

• 3–5 words per line, max 2 lines
• Benefits, not features ("Save 2hrs/week" > "Automatic tracking")
• One idea per slide — never join with "and"
• Arm's length test — if you can't parse it in 1 second, too complex

Three caption approaches:

appshots multi switch --index 0
appshots editor add-text \
  --text "Track Your Habits" \
  --font "Poppins" --size 90 \
  --color "#FFFFFF" \
  --y 80 --x 0 \
  --width 1290 --align center

appshots multi switch --index 1
appshots editor add-text \
  --text "AI-Powered Insights" \
  --font "Poppins" --size 90 \
  --color "#FFFFFF" \
  --y 80 --x 0 \
  --width 1290 --align center

Centering formula: --x 0 --width <canvas-width> --align center For iPhone 6.7", canvas width = 1290px. For iPhone 6.9" = 1320px.

9. Save & Export

# Save design set to library
appshots multi save-design --name "My App Store Screenshots"

# Export all as PNG (recommended over JPEG for sharp text)
appshots editor export-all --dir ~/Desktop/screenshots

Using Presets

# List available presets
appshots preset list

# Apply preset to all designs
appshots multi apply-preset --id dark_premium

# Customize individual designs after preset
appshots multi switch --index 0
appshots editor set-background --color "#1A1A2E"

Design Layout Ratios

Based on research, optimal layouts follow these proportions (iPhone 6.7" = 1290×2796):

Multi-Editor Commands Reference