Figuring out the dimensions of screenshots to use on the App Store is more crucial to the overall success of your app than you might think. Whenever people search for an app and come across yours, they will notice the images. The app previews and screenshots you use when marketing your software should be compelling so that users feel like giving the app a try. Together with cutting-edge tools such as mobile app intelligence, well-chosen App Store preview dimensions can make a big difference.
App Store Screenshots Requirements
The key is to take into account the target device’s screen size. This doesn’t require any esoteric knowledge since Apple offers a specification to help you identify the right screenshot size. See the list below brought to you by Asolytics to help you find out the requirements for dimensions in pixels based on your Apple device type.
- You will see several possible iPhone screenshot dimensions because the phones come in a variety of screen sizes. Luckily, though, you don’t have to match the size of your preview images to the device’s specification exactly. Apple classifies its phones into two screen-size models, 6.5 inches and 5.5 inches. If yours is neither, see below to find out which group it belongs to.
- 6.5-inch screen iPhones include iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. For a vertically oriented screenshot, choose 1284 x 2778 pixels or 1242 x 2688 pixels. For those referred to as landscape images, use 2778 x 1284 pixels or 2688 x 1242 pixels.
- All 5.5-inch models are good with the same kind of iOS screenshots for App Store as above. The range includes iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone XS, and iPhone X. You can skip the scaling part if your screenshots were made using one of the models above.
- If your audience will be using iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, or iPhone 6s Plus, the perfect screenshot size is 1242 x 2208 pixels for portrait pictures and 2208 x 1242 pixels for landscape pictures.
- The above resolution specifications for 5.5-inch models also apply to iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6, iPhone 4s, and iPhone SE, which have smaller screens.
- iPad app store screenshots are standardized at 2048 x 2732 pixels for portrait orientation and 2732 x 2048 pixels in case of landscape or horizontal orientation. This might not apply to smaller tablet sizes, but you can still use the standard App Store iPad screenshot size.
- Mac apps typically use a 16 to 10 aspect ratio, from 1280 x 800 pixels to 2880 x 1800 pixels.
- For Apple Watch, use 396 x 484 pixels for Series 7, 368 x 448 pixels for Series 6, Series 5, Series 4, and SE, and 312 x 390 pixels for Series 3.
Apple App Store Screenshot Guidelines
Apart from fitting the above size standards, use JPEG or PNG/RGB flattened images. Make sure they have transparency set to zero and a resolution of 72 dpi.
Consider filling in all the ten screenshot slots for each localized version that the App Store gives you since it makes the preview more informative. Make sure the images you upload are taken directly in the app. Using photos of a user holding a device with your software running on it is not an option. Finally, make sure you only include information that you own to avoid legal trouble.
Make Your App Look Attractive
Screenshots are not only informative; they also can get a potential user’s attention. Using the right size and orientation is key, but the content of an image is also important. Try combining your knowledge of screenshot size standards with ASO data provided by Asolytics to maximize your app’s visibility.