How to Take App Store Screenshots

A complete guide to capturing perfect screenshots for your iOS and Android app store listings.

In This Guide

1 Using iOS Simulator

Recommended: iOS Simulator gives you pixel-perfect screenshots at exact App Store dimensions without needing a physical device.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Open Xcode and launch iOS Simulator

Go to Xcode → Open Developer Tool → Simulator, or run your app in Xcode to launch it automatically.
2
Select the correct device

In Simulator, go to File → Open Simulator and choose:
- • iPhone 16 Pro Max for 6.9" screenshots (required)
- • iPad Pro 13-inch for 13" screenshots (required)
3

Navigate to the screen you want to capture

Set up your app state - log in with demo data, populate with sample content, etc.
4

Take the screenshot

Cmd + S or File → Save Screen

Screenshots are saved to your Desktop by default.

Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

Save screenshot Cmd + S

Copy screenshot Cmd + Shift + S

Toggle appearance Cmd + Shift + A

Rotate device Cmd + Left/Right

2 Using Android Emulator

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Open Android Studio and launch AVD Manager

Go to Tools → Device Manager, or click the device icon in the toolbar.
2
Create or select a virtual device

Recommended devices:
- • Pixel 9 Pro - 1280 x 2856 pixels
- • Pixel Tablet - for tablet screenshots
3

Run your app on the emulator

Navigate to the screen you want to capture.
4

Take the screenshot

Click the camera icon in the emulator toolbar, or use:

Cmd + S (Mac) or Ctrl + S (Windows)

3 Using Real Devices

iPhone / iPad

Face ID devices:

Side button + Volume Up

Home button devices:

Side button + Home button

Android

Most Android devices:

Power + Volume Down

Or from Quick Settings:

Screenshot tile

Note: Real device screenshots may not be at the exact dimensions required by app stores. Use a simulator/emulator for pixel-perfect results, or resize with AppShotEditor.

4 Preparing Your App for Screenshots

Use demo/sample data - Create a dedicated account with beautiful sample content that showcases your app's features
Set time to 9:41 - This is Apple's iconic time used in all marketing. On iOS Simulator, it's automatic.
Full battery, full signal - Simulators show these by default. On real devices, charge up first.
Hide sensitive info - Use placeholder names, emails, and data. No real user information.
Show key features - Plan which screens best demonstrate your app's value proposition

5 Adding Marketing Elements

Raw screenshots are just the starting point. To make your app stand out, you'll want to add:

Device Frames

Show your app in a realistic phone/tablet mockup

Backgrounds

Gradients or colors that match your brand

Headlines

Short, benefit-focused marketing text

Badges

Feature callouts, "New", award badges

Use AppShotEditor

Our free tool makes it easy to add device frames, backgrounds, and marketing text to your screenshots - with automatic sizing for App Store and Google Play.

Open Editor

Ready to Create Your Screenshots?

Turn your raw screenshots into professional app store images.

Open Editor