Exporting screenshots as files

AppFrames provides flexible export options to generate high-quality PNG files optimized for App Store submission and marketing use. Whether you need individual screenshots or batch exports across all devices and languages, AppFrames handles the technical details automatically.

Quick Export Options

Export Current Screenshot

For single screenshot exports:

  1. Select the screenshot you want to export in the sidebar
  2. Click “Export Screenshot” in the toolbar
  3. Choose save location on your Mac
  4. File saves automatically with proper naming

Export All Screenshots

For complete project exports:

  1. Click “Export All” button in the toolbar
  2. Choose export options (covered below)
  3. Select destination folder on your Mac
  4. Monitor progress as AppFrames generates all files

[Image placeholder: AppFrames toolbar showing Export Screenshot and Export All buttons]

Export Settings and Options

File Format Settings

AppFrames exports optimized PNG files:

  • PNG format: Lossless compression, perfect quality
  • RGB color space: App Store compatible
  • No transparency: Solid backgrounds as required
  • Optimized file sizes: Balanced quality and file size

Resolution and Quality

  • Native resolution: Exact pixel dimensions for each device type
  • App Store specifications: Guaranteed compatibility
  • High DPI: Full resolution for retina displays
  • Quality optimization: Maximum quality with efficient compression

Naming Conventions

AppFrames uses App Store-compatible naming:

iPhone6.9_en_01.png     // iPhone 6.9" English, screenshot 1
iPhone6.5_es_02.png     // iPhone 6.5" Spanish, screenshot 2  
iPad13_fr_01.png        // iPad Pro 13" French, screenshot 1
Mac_de_01.png           // macOS German, screenshot 1

[Image placeholder: Finder window showing exported files with organized naming]

Export Organization

Folder Structure

AppFrames organizes exports for easy management:

Standard Export:

MyApp_Screenshots/
├── iPhone/
│   ├── 6.9-inch/
│   │   ├── iPhone6.9_en_01.png
│   │   ├── iPhone6.9_en_02.png
│   │   └── iPhone6.9_es_01.png
│   └── 6.5-inch/
├── iPad/
│   └── 12.9-inch/
└── Mac/

Variant Export (when variants included):

MyApp_Screenshots/
├── Base/
│   ├── iPhone/
│   └── iPad/
├── Headline_Test_A/
│   ├── iPhone/
│   └── iPad/
└── Dark_Theme/
    ├── iPhone/
    └── iPad/

Language Organization

Multiple organizational options:

  • By device, then language: Standard approach
  • By language, then device: Alternative for translation workflows
  • Flat structure: All files in single folder with descriptive names

Advanced Export Options

Selective Export

Choose exactly what to export:

  • Specific devices: iPhone only, iPad only, etc.
  • Specific languages: English only, or selected languages
  • Specific screenshots: Individual screenshots per device
  • Specific variants: Test variants only, or exclude certain variants

[Image placeholder: Export dialog showing checkboxes for devices, languages, and variants]

Batch Processing

AppFrames handles large exports efficiently:

  • Background processing: Export doesn’t block other work
  • Progress tracking: Real-time progress for each file
  • Error handling: Reports any issues during export
  • Completion notification: Mac notification when export finishes

Export Validation

Before exporting, AppFrames validates:

  • Required screenshots: Warns if key screenshots missing
  • Dimension accuracy: Ensures proper App Store dimensions
  • Content compliance: Checks for common issues
  • File naming: Validates names are filesystem-compatible

Device-Specific Exports

iPhone Screenshots

AppFrames exports all iPhone sizes:

  • iPhone 6.9”: 1320×2868 (portrait) / 2868×1320 (landscape)
  • iPhone 6.5”: 1242×2688 (portrait) / 2688×1242 (landscape)
  • iPhone 6.1”: 1179×2556 (portrait) / 2556×1179 (landscape)
  • iPhone 5.5”: 1242×2208 (portrait) / 2208×1242 (landscape)

iPad Screenshots

All iPad Pro and standard iPad sizes:

  • iPad Pro 13”: 2048×2732 (portrait) / 2732×2048 (landscape)
  • iPad Pro 11”: 1668×2388 (portrait) / 2388×1668 (landscape)
  • iPad 9.7”: 1536×2048 (portrait) / 2048×1536 (landscape)

Other Platforms

  • macOS: Variable dimensions based on app type
  • Apple Watch: 312×390 (45mm) / 284×368 (41mm)
  • Apple TV: 1920×1080 or 3840×2160
  • Vision Pro: Spatial computing optimized dimensions

[Image placeholder: Grid showing exported screenshots at different device sizes]

Working with Exported Files

File Management

Organize your exports effectively:

  • Create project folders: Separate folders per app version
  • Date stamp exports: Include date in folder names
  • Archive old versions: Keep previous versions for reference
  • Backup exports: Store copies in cloud storage

Quality Verification

After exporting, verify quality:

  • Check dimensions: Ensure files match App Store requirements
  • Review image quality: Look for compression artifacts
  • Verify text readability: Ensure text is crisp and clear
  • Test on devices: Preview on actual iPhone/iPad when possible

File Sharing

Share exports with your team:

  • Cloud storage: Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive
  • Direct sharing: AirDrop, email (for small batches)
  • Project management: Upload to Slack, Notion, etc.
  • Version control: Git LFS for large binary files

Export Troubleshooting

Common Export Issues

Export fails or stops:

  • Check available disk space on your Mac
  • Verify you have write permissions to destination folder
  • Try exporting smaller batches (single device/language)
  • Restart AppFrames if export seems stuck

Files missing after export:

  • Check export settings - some devices/languages might be unchecked
  • Look in subfolders - AppFrames organizes files by device type
  • Verify screenshots exist in your project before exporting
  • Check for disabled screenshots (they won’t export)

Wrong file sizes or dimensions:

  • Ensure you’re using latest AppFrames version
  • Check that device types match App Store specifications
  • Verify no custom scaling is applied in export settings
  • Re-export if dimensions seem incorrect

Performance Optimization

Large project exports:

  • Export during off-peak hours on your Mac
  • Close other applications to free up memory
  • Use external SSD for faster file writing
  • Export in smaller batches if experiencing issues

File size concerns:

  • AppFrames automatically optimizes PNG compression
  • Complex screenshots may have larger file sizes
  • Gradients and photos typically create larger files
  • All files meet App Store size requirements

Integration with Other Tools

App Store Connect

After exporting:

  1. Use files directly with App Store Connect web interface
  2. Drag and drop organized folders
  3. Proper naming ensures correct placement
  4. Batch upload multiple screenshots efficiently

Design Review Tools

Share exports for feedback:

  • Figma: Upload for team review and annotation
  • InVision: Create interactive prototypes
  • Zeplin: Share with developers for reference
  • Slack: Direct sharing for quick feedback

Automation Workflows

Integrate exports with automation:

  • Hazel: Automatically organize exported files
  • Shortcuts: Create Mac shortcuts for common export tasks
  • Build scripts: Include AppFrames export in CI/CD pipelines
  • Cloud sync: Automatically backup exports

[Image placeholder: Automated workflow diagram showing AppFrames → Export → Cloud Storage → App Store Connect]

Best Practices for Export Management

Pre-Export Checklist

Before exporting your final screenshots:

  • All text proofread and approved
  • All languages complete and reviewed
  • Image quality verified on all devices
  • Consistent branding across all screenshots
  • App Store compliance verified

Export Organization Strategy

  • Version your exports: Include version numbers or dates
  • Document changes: Note what’s different between export versions
  • Test before submitting: Upload test screenshots first
  • Keep source files: Always maintain your .appframes project files

Collaboration Workflows

  • Export for review: Share with stakeholders before final submission
  • Staged releases: Export different variants for A/B testing
  • Archive finals: Keep final submitted versions for reference
  • Update documentation: Note which exports were used for each app version

Next Steps