Design a gallery, not a pile of screenshots
Product galleries work best as a sequence: one hero image that shows the core value, followed by images for two or three key features. Applying the same background family, padding and frame to every image makes the set feel intentional.
Save your style as a preset, then add each new screen in seconds, or use batch export to render the whole set together.
Attention-grabbing without clutter
Use a bold gradient or mesh that complements your brand, keep the screenshot large, and let the shadow create separation. A slight 3D tilt with perspective adds energy for the first image, while flat, straight-on images are better for detailed feature views.
Avoid cramming text into the image itself; caption features in your listing copy so screenshots stay clean.
Sizes and quality
Pick 16:9 for wide galleries and slides, 1:1 for social announcements, and 9:16 for stories and vertical placements. Always check the current image requirements of the platform you are submitting to, since they change over time.
Export at 2x or above and prefer PNG for interfaces with fine text.
The launch gallery formula
Most successful launch galleries follow a simple rhythm. The first image is the promise: one clear view of the product with the core benefit visible. The next two or three each show a distinct capability. A final image can show integrations, pricing or social proof. Keep the same visual system across all of them so viewers understand they belong together.
Because the gallery is usually seen as small thumbnails first, prioritise contrast and legibility over detail. If a screen is too dense, zoom into the part that matters.
Colour, contrast and brand
Pick one or two colours from your brand and build gradients from them. Use a background that is clearly different from the screenshot's dominant colour so the edges separate. A soft shadow with a subtle glow of the accent colour adds depth without looking heavy. If you have a logo mark, place it once, small, in a corner with the badge tool rather than repeating it on every image.
Keep the tone consistent with the product: playful gradients for consumer apps, calm neutrals for finance and security tools.
Pre-launch checklist
Confirm the current image requirements on the platform you are using. Use realistic sample data rather than lorem ipsum, and check that names, avatars and numbers are safe to publish. Verify that text inside the screenshot is legible at thumbnail size. Prepare a square version for social posts and a wide version for your website. Export at 2x and compress the files sensibly.
Finally, view the gallery on a phone. A large share of visitors will see it there first.
Reuse the assets everywhere
The same styled images can power your landing page, launch tweet thread, email announcement, press kit and app directory listings. Producing them once in a consistent style saves time and strengthens recognition across channels. Keep the preset so that post-launch updates match the original look.
How to do it in 4 steps
- Pick your hero screenshot and a brand-matching gradient.
- Add a frame, a studio shadow and optional slight 3D tilt.
- Save the style as a preset.
- Batch export the rest of the gallery in the same look.
Frequently asked questions
What image sizes does Product Hunt need?
Requirements change, so check the platform's current guidelines. 16:9 is a common safe choice for gallery images.
Can I keep the same style across all images?
Yes. Save a custom preset or use batch export so every image shares one design.
Should I use 3D tilt on every screenshot?
Use it sparingly, typically on the hero image. Detailed feature screens read better flat.
Do I need design skills?
No. Curated gradients, shadows and frames give good results with a couple of clicks.
How many images should a launch gallery have?
Three to six focused images generally work better than a long list. Lead with your strongest one.
Should I add text captions inside the images?
Keep captions short and place longer explanations in the listing text. Too much text is hard to read at thumbnail size.
Can I make a matching social image?
Yes. Change the aspect ratio to 1:1 or 1200×630 and export from the same preset.
Try it on your own screenshot
Paste an image with Ctrl+V and style it in seconds.