How to Create App Store Screenshots Without Figma (5 Faster Alternatives)
Figma has a learning curve most developers don't have time for. Here are 5 tools that create professional screenshots in minutes, not hours.
Confession: I Hate Design Tools
I'm a developer. I write Swift and Kotlin, not "creative briefs."
When I launched my first app, everyone told me: "Just use Figma for your screenshots." So I downloaded Figma, watched 3 YouTube tutorials, and spent an entire weekend trying to figure out how to center a text box.
I'm not proud of how long that took.
Here's the thing: Figma is powerful. It's also designed for designers who use it 8 hours a day. For developers who just need decent App Store screenshots, it's overkill.
After 4 app launches, I've found better options. Here are 5 tools that let you create professional screenshots without touching Figma.
Why Figma Isn't Always the Answer
Before the Figma fans come for me, let me be clear: Figma is an amazing tool. For designers.
But for most indie developers, it has serious drawbacks:
The Learning Curve is Real
Auto-layout. Components. Variants. Constraints. Figma has a vocabulary you need to learn before you can be productive.
I've talked to dozens of developers who gave up on their screenshots because Figma was "too complicated."
It's Slow for One-Off Projects
Setting up a proper Figma file with device frames, color styles, and components takes hours. If you're making screenshots once and never touching them again, that setup time is wasted.
You'll Probably Do It Wrong Anyway
I've reviewed hundreds of developer-made Figma screenshots. Common mistakes:
Figma gives you infinite flexibility. That's great for designers who know the rules. For developers, it's rope to hang yourself with.
The 5 Figma Alternatives That Actually Work
1. Shotsy — Best for AI-Powered Screenshots
What it is: Upload your screenshot, describe your app, get professional App Store images.
Why developers love it:
Best for: Developers who want results without learning design tools.
Pricing: Free trial, then subscription.
I'm obviously biased here (I use Shotsy for all my apps now), but the reason I use it is simple: I upload a screenshot, type "fitness tracking app," and get back something better than what I'd make in Figma after 3 hours.
2. AppMockUp — Best for Quick Device Frames
What it is: Drag-and-drop tool for placing screenshots in device frames.
Why developers love it:
Limitations:
Best for: Developers who just need device frames, not full marketing screenshots.
Pricing: Free with watermark, paid for clean exports.
3. Previewed — Best for 3D Mockups
What it is: Create 3D device mockups with perspective and shadows.
Why developers love it:
Limitations:
Best for: Apps that benefit from visual wow factor (games, creative tools).
Pricing: Free tier available.
4. Canva — Best for Non-Designers Who Want Control
What it is: General-purpose design tool with App Store templates.
Why developers love it:
Limitations:
Best for: Developers who want more control than AI tools but less complexity than Figma.
Pricing: Free tier, Pro subscription available.
5. Screenshot Designer (by App Radar) — Best for ASO Focus
What it is: Screenshot tool built specifically for App Store Optimization.
Why developers love it:
Limitations:
Best for: Developers focused on conversion optimization.
Pricing: Part of App Radar subscription.
Comparison: Which Tool Should You Use?
| Tool | Speed | Quality | Learning Curve | Price |
|------|-------|---------|----------------|-------|
| Shotsy | ⚡ Fastest | ✅ High | 🟢 None | $$ |
| AppMockUp | Fast | Medium | Low | Free/$ |
| Previewed | Medium | High | Medium | Free/$ |
| Canva | Medium | Medium-High | Low-Medium | Free/$$ |
| Screenshot Designer | Medium | High | Medium | $$$ |
| Figma | Slow | Highest | High | Free/$$ |
My Honest Recommendation
If you want this done in 5 minutes: Use Shotsy. Seriously. Upload, describe, download. Done.
If you need 3D mockups: Previewed is your best bet.
If you want some control but not too much: Canva with App Store templates.
If you're launching multiple apps and want ASO tools: Screenshot Designer + App Radar.
If you're a designer or want to learn: Figma. But accept that you're investing time to learn a professional tool.
The Real Cost of "Free" Tools
Quick math that changed my perspective:
"Free" tools aren't free when you account for your time.
What About Using a Designer?
If you have budget, hiring a designer is great. But:
For established apps with marketing budgets, designers make sense. For indie developers testing ideas, it's often overkill.
How I Create Screenshots Now (My Actual Workflow)
Total time: 15 minutes.
Compare that to my old workflow:
Total time: 4+ hours.
FAQ: Common Questions About Figma Alternatives
"But won't my screenshots look worse?"
Honestly? Probably not. Most developer-made Figma screenshots have obvious design mistakes. A good template or AI tool produces more consistent results.
"What about custom branding?"
Most tools support custom colors and fonts. For truly custom designs, you might need Figma. But ask yourself: do your screenshots need to be that custom?
"Can I switch tools later?"
Yes. Screenshots are just images. You can remake them anytime. Don't overthink the tool choice—pick something and ship.
"What do successful indie developers use?"
I've asked 30+ indie developers making $10K+/month. The split:
Almost none spend more than 2 hours on screenshots.
The Bottom Line
Figma is a professional design tool. If you want to become a professional designer, learn it.
But if you just want professional-looking App Store screenshots so you can get back to coding, use a tool designed for that specific job.
Your time is valuable. Spend it building features, not fighting with layer panels.
Stop Wasting Hours on Screenshots
Join developers who create App Store screenshots in under 60 seconds.
Try Shotsy Free — No Credit Card