You've spent time perfecting a web interface or application. Yet, when it comes time to showcase it, a simple screenshot can sometimes make it lose its appeal. Placed as is in an article or presentation, it remains rather flat. With Shots.so, you can add more depth to this visual. This online tool works directly within your Sailor and transforms your capture into a mockup. However, you don't need to install anything or create an account to get started. Let's see together what you can actually do with the free version of shots.so.
What kind of visual result can be achieved with Shots.so?
If you're showcasing a website, you can place your screenshot in a browser frame. You can even change the URL displayed in the address bar. If it's a mobile app, you can choose between a smartphone or tablet interface.
You can also choose how your device appears. A front view gives a fairly simple result. Tilting it adds more depth. And if you need to display several screenshots at once, there's no need to create three separate images. Simply use the stacking mode to stylishly overlay them on the same screen.
For the backgroundIt's up to you. Choose your background from gradients, colors matching the image, or PNG transparency. Then export your high-definition file for immediate use without any editing.
How to create your first free mockup?
Step 1: Import your capture
From the Shots.so canvas, drag your screenshot in the workspace. The image is automatically added to the project.
Step 2: Choose the device
Open the frame options, then select the one that best suits your content. A website screenshot will work best with a browser, while a mobile interface will look best on a smartphone or tablet.
Step 3: Adjust the position
Use the anchor matrix to quickly position the capture where you want it. For pixel-perfect adjustments, directly enter the X and Y axis values.
Step 4: Refine the presentation
Select Sharp, Curved, or Round to define the shape of the corners. Then add a Soft or Hard shadow and adjust its opacity to achieve the desired intensity.
Step 5: Adjust the dimensions
Choose a format according to the intended use of the image. You will find the classic 16:9 and 4:3, but also predefined dimensions for LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
Step 6: Work on the background
In Magic Backgrounds, let the tool create a background based on the five dominant colors in your screenshot. A practical solution if you don't want to manually select each hue.
Step 7: Retrieve the result
Your composition is complete. Export it as a high-resolution PNG or use the copy option to place it directly into the clipboard.
What exactly do you get with Shots.so for free?
For a free tool, Shots.so is remarkably generous. You'll enjoy a frictionless user experience. No account creation, no credit card required, and no restrictions on the number of static images you can create. Most importantly, your exports are watermark-free. They're also available in high definition, uncompressed, with files ranging from 2 to 3 MB.
On the catalogue side, you have direct access to a complete selection of equipment:
- Monitors and computers: MacBook, iMac, Apple Pro Display XDR or generic laptops
- Mobile phones and watches: recent iPhone ranges, Android devices, iPad and Apple Watch Ultra
- Web browsers: Chrome, Safari, and Arc windows, with switching between light and dark themes
To enhance the background, you also have several options. Choose from themed gradients (Mystic, Cosmic, Vintage). You can also apply an official macOS background. Finally, the Noise slider adds texture to your background, depending on the desired effect.
When should you consider the paid option (or change tools)?
The free version covers most of your web publications, blog articles, and client presentations. However, you'll quickly reach its limits if you have specific technical needs:
- Video and animation: smooth zooms and dynamic transitions require the Pro subscription. This also applies to 2K or 4K video exports at 60 fps.
- App stores: Shots.so is not designed to generate standardized promotional screen sequences for the App Store or Google Play
- The lack of advanced settings: you won't find a color picker. There's also no manual adjustment for gradient angles.
- Millimeter-precise adjustment: margins and borders are aligned entirely by eye. Therefore, you cannot enter precise pixel values.
Our review of Shots.so
For your everyday communication and illustration needs, the free version of Shots.so already ticks all the boxes. It saves you the hassle of Photoshop templates and gives you a clean result in minutes. For quickly enhancing an interface, it's hard to ask for much more from a free tool.
