ShottieTo add a background to a screenshot, open it in the editor above, choose a backdrop, and download. The screenshot sits centred on the background with even padding, and you can pad to 16:9, 4:3, 1:1 or 4:5 without cropping anything.
How to add a background to a screenshot
- Open, drop or paste (⌘V) your screenshot into the editor.
- Pick a tile under Background, or use the last tile to choose any colour.
- Adjust padding so the background reads as a frame, not a border: 5–10% suits most captures.
- Set a ratio for where it's going, then download the PNG.
Choosing a background that doesn't fight the screenshot
The background's job is contrast. A few rules of thumb:
- Dark interface → light, soft backdrop. A pastel mesh like Bloom or Peach makes a dark window pop without a harsh edge.
- Light interface → deeper colour. Aurora, Midnight or Grape keep a white window from disappearing into the page.
- Lots of text → calmer backdrop. Save strong gradients for visual shots; text-heavy screenshots read better on a solid colour.
- Posting as a brand → your colour. The custom colour tile takes any hex value, so screenshots match your site or slides.
Gradient, mesh or solid?
| Backdrop | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh gradient | Social posts, launch images, product shots | Can compete with colourful interfaces |
| Linear gradient | Clean, bold framing; slides | Strong diagonals pull the eye to a corner |
| Solid colour | Docs, changelogs, help articles, brand posts | Pure white on a white page disappears; use mist |
| None (transparent) | Placing the screenshot on your own design later | JPG can't keep transparency; keep the PNG |
Padding and ratio, without cropping
Choosing a ratio grows the background to that shape; it never trims your screenshot. That's the difference between padding and cropping, and it matters for UI shots where the edges carry information, like a toolbar or a status bar. If you want a plain frame instead of a backdrop, add a border with a solid colour and a smaller padding.
The quick version
If you only need a nice default, the screenshot beautifier opens with a balanced backdrop, padding and shadow already set, so it's one drop and one download.
Why gradients sometimes band after you post
Most social platforms re-compress uploads as JPEG, and smooth gradients are where JPEG struggles: a clean fade can come back with visible stripes, called banding. Two things help. First, mid-tone gradients band less than deep, dark ones, so Bloom or Sky survive re-compression better than Midnight. Second, upload the PNG from this tool rather than a screenshot of it, so the platform starts from the cleanest possible source.
Light and dark mode screenshots
If you publish both light and dark versions of the same screen, give them the same backdrop so the pair reads as one set, and pick a backdrop with mid-tones that sit comfortably behind both. Mesh gradients like Bloom and Peach work well here; pure black or white backdrops only suit one of the two.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a background to a screenshot for free?
Open the screenshot in the editor on this page, pick a background tile and click Download PNG. It's free, needs no account and adds no watermark.
Can I use my own colour?
Yes. The last tile under Background opens a colour picker, so you can match a brand colour exactly.
Will adding a background crop my screenshot?
No. Ratios extend the background around the screenshot; the screenshot itself is never cropped or resized.
Can I add a background to a transparent PNG?
Yes. Transparent areas show the background through them, which works well for logos and UI elements.