How to Upload Screenshots Straight to App Store Connect (Pro): API Key, Versions and Replace

TL;DR

With AppShots Pro, add a Key ID, Issuer ID and .p8 in Settings, then use Upload to pick the app, an editable version, languages and sizes. Localizations are created or matched and existing screenshots can be replaced. It uploads screenshots only, not your app build.

The problem

Getting finished screenshots into App Store Connect by hand is a browser chore: open the app, pick the version, select each language, select each device size, drag each image into the right box, wait, repeat. With 20 languages it takes the better part of an hour and any slip puts an image in the wrong place. A ZIP and fastlane help, but need a toolchain.

What the upload does

From inside AppShots it sends the set to the editable version of your app, creates or matches each language localization, and puts screenshots into the right sets. You can choose whether to replace what’s there or add to it.

By default it uses Apple’s App Asset Library: each distinct file is uploaded once and then placed for every language that shows the same image, so identical screenshots across languages aren’t uploaded again. If that path is unavailable for your key or size, it falls back to the older screenshot sets.

Set up (once)

  1. In App Store Connect, go to Users and Access → Integrations → App Store Connect API and create a key with the App Manager or Admin role.
  2. Download the .p8 file (you can only download it once).
  3. In AppShots Settings, enter the Key ID and Issuer ID, and add the .p8. It’s stored in the Keychain.

Each upload

  1. In the project, choose Upload in the top bar.
  2. Pick the app, then an editable version. It must be in a state such as “Prepare for Submission”.
  3. Choose languages and device sizes.
  4. Decide on Replace existing screenshots (on by default) or append.
  5. Start. A progress view shows parallel uploads. If Apple rate-limits, the app backs off and continues.
  6. The order of each set is applied when the run finishes. Check App Store Connect afterwards.

Things to know

  • Screenshots only. It does not upload the build.
  • Replacing deletes first. With Replace on, existing content in that slot is removed before the new upload. Assets still used by a live version or other language are kept by Apple.
  • No editable version? Create one in App Store Connect first.
  • Mixed sizes: pages of different sizes go to their matching slots. See header and search artwork.
  • Pro required, on the Mac app.

FAQ

Does it upload my app? No. It uploads screenshots (and App Preview videos, header and search artwork), not the app binary. Uploading a build is a separate flow.

What role should the API key have? App Manager or Admin. The App Asset Library path needs Account Holder, Admin or App Manager.

Which version can I upload to? One that is editable, such as “Prepare for Submission”.

Where are my credentials kept? The key is stored in your Mac’s Keychain and used only to talk to Apple.

Is it free? Uploading is a Pro feature. Exporting a ZIP is free.

The app AppShots →