Frame a screenshot
- Start with a device showcase template or add a device frame.
- Replace the screenshot; adjust its fit, model, angle and background.
- Check the screen content, text and canvas edges, then export an image.
Lilacpane / App guide
Lilacpane app guide
Learn to create product visuals, screenshot mockups, framed photos and videos. Explore 19 app features, including templates, text, continuous canvases and batch export.
Choose a workflow
Create a framed photo
- Choose a decorative photo-frame template.
- Replace the photo and adjust its visible area and background.
- Set the canvas ratio for your destination and check the crop before exporting.
Make a collage, comparison or poster
- Choose a collage, comparison, tutorial or poster template.
- Replace images and text; adjust positions, layers and spacing.
- Check text readability at a small viewing size, then export.
Create a device-framed video
- Prepare an existing screen recording, then choose a device frame and layout.
- Use the recording as frame media; preview it and refine the background and text.
- Choose an available video format and size in Export.
Create a continuous canvas series
- Plan the ratio, content and ordering of the series.
- Arrange images, backgrounds and text on the continuous canvas; check split positions.
- Split into two or three images and check each edge and composition.
Save a project and keep editing
- Save your project once the basic layout is ready.
- Save a reusable composition as a custom template for future content.
- Use projects for further editing and exported images or videos for sharing.
Find a feature
Import images and recordings
Import screenshots, photos and existing screen recordings. The Mac image panel also accepts files, drops and pasted images.
Read the detailed steps ↓Video compositions
Place an existing recording in a device frame and combine backgrounds, text and layouts for a video showcase.
Read the detailed steps ↓Device frames
Choose iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac device frames, then adjust the model, colour, rotation and placement.
Read the detailed steps ↓Decorative photo frames
Place a photo in a decorative frame. Start with wood, metal and other template styles, replace the photo and edit your composition.
Object mockups
Use object frames and matching templates to present your content beyond device screens.
Templates and layouts
Start with showcases, multi-device layouts, collages, comparisons, tutorials, posters or photo stories, then replace the media and edit.
Read the detailed steps ↓Images and cropping
Add a separate image, replace or crop it, and adjust size, rotation, opacity, corners, border and shadow. Restore the full image after cropping.
Text and typography
Add titles and descriptions. Adjust font, size, colour, alignment and line spacing to fit your layout.
Read the detailed steps ↓Editable badges
Edit badge text, colours, shapes and styles to highlight a feature, step or key message.
Icons and decorations
Add icons and decorations. Adjust their placement, size and stacking alongside images and text.
Read the detailed steps ↓Backgrounds and smart colours
Choose solid colours, gradients, background artwork or your own image. Smart colour options help coordinate the background with your media.
Read the detailed steps ↓Canvas and borders
Adjust canvas ratio, corners and the composition border, including border style, colours, gradients and spacing.
Read the detailed steps ↓Placement, rotation and 3D tilt
Position and resize elements, rotate devices or change their 3D tilt, and arrange multi-device compositions.
Read the detailed steps ↓Layers and editing controls
Select and reorder layers to manage text, images, devices and decorations. The Mac workspace also provides undo and redo.
Multiple canvases and batch editing
Manage multiple canvases and apply consistent frame, background and layout adjustments across a set.
Read the detailed steps ↓Continuous canvas and splitting
Create a composition across a continuous canvas, then split it into 2 or 3 images for a connected presentation.
Image and video export
Export images as PNG or JPEG, and videos as MP4 (H.264) or MOV (HEVC). Choose the export size and a format for your use.
Read the detailed steps ↓Projects and custom templates
Save work for further editing, keep reusable designs as your own templates, and manage creations through work and project history.
iPhone, iPad and Mac workspaces
Use touch editing on mobile and the canvas, sidebar and inspector on Mac. Controls follow each platform’s workspace.
Read the detailed steps ↓No matching features
Detailed controls and reference ＋
Start with the quick guide, then explore the existing detailed instructions. Controls and options vary by platform and version; check current in-app purchases in the app.
APP GUIDE / COMPLETE REFERENCE
From first launch to a finished set
This reference mirrors the detailed guide inside the app. Start with the quick start, then use the directory to find the exact entry point, controls, PRO limits, and practical tips for each feature.
00 / INTERFACE MAP
Learn the five areas of the app first
The app guide starts with a map of the interface before opening each feature detail. This page keeps that overview so you always know where to find the next control.
01
Navigation bar
Settings, Guide, the top-right “+”, and Export. Add frames, text, or icons from “+”; save or share from Export.
02
Quick action bar
Save, Save As, Batch, Grid, Corner, Card, Snap, Play / Pause, Lock, and Smart Background. Order and visibility can be customized in Settings.
03
Batch strip
Appears above the canvas in Batch mode. Thumbnails switch canvases, “+” adds one, the arrow collapses or expands, and the trash icon removes the current canvas.
04
Canvas
The central editing area. Tap empty space to deselect, tap an element to edit, and drag, pinch, rotate, or corner-resize directly here.
05
Bottom toolbar
The main entry point for Add / Edit, Templates, Background, Ratio, and Canvas — used for importing media and tuning the composition.
01 / QUICK START
Quick start
Follow these 7 steps to make a basic mockup. The feature reference below covers the controls and edge cases in more detail.
- 1
Add a device frame
Tap the “+” in the top-right corner and choose “Device frame”. You can also add text or an icon.
- 2
Edit the device frame
Tap a frame on the canvas to drag, pinch, rotate with the handle, or resize from the corners.
- 3
Choose a screenshot
Tap “Add” in the bottom toolbar and choose the image you want to frame. Multiple selection is supported.
- 4
Apply a templatePRO
Tap “Templates” to apply a preset layout. Nine built-in templates are free; PRO unlocks all templates and custom saves.
- 5
Change the background
Tap “Background” to switch between solid color, gradient, and image options.
- 6
Try Smart BackgroundPRO
Generate coordinated color options from the current canvas; the full feature is PRO.
- 7
Export the result
Tap “Export” when ready. A 1280px long edge is free; larger long-edge tiers require PRO.
02 / REFERENCE
Feature guide
The order follows the guide inside the app. Select any item to jump to its detailed reference.
01
Device frames
Add iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch mockups and tune each frame independently.
Steps
- Tap “Templates” in the bottom toolbar to open the picker.
- Browse iPhone, iPad, Mac, MacBook, iMac, and Apple Watch categories.
- Choose a device and it appears on the canvas instantly.
- Drag to move and pinch to scale; select it to open the edit panel.
- Adjust 3D tilt, rotation, size, position, media, shadow, or deletion in the panel.
Supported devices
iPhone
iPhone 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 series.
iPad
iPad Pro 11 / 12.9, iPad mini, and iPad.
Mac
MacBook Pro / Air / Neo and iMac.
Apple Watch
Apple Watch face mockup.
Frame adjustments
3D tilt
Five direction presets (original / left / right / up / down) with 10–100% intensity; free.
Rotation
90° steps plus 1° fine adjustment for alignment.
Size
0.5–1.5x slider, 0.05 step; double-tap to reset to 1.0.
Position
Four direction buttons move the frame by 5pt per tap.
Media
Replace the photo or video inside the frame; drag and pinch the media.
Shadow
Four styles: none, soft, hard, and glow; each frame can be set independently.
Delete
Use the Delete button in the top-right of the panel and confirm a second time.
Tips
- Tilt and rotation controls appear only after selecting a frame.
- Each frame can be resized and repositioned independently.
- 3D tilt is free; select a frame to use it.
- You can drag a frame directly on the canvas; rotation near 90° snaps automatically.
- Shadow defaults follow Settings → Frame Defaults and can be overridden per frame.
- In Lock mode, double-tap a frame to reset the media offset and scale.
02
Canvas ratio
Change the canvas shape while keeping device frames, text, and icon positions in place.
Steps
- Tap “Ratio” in the bottom toolbar.
- Browse 30+ presets grouped as General, Landscape, and Portrait.
- Choose a ratio and the canvas updates immediately; PRO ratios can still be previewed.
- A PRO prompt appears only when you export a non-free ratio.
Free ratios
Screen
Follows the current device screen ratio and adapts the canvas.
1 : 1
Square canvas for social posts.
1242 : 2688
Exact iPhone 6.5-inch portrait spec for App Store visuals.
2048 : 2732
Exact iPad portrait spec for App Store visuals.
PRO ratios
LandscapePRO
16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 21:9, 32:9, and other wide ratios.
PortraitPRO
9:16, 2:3, 3:4, 9:21, 9:32, and other tall ratios.
Preview rulePRO
Non-free ratios can be previewed and applied; the upgrade prompt appears at export.
Content positionPRO
Switching the ratio keeps the canvas content position unchanged.
Tips
- Ratio changes the canvas shape; it does not automatically re-layout frames, text, or icons.
- Export sizes use the current ratio and the app’s long-edge tiers: 1280, 1920, 2556, and 3880.
- For a consistent series, choose the ratio before tuning margins and type.
03
Import photos and video
Fill device frames with media from Photos to create mockup presentations.
Steps
- Make sure the canvas has a device frame: apply a template or add one with the top-right “+”.
- Tap “Add” in the bottom toolbar; it changes to “Edit” once the canvas has media.
- Choose photos or video from Photos.
- Selected media fills frames in reading order, from left to right and top to bottom.
Supported media
Photos
Common formats such as PNG and JPEG.
Video
Import video and use its first frame as a static cover; export renders video frames.
Batch import
Select multiple files to fill multiple frames for batch editing.
Media controls
Drag to move
Select a frame and drag the image inside it.
Pinch to zoom
Pinch the media without changing the frame size.
Reset
In Lock mode, double-tap a frame to reset the media offset and scale.
Replace
Open the frame editor and use the Media tab to choose another photo or video.
Tips
- Without a device frame, Add will not open the album; add a frame first.
- A single selection is limited by the number of frames and a maximum of 20 media items.
- In batch import, the first photo fills the first frame at the top-left.
- Video shows a first-frame cover and is rendered frame by frame on export.
- If import fails, check Photos permission and supported PNG / JPEG / HEIC or video formats.
- Change Photos permission in Settings → Lilacpane → Photos.
04
Background
Fill the canvas with a color, gradient, image, or Smart Background.
Steps
- Tap “Background” in the bottom toolbar.
- Choose Color, Gradient, Image, or Smart Background from the four tabs.
- Choose an option and preview it live; preset solid colors are free.
- Check the PRO status of the selected background before exporting.
Background types
Color
Preset solids are free; custom picker colors can be previewed and require PRO at export.
GradientPRO
Two-color gradient with direction control; previewable, PRO at export.
ImagePRO
Built-in or Photos images fill the canvas; previewable, PRO at export.
Smart BackgroundPRO
Generates a theme from the canvas, with manual variants and auto-apply; PRO.
Tips
- Only preset solid colors are free; gradients, images, and custom colors require PRO at export.
- Custom images automatically fill the canvas edges without blank margins.
- Changing the background does not move device frames.
- Smart Background works best after you import media because it samples the current canvas.
05
Canvas settings
Use the Canvas sheet to adjust corner radius; the setting also applies to exports.
Steps
- Tap “Canvas” in the bottom toolbar.
- Drag Corner Radius from 0–120; the default is 24 with a step of 1.
- Tap Reset in the top-right to restore 24.
- The radius updates live on all four corners and remains active in image and video exports.
Corner radius
Range
0–120pt, default 24pt, one-point steps.
Reset
Restore the default 24pt radius in one tap.
Global setting
All canvases share one value; changes apply immediately and persist across canvases.
Templates
Applying a template does not overwrite your radius because it is global.
Tips
- One canvas can hold multiple device frames.
- Changing the background or ratio does not move frame positions.
- For a series, set the radius before starting batch work.
06
Canvas gestures
Tap, drag, pinch, rotate, and resize directly on the canvas with optional snapping.
Steps
- Tap an empty area to deselect and close an open sheet.
- Tap a frame, text, or icon to select it and open its editor.
- Drag a selected element; with Snap enabled it aligns to guides, other elements, or the canvas center.
- Select an element before pinching to scale it. Pinching without a selection has no effect.
- Drag the top rotation handle on a selected frame, text, or icon.
- Drag the corner handles on selected text or icons to resize them.
- Select a frame to drag or pinch the media inside it without changing the frame.
Basic operations
Tap empty area
Deselect and close an open sheet.
Tap an element
Select a frame, text, or icon and open its editor.
Drag
Move an element freely; Snap aligns it to guides, other elements, or center.
Pinch
Select first, then pinch to scale a frame, text, or icon.
Advanced gestures
Rotation handle
Drag the top handle with one finger; angles near 90° snap automatically.
Corner resize
Drag a text or icon corner; text changes font size and icons change dimensions.
Media inside a frame
Drag or pinch the image inside the frame without changing the frame.
Lock mode
Lock freezes frame position, scale, and rotation; media can still move and scale, and double-tap resets it.
Tips
- Use the top-right “+” to add frames, text, and icons.
- Cyan snapping feedback usually marks guides; purple marks element edges or canvas center.
- Snap sensitivity is Weak 4pt, Medium 8pt, or Strong 14pt.
- Lock mode still allows media drag and pinch.
- Pinching without a selected element does not scale canvas content.
07
Export and share
Export the canvas as an image or video, then save it to Photos or share it with another app.
Steps
- Tap “Export” in the navigation bar.
- Choose a long-edge size: 1280px is free; 1920 / 2556 / 3880px require PRO.
- Choose Share or Save to Photos.
- For a canvas containing video, choose MP4 (H.264) or MOV (HEVC) in Export; video export requires PRO.
Export options
1280
Default 1280px long edge; free.
1920 / 2556 / 3880PRO
Larger long-edge tiers; PRO.
Format
Choose PNG or JPEG for images, and MP4 (H.264) or MOV (HEVC) for videos.
Batch exportPRO
Export multiple canvases with one consistent style; PRO.
Tips
- Choose PNG or JPEG for images, and MP4 (H.264) or MOV (HEVC) for videos. Check the size and options shown in your current app version.
- Long edges above 1280px, video export, and batch export are PRO.
- Video export is fixed at 30fps.
- If one video export fails, the app falls back to a static image and shows a notice.
- Check corners, frames, type, and background before saving.
08
Edit text and icons
Edit the style of text and icons on the canvas; see Add elements for creating them.
Steps
- Use the top-right “+” to choose Text or Icon.
- Tap the new element on the canvas to open its editor.
- Tune font, size, color, alignment, opacity, rotation, and position.
- Drag, pinch, or use corner handles to resize the selected element.
Text controls
Content
Enter a title or subtitle.
Font
10 built-in fonts.
Weight
Five weights: thin, regular, medium, semibold, and bold; SF Pro only.
Font size
12–72pt slider.
Maximum width
0.1–1.0 of the canvas width to control wrapping.
Alignment
Left, center, or right.
Color
39 presets plus a picker, including 15 system colors.
Icon controls
Photo icon
Choose an image from Photos as icon content.
Badges
28 built-in badges such as PRO / VIP / NEW / HOT plus a custom badge maker.
Size
20–200 with linked width and height.
Corner radius
0 to half the size; available for non-badge icons.
LimitPRO
Text and icons are PRO: editable in preview, required at export.
Tips
- Keep titles to one or two lines for easier reading.
- Font size and color update in real time.
- Text and icons are PRO; non-subscribers can still preview and edit them.
09
Templates
Apply an existing layout or save the current canvas as your own template.
Steps
- Tap “Templates” in the bottom toolbar.
- Filter by All, Single device, Multiple devices, Copy, or My templates.
- Choose a template to apply its frames, background, text, and icon layout.
- Use Save As in the quick action bar for a new template; Save overwrites the current custom template.
Template actions
Apply
Templates rearrange frames; existing photos and video are kept and placed near the new frames.
Save As
Save the current canvas as a new template with a custom name.
Save
Overwrite the currently applied custom template only.
Template categories
Single / Double / Multiple device
Grouped by the number of device frames.
Copy
Templates containing text and icons without device frames.
My
Your saved custom templates.
Tips
- Built-in templates cannot be overwritten or deleted; use Save As for a copy.
- Free users get 9 built-in templates; PRO unlocks all templates.
- Templates save frame layout, text, icons, background, and ratio, but not the canvas media.
- Applying a template keeps existing media and places it near the new frames.
- Saving an empty canvas fails; add content first.
10
Add elements
Use the top-right “+” to add frames, text, or icons to the canvas.
Steps
- Tap the top-right “+” to open the add menu.
- Choose Device frame for a phone, tablet, or Mac.
- Choose Text for a title or subtitle.
- Choose Icon for a decorative icon.
- Select the new element to continue editing its style.
Element types
Device framePRO
Add a phone, tablet, or Mac frame.
TextPRO
Add a title or subtitle with a custom font.
IconPRO
Add a decorative icon or badge.
Canvas group sync
Background
Type, color, gradient, and image.
Canvas
Corner radius, ratio, device model, grid, and guides.
Frames
Position, size, rotation, tilt, flip, and shadow.
Layers
Text and icon layers.
Not synced
Each frame’s own photo or video does not sync between canvases.
Tips
- Adding elements and frames is PRO; preview is available, export requires PRO.
- Manually added frames start at the canvas center and may overlap; separate them manually.
- The listed layout properties sync across a canvas group on switch or export.
- Confirm before removing a canvas group.
11
Batch mode
Edit and export multiple canvases at once for a consistent product screenshot set.
Steps
- Tap Batch in the quick action bar.
- Select photos from the album; one import supports up to 20 and creates up to 20 canvases.
- Change one canvas; the layout syncs to all canvases when you switch or export.
- Use Batch Export to save everything at once; batch export is PRO.
What you can do
Batch import
Select multiple photos to generate multiple canvases.
Batch edit
Change one canvas and sync the layout on switch or export.
Batch exportPRO
Export all canvases with one consistent style; PRO.
Sync rules
Background
Type, color, gradient, and image.
Canvas
Corner radius, ratio, device model, grid, and guides.
Frames
Position, size, rotation, tilt, flip, and shadow.
Layers
Text and icon layers.
Media
Photos and video inside each frame do not sync.
Tips
- The batch strip appears above the canvas; tap a thumbnail to switch.
- Batch mode supports up to 20 canvases and up to 20 selected photos per import.
- Batch Export is PRO and is designed for consistent App Store screenshot sets.
- Remove canvases you no longer need from the batch group.
12
Settings
Personalize the app and manage language, export preferences, interface behavior, and PRO status.
Steps
- Open Settings from the gear icon in the navigation bar.
- Check PRO status at the top; active subscribers can open subscription management.
- Open Basic Preferences to manage language, export, interface, frame defaults, and resources.
- Use the App section to share, rate, or contact the team.
PRO status
Active
Shows subscription status and expiry; tap to manage the subscription.
Upgrade to PROPRO
Shows the purchase entry when inactive.
Basic preferences
Language
Choose the app interface language in its subpage.
Export settings
Image / video format, quality, long-edge size, and automatic deletion after export.
Interface
Haptics, snap sensitivity, quick action order and visibility, batch strip position, and hidden navigation in sheets.
Frame defaults
Default shadow style and card mode for new frames.
Resource management
Manage custom templates, colors, and gradients in one place.
Tips
- Preference changes take effect immediately.
- Customize quick action order and visibility in Interface → Quick Actions.
- PRO unlocks video export, batch export, custom ratios, and more.
- The filing number at the bottom links to the official lookup page.
13
Video
Place video inside device frames, preview it on the canvas, and export MP4 (H.264) or MOV (HEVC).
Steps
- As with photos, tap Add in the bottom toolbar; it shows Edit when the canvas already has media.
- Choose a video from Photos; it fills frames in reading order.
- The first frame becomes a static cover on the canvas.
- Tap a video frame to play or pause, or use the Play / Pause quick action.
- For a canvas containing video, choose MP4 (H.264) or MOV (HEVC); video export is PRO.
Video essentials
Import
Choose video from Photos and fill device frames automatically.
Play / Pause
Tap the video frame or use the quick action toggle.
First-frame cover
The first frame is used as the static canvas preview.
Video exportPRO
Rendered frame by frame as MP4 (H.264) or MOV (HEVC); PRO.
Notes
Export failure
A single failed video export falls back to a static image and shows a notice.
PRO limitPRO
Video and batch export are PRO; preview is available, export requires PRO.
Tips
- Video export is fixed at 30fps.
- The canvas initially shows the first frame; tap the frame to preview playback.
- If a single video export fails, the app saves a static image and shows a toast.
- Video export is PRO; non-subscribers can still preview and edit video.
Common questions
Why is my photo cropped?
Distinguish the canvas ratio from the photo position inside its frame. Adjust the visible area and zoom; check that important content stays within the opening.
Why does my export look blurry?
Check the source resolution and export size. A larger export cannot restore missing source detail. Also check whether the destination compresses images.
Why can’t I find the same button?
iPhone, iPad and Mac have different workspaces, and shortcuts may be customized. Look for the feature name and check the options in your current app version.
How do the web tools differ from the app?
The website offers six free tools: photo frames, image-size checks, format conversion, batch resizing, compression and long-image splitting. Images are processed locally in your browser. Device frames, video, layers, continuous canvases and project editing take place in the app.
Practical image guides
Prepare images for a website or sharing, then continue creating in Lilacpane.
Convert a transparent PNG to JPEG, or WebP to PNG
Convert PNG, JPEG and WebP in batches without resizing. Preserve transparency in PNG or WebP, or choose a JPEG background. Process locally and download a ZIP.
Reduce image file size, then check the result
Adjust JPEG or WebP quality and image dimensions. Compare previews and file sizes, then download images or a ZIP locally. PNG is supported; smaller files are not guaranteed.