Manual Image Upload

While PressPlay offers AI-powered generation for icons, feature graphics, and descriptions, you can also manually upload assets for any asset type. This is useful when you have professionally designed assets, want to test specific creative concepts, or need to upload asset types that don't support AI generation (screenshots, videos, multi-asset experiments).

Supported Asset Types for Manual Upload

You can manually upload files for:

• App Icons (IC) - Also supports AI generation

• Feature Graphics (FG) - Also supports AI generation

• Short Descriptions (SD) - Also supports AI generation

• Long Descriptions (LD) - Also supports AI generation

• Screenshots (SS) - Manual upload only (use Screenshot Order Experiments for automated ordering)

• Promo Videos (PV) - Manual upload only

• Multi-Asset (MULTI_ASSET) - Manual setup only for coordinated multi-asset experiments

Overview

Manual image upload allows you to:

• Test custom-designed icons and feature graphics

• Upload professionally created assets

• Maintain brand consistency in experiments

• Test specific design concepts or variations

• Use assets created by your design team

Technical Requirements

App Icons (IC)

Dimensions:

• Exactly 512px × 512px (no exceptions)

• Square aspect ratio (1:1)

File Format:

• PNG (preferred) or JPEG

• 32-bit PNG with alpha channel supported

• RGB color mode (not CMYK)

File Size:

• Maximum 1MB

• Recommended: 100-300KB for optimal loading

Design Considerations:

• Google Play applies circular or rounded square mask

• Avoid placing critical elements in corners (may be cropped)

• No transparency required (will be masked automatically)

• Design for both light and dark backgrounds

• Ensure legibility at small sizes (48×48px display size common)

Feature Graphics (FG)

Dimensions:

• Exactly 1024px × 500px

• Aspect ratio: 2.048:1

File Format:

• PNG (preferred) or JPEG

• 24-bit PNG or RGB JPEG

• No transparency supported

File Size:

• Maximum 1MB

• Recommended: 200-500KB

Design Considerations:

• Google Play adds rounded corners automatically

• Keep important content away from edges (20px safe margin)

• Text should be large enough to read on mobile devices

• Avoid excessive text (images convey more than words)

• Design should work without app icon overlay

Screenshots

Dimensions:

• Minimum: 320px on shortest side

• Maximum: 3840px on longest side

• Aspect ratio: Between 16:9 and 9:16

Common Sizes:

• Phone: 1080×1920px (portrait) or 1920×1080px (landscape)

• Tablet: 1536×2048px or 2048×1536px

• Most common: 1242×2208px (iPhone aspect ratio, works on Android)

File Format:

• PNG or JPEG

• PNG recommended for UI screenshots

• JPEG acceptable for photographic content

File Size:

• Maximum 8MB per screenshot

• Recommended: 500KB-2MB per screenshot

Preparing Images for Upload

Design Guidelines

Icons:

• Use consistent style across your app family

• Ensure strong contrast for visibility in store

• Test how icon looks at multiple sizes

• Consider color psychology for your category

• Make icon distinctive from competitors

Feature Graphics:

• Highlight key benefit or value proposition

• Use high-quality images (not pixelated or blurry)

• Include minimal text (3-7 words maximum)

• Ensure text contrasts with background

• Align with overall brand identity

Screenshots:

• Show actual app interface (not mockups)

• Use real or realistic sample data

• Add text captions to explain features

• Keep UI elements crisp and clear

• Crop out unnecessary chrome or navigation

File Optimization

Optimize images before uploading:

1. Resize to exact dimensions: Use tools like Photoshop, GIMP, or online resizers

2. Compress files: Use TinyPNG, ImageOptim, or similar tools

3. Check file size: Ensure under maximum limits

4. Verify color mode: Convert to RGB if needed

5. Test visibility: Preview at actual display sizes

Uploading Images

During Experiment Creation

Upload images when creating a manual experiment:

1. Start experiment creation

   • Navigate to Create → Manual Experiment

   • Select asset type (IC, FG, or Screenshots)

2. Reach asset upload step

   • After configuring settings and hypothesis

   • PressPlay shows upload interface

3. Upload file

   • Click "Upload Image" or "Choose File"

   • Select file from your computer

   • Wait for upload progress bar to complete

4. Verify preview

   • PressPlay shows preview of uploaded image

   • Check that image appears correctly

   • Ensure no corruption or errors

5. Add to experiment

   • Confirm image meets requirements

   • Assign to variant (if testing multiple)

   • Continue with experiment creation

Bulk Upload

Upload multiple images at once for screenshot experiments:

1. Select all screenshot files on your computer (Cmd/Ctrl+Click)

2. Drag and drop onto PressPlay upload area

3. PressPlay uploads all files simultaneously

4. Arrange uploaded screenshots in desired order

5. Assign to appropriate experiment variants

Upload from Library

Reuse previously uploaded assets:

1. In upload step, click "Choose from Library"

2. Browse previously uploaded images

3. Filter by asset type, date, or experiment

4. Select image to add to current experiment

5. No need to re-upload

Promo Video Requirements

Technical Specifications

• Duration: Maximum 30 seconds

• Format: MP4 or MOV

• Resolution: Minimum 720p (1280x720), recommended 1080p (1920x1080)

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 landscape

• File Size: Maximum 100 MB

• Frame Rate: 24-60 fps

• Audio: Optional (design for sound-off viewing)

Upload Process

1. Navigate to Create Experiment

2. Select Promo Video (PV) as asset type

3. Choose your CSL and locale

4. Upload your video file (must meet specs above)

5. Add experiment details (name, hypothesis, priority)

6. Review and create experiment

Best Practices

• Hook viewers in first 3 seconds (auto-plays without sound)

• Include text overlays for key messages

• Show actual app UI and functionality

• Keep it simple - 30 seconds goes fast

• Test on mobile device before uploading

Multi-Asset Experiments

Multi-asset experiments allow you to test coordinated changes across multiple asset types simultaneously. This is useful for major rebrands, seasonal themes, or when you want to test a cohesive design concept.

When to Use Multi-Asset

• Rebranding: Test new brand identity across all assets

• Seasonal campaigns: Holiday or event-themed store listings

• Major redesigns: Coordinated visual refresh

• Thematic consistency: Ensure all assets tell same story

Upload Process

1. Navigate to Create Experiment

2. Select Multi-Asset (MULTI_ASSET) as experiment type

3. Upload assets for each asset type you want to test

4. Ensure visual consistency across all assets

5. Set longer experiment duration (multi-asset tests need more data)

6. Review and create experiment

Important Considerations

• Statistical power: Requires more traffic to reach significance

• Attribution: Harder to know which asset drove results

• Use sparingly: Reserve for major strategic changes

• Run longer: Allow 3-4 weeks minimum for reliable results

Upload Troubleshooting

Common Upload Errors

Error: "Invalid dimensions"

• Cause: Image is not exactly the required size

• Solution: Resize image to exact specifications (e.g., 512×512px for icons)

• Tool: Use Photoshop, GIMP, or online image resizer

Error: "File too large"

• Cause: Image exceeds maximum file size

• Solution: Compress image using TinyPNG or similar tool

• Alternative: Save as JPEG instead of PNG (if appropriate)

Error: "Invalid file format"

• Cause: File is not PNG or JPEG

• Solution: Convert image to PNG or JPEG format

• Note: GIF, BMP, TIFF, and other formats are not supported

Error: "Upload failed"

• Cause: Network issue or temporary server problem

• Solution: Check internet connection and try again

• Workaround: Try smaller file or different browser

Error: "Invalid color mode"

• Cause: Image is in CMYK or other non-RGB mode

• Solution: Convert to RGB mode in image editor

• Tip: Most web images should be RGB by default

Quality Issues

Blurry preview:

• Check source image resolution

• Ensure image wasn't upscaled from smaller size

• Re-export at higher quality settings

Colors look different:

• Verify RGB color mode (not CMYK)

• Check color profile (sRGB recommended)

• Preview on different devices for consistency

Image appears cropped:

• Icons: Remember Google Play applies circular mask

• Feature graphics: Keep critical content away from edges

• Use safe zones in your design

Managing Uploaded Images

Image Library

PressPlay maintains a library of all uploaded images:

• View all assets: Access from Settings → Asset Library

• Filter and search: Find specific images by name, type, or date

• Preview images: Click any image to see full preview

• See usage: View which experiments use each image

• Delete unused: Remove old images no longer needed

Organizing Assets

Best practices for asset management:

• Consistent naming: Use descriptive filenames (e.g., "icon-blue-v2.png")

• Version control: Include version numbers for iterations

• Tag assets: Use tags to categorize by theme or campaign

• Regular cleanup: Archive or delete old, unused assets

• Document decisions: Note why certain assets were created

Best Practices

Before Upload

• Double-check dimensions: Verify exact pixel dimensions

• Test on device: Preview how assets look on actual Android devices

• Get approval: Ensure design and legal teams have reviewed

• Optimize files: Compress to reduce upload time and storage

• Keep backups: Save source files and high-res versions

During Upload

• Use stable connection: Avoid uploading on spotty WiFi

• Upload one at a time: Reduces chance of errors (except screenshots)

• Verify previews: Always check preview before continuing

• Name meaningfully: Use descriptive names for future reference

After Upload

• Preview in context: See how image looks in full store listing mockup

• Test across devices: Check various screen sizes and resolutions

• Get feedback: Share with team before deploying experiment

• Document variants: Note what's being tested and why

Advanced Tips

Design Tools

Recommended tools for creating store assets:

• Adobe Photoshop: Professional standard, precise control

• Figma: Collaborative design, great for teams

• Sketch: Mac-only, popular for UI design

• Canva: User-friendly, template-based (good for non-designers)

• GIMP: Free alternative to Photoshop

Templates and Mockups

Use templates to speed up asset creation:

• Create master template files with safe zones marked

• Include Google Play icon masks as guides

• Set up proper dimensions and color profiles

• Share templates with team for consistency

• Use mockup generators to preview in store context

A/B Testing Design Variations

When creating variants for testing:

• Test one variable: Change color OR layout, not both

• Make differences obvious: Subtle changes rarely show significant results

• Keep brand consistent: Don't deviate too far from brand guidelines

• Consider context: How assets look in search vs. listing page

• Think mobile-first: Most users see assets on small screens

Compliance and Guidelines

Google Play Policies

Ensure uploaded assets comply with policies:

• No misleading imagery: Assets must represent actual app

• No prohibited content: Check Google Play content policies

• No competitor logos: Don't reference other apps without permission

• Age-appropriate: Match your app's content rating

• No excessive text: Feature graphics should be primarily visual

Legal Considerations

• Ensure you have rights to all images used

• Don't use stock photos without proper license

• Get model releases for photos of people

• Respect trademark and copyright

• Follow advertising regulations in target markets

Related Articles

• Understanding Asset Types - Learn about all 7 asset types (IC, FG, SD, LD, SS, PV, MULTI_ASSET)

• Creating Manual Experiments - Use uploaded assets in experiments

• AI-Generated Experiments - Alternative to manual upload

• Multi-Locale Testing - Upload assets for different markets