How to Create SaaS Hero Images That Convert

Your hero image has 3 seconds to convince visitors to keep scrolling.

Most SaaS landing pages waste this opportunity with generic stock photos or raw screenshots. Here's how to do better.

Why Hero Images Matter

The hero section is "above the fold"—visible without scrolling. Studies show:

• 57% of viewing time is spent above the fold
• Hero images affect bounce rate more than any other element
• Product-focused heroes outperform generic imagery

A great hero image answers: "What does this product actually do?"

The 3 Types of SaaS Hero Images

1. Product Screenshot in Device Frame

The most effective approach for most SaaS products.

Best for: Web apps, dashboards, tools with visual interfaces How to do it:

• Take a screenshot of your best feature or overview
• Place it in a browser or laptop frame
• Add a subtle background (gradient or solid color)
• Ensure it's readable at the hero size

2. Multi-Device Composition

Shows your product works across platforms.

Best for: Products with mobile apps, responsive tools, cross-platform software How to do it:

• Combine laptop, tablet, and phone frames
• Show the same product on each device
• Use depth and layering to create visual interest
• Keep backgrounds consistent

3. Floating UI Elements

Deconstructed interface elements that feel dynamic.

Best for: Design tools, no-code builders, complex products How to do it:

• Extract key UI components from your product
• Arrange them in a floating, 3D-style layout
• Add shadows and depth
• Keep it clean—don't overdo it

Technical Specifications

Desktop hero images:

• 1920 x 1080 pixels minimum
• Export at 2x (3840 x 2160) for retina
• Keep file size under 500KB (optimize with WebP)

Responsive considerations:

• Create separate mobile versions
• Key content should be visible at 375px wide
• Test on actual devices

What Makes Hero Images Convert

Show the Actual Product

Visitors want to see what they're signing up for. Stock photos of happy office workers don't tell them anything.

Focus on One Key Feature

Don't show every feature. Pick your most impressive capability and make it the star.

Use Realistic Data

Dummy data with "Lorem ipsum" looks fake. Use realistic-looking (but fake) content that helps visitors imagine using the product.

Match Your Brand

Colors, style, and vibe should match your overall brand identity. Inconsistency creates distrust.

Make It Skimmable

Visitors won't study your hero image. Key information should be apparent at a glance.

Common Hero Image Mistakes

Raw screenshots without context

Floating screenshots look unfinished. Add device frames and backgrounds.

Too much complexity

Showing your entire app creates confusion. Crop to the important parts.

Low resolution

Blurry images signal low-quality product. Always export at 2x minimum.

Stock photos

Generic imagery doesn't communicate what your product does.

Outdated UI

Nothing kills trust faster than a hero showing an old version of your product.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify your best view - What screenshot best represents your product's value?

2. Clean up the UI - Hide notifications, use good dummy data

3. Take a high-res screenshot - Higher than you think you need

4. Add device frame - Browser, laptop, or phone depending on product type

5. Choose background - Gradient that complements your brand

6. Add depth - Subtle shadows make it pop

7. Export and optimize - 2x resolution, WebP format, under 500KB

A/B Testing Your Hero

Don't guess—test. Try variations of:

• Different product screenshots
• Various device frames
• Multiple background colors
• With and without text overlays

Even small hero image changes can impact conversion by 10-20%.

Related Reading

• How to Display Screenshots on Your SaaS Landing Page - Landing page best practices
• The Complete Guide to Browser Mockups for Web Apps - Browser frame details
• 7 Screenshot Mistakes That Make Your Product Look Amateur - Common mistakes to avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should a SaaS hero image be?

For desktop, use 1920 x 1080 pixels minimum. Export at 2x resolution (3840 x 2160) for crisp display on retina screens. Optimize file size to under 500KB using WebP format.

Should I show my actual product in the hero?

Yes. Product-focused hero images outperform generic stock photos. Visitors want to see what they're signing up for. Show your actual UI in a device frame with a clean background.

How do I make my hero image load fast?

Use WebP format, compress images without visible quality loss, and consider lazy loading for below-fold images. Hero images should be under 500KB for fast initial load.

Should I use a static image or animation?

Static images load faster and work everywhere. Animations (GIFs, videos) can showcase features but hurt performance. Test both—often a well-chosen static image wins.

Conclusion

Your hero image is your landing page's first impression. A polished product mockup builds trust and shows visitors exactly what they're getting.

Invest the time to get it right. The ROI is worth it.