# Primary screenshot (1280x800 or 640x400) is included

- **Pattern:** `ab-001351` (`extension-store-readiness.screenshot-docs.primary-screenshot`)
- **Severity:** high
- **Lifecycle:** active
- **Last modified:** 2026-04-18
- **Canonical URL:** https://auditbuffet.com/patterns/ab-001351
- **License:** CC-BY-4.0 — attribute to AuditBuffet Pattern Catalog (https://auditbuffet.com/patterns/ab-001351)

## Why it matters

Chrome Web Store requires at least one screenshot before an extension can go live; the store upload form blocks submission without one. Screenshots at the specified 1280x800 or 640x400 dimensions are how the majority of users decide whether to install — a missing screenshot means a blank listing that converts at near-zero. Store search results show the primary screenshot thumbnail as the visual hook; without it, your listing is invisible compared to competitors. The chrome-cws-screenshots policy treats this as a hard submission requirement.

## Severity rationale

High because zero screenshots block Chrome Web Store submission entirely and eliminate the primary visual conversion surface for potential installs.

## Remediation

Capture your extension's main UI or popup at exactly 1280x800 pixels (preferred) or 640x400 pixels, save as PNG, and place it in a `screenshots/` directory.

```
screenshots/
  screenshot-1.png   (1280x800)
  screenshot-2.png   (1280x800)
```

Show the extension in use — opened popup, options page, or injected UI on a real page. Avoid screenshots of a blank or loading state. On macOS, use Cmd+Shift+4 with a locked selection to capture at exact pixel dimensions, or use a browser devtools device emulation set to 1280x800.

## Detection

- **ID:** `primary-screenshot`
- **Severity:** `high`
- **What to look for:** Check for a `screenshots/` directory or similar asset directory. Look for at least one screenshot file with dimensions 1280x800 pixels (preferred for store listing display) or 640x400 pixels. Verify the file is a valid PNG or JPG image.
- **Pass criteria:** At least 1 screenshot exists with dimensions 1280x800 or 640x400 pixels. The image is a valid PNG or JPG. Count the total number of screenshots found.
- **Fail criteria:** 0 screenshot directories found, 0 screenshots present, or screenshot dimensions don't match 1280x800 or 640x400.
- **Skip (N/A) when:** Never — at least one screenshot is required for Chrome Web Store.
- **Detail on fail:** `"No screenshots directory found"` or `"Screenshot dimensions are 800x600 (should be 1280x800 or 640x400)"`.
- **Remediation:** Create a screenshot showing your extension's main UI or functionality:

  ```
  1. Open your extension's popup/options page
  2. Take a screenshot at 1280x800 resolution (or 640x400)
  3. Save as screenshots/screenshot-1.png
  4. Add to your project's public assets
  ```

  A good screenshot shows the extension in action, highlighting key features.

## External references

- external chrome-cws-screenshots — https://developer.chrome.com/docs/webstore/images/

Taxons: findability, regulatory-conformance

HTML version: https://auditbuffet.com/patterns/ab-001351