Start with an image that has one clear subject. Reaction faces, strange objects, simple screenshots, and high-contrast photos usually work better than crowded scenes.

If you are unsure, ask whether someone would understand the image as a small thumbnail. If the answer is yes, it is probably a good starting point.

Do not worry about finding a perfect image on the first try. The upload workflow is fast enough that you can test a few sources, compare the previews, and keep the one that reads best in the square format.

After uploading, use the scale and offset controls to place the important part of the image inside the square output. Small adjustments can change the whole feeling of the result.

Try one version that is close and expressive, then one version with more context. The better crop is usually the one that makes the subject clear fastest.

If the subject feels lost, increase the scale. If the image feels cramped, reduce the scale or shift the subject slightly. The goal is not to preserve the source image; it is to make the final card understandable.

The name is part of the upload. It gives the image context in the gallery, helps people remember it, and gives search engines a useful hint about what the creation contains.

Keep the title short and descriptive. A little personality is good, but the viewer should still know what they are looking at.

A simple subject-plus-mood title is a safe starting point. Tired cat, suspicious spreadsheet, midnight panic, or lobby stare all tell the viewer what to expect without over-explaining the joke.

Downloading saves the finished image for private use. Publishing adds it to the public gallery where other visitors can like, download, and browse it.

You need Steam login to publish because public uploads are tied to a stable creator identity. That identity helps enforce upload limits and keeps the shared gallery cleaner.

If you are new, download your first version before publishing. Seeing the file on its own helps you judge whether it still makes sense without the editor around it.

Before treating an upload as finished, look at it like a gallery visitor. Is the subject clear? Is the title useful? Would the image still be readable on mobile?

That final check catches most beginner mistakes. A tiny crop adjustment or better name can make the difference between a confusing upload and one people actually click, like, or download.