A Snapshot is a read-only copy of an Application at a specific point in time. It includes all the Application's Blocks, data, and Boards, preserving them exactly as they were when the Snapshot was created.
Access and permissions
⚠️ Important
Members must have an account type of Builder or higher, along with the Display Application permission for the Application, to be able to take a Snapshot.
When to use a Snapshot
Snapshots preserve your model at a specific point in time, creating a historical record that you can reference later. They are particularly useful before making significant model changes, in case an unexpected issue arises, or after important meetings and planning cycles to retain an accurate record of reported figures.
When you open a Snapshot, you can explore historical data, formulas, and Application settings, and drill down into details as they existed when the Snapshot was created. This view is only available when you open the Snapshot directly. Historical formulas cannot be viewed when comparing Snapshots with Scenarios.
Before you begin
Consider these factors when creating or using Snapshots:
Snapshots create a frozen record of an Application. Formulas, data, Boards, and Blocks become static, except for Security folder Blocks used to manage access. For more information, see Manage access rights and permissions in a Snapshot.
Snapshots cannot be modified after creation. Formulas, figures, and the switchover date cannot be adjusted within a Snapshot.
Snapshots do not include future changes. Items added to Lists after a Snapshot is created are not visible in the Snapshot.
ℹ️ Note
As of June 4, we are rolling out changes to Snapshot reporting. If you have any questions about your Snapshot limits, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager.
Create a Snapshot
Create Snapshots at the Workspace or Application level. Each Snapshot can include multiple Applications.
Depending on the size of the selected Applications, Snapshot creation can take several minutes. You cannot edit an Application while its Snapshot is being created.
You can create a Snapshot immediately or schedule a one-time Snapshot:
Use Create Snapshot now to instantly Snapshot the selected Applications.
Use Schedule Snapshot for later to schedule a one-time Snapshot up to three days in advance. You cannot set up a recurring scheduled Snapshot.
⚠️ Important
If another operation is in progress when a scheduled Snapshot starts, such as a Snapshot, T&D deployment, or Application duplication, the Snapshot will fail. You will receive a notification indicating whether the Snapshot succeeded or failed.
Create a Workspace Snapshot
To create a Snapshot from the Workspace homepage:
In the top-right corner, select the Snapshot button (camera symbol).
In the Configure Snapshot pane, enter a unique name for your Snapshot in Snapshot Name. By default, the Snapshot name is the date on which it was created.
From the Applications drop-down menu, select the Applications you want to include in the Snapshot.
⚠️ Important
When creating a Snapshot, dependent Blocks from unselected Applications are automatically included if they are referenced by the selected Applications.
Regularly review and delete unused Snapshots to maintain Workspace hygiene. For more information about storage, see Manage Workspace Storage
(Optional) If Scenarios are activated for the selected Application, select the Scenarios you want to include in the Snapshot from the Scenarios drop-down menu. The default Scenario is always included to ensure Snapshot compatibility with all Metrics. Only shared Scenario data can be included in Snapshots containing more than one Application.
Use one of the following options to take a Snapshot:
Select Create Snapshot now to instantly Snapshot the selected Applications.
Select Schedule Snapshot for later to schedule a one-time Snapshot, then select a date and time. You can schedule a Snapshot up to three days in advance. Recurring scheduled Snapshots are not supported.
Select Next step: Review Snapshot to review the data that will be included in the Snapshot:
Applications. Lists the selected Applications whose data will be included in the Snapshot.
Dependencies. Lists the Blocks from other Applications that are referenced by formulas in the selected Applications and will be included in the Snapshot.
Scenarios. Lists the Scenario data that will be included in the Snapshot.
When the Snapshot will start. Appears only for scheduled Snapshots and lists the date and time the Snapshot is scheduled to run.
Select Create Snapshot, then Yes, Proceed to confirm.
Refresh the page to check the Snapshot status. You will also receive a sidebar notification when the Snapshot is complete.
Create an Application Snapshot
To create a Snapshot from an Application:
Open the Application.
From the sidebar, select History.
Select the Snapshots tab.
Select + Create a Snapshot in the top-right corner. If no Snapshots exist, select + Create a Snapshot in the center of the page.
Follow steps 2 - 7 in Create a Workspace Snapshot to create the Snapshot.
Cancel a Snapshot
A progress bar indicates the status of Snapshot creation. If you created the Snapshot, you can cancel it at any time by selecting the Delete symbol next to the Snapshot name.