.SNP File Extension

Access Report Snapshot

An SNP file is a snapshot of a report created in Microsoft Access. It preserves the exact layout of an Access report, including all text, formatting, graphics, and data relationships, allowing the report to be viewed even without having Microsoft Access installed on the computer.

SNP files were introduced by Microsoft in the late 1990s as part of the Microsoft Office suite to solve the problem of sharing Access reports with users who didn't have Access installed. This format was most commonly used with Microsoft Access versions 97 through 2010.

How SNP Files Are Used

SNP files serve several practical purposes:

• Sharing database reports: Database administrators can distribute reports to colleagues or clients who don't have Access installed
• Preserving report layout: The snapshot maintains the exact appearance of the original report
• Archiving: Organizations use SNP files to keep static records of reports for future reference
• Distribution: They allow for wider distribution of Access-generated information without requiring Access licenses for all recipients

How to Open .SNP as Access Report Snapshot

The primary method to view SNP files is through Microsoft Snapshot Viewer, a free utility from Microsoft that was designed specifically for this purpose. Options for opening these files include:

1. Microsoft Snapshot Viewer: The official, free viewer application designed specifically for SNP files
2. Microsoft Access: All versions of Access that support the SNP format can open these files natively
3. Microsoft Office Document Imaging: Some versions can display SNP files

If you don't have the Snapshot Viewer installed, it can be downloaded from Microsoft's website or might be included with some Microsoft Office installations.

How to Convert an SNP File

SNP files can be converted to more common formats for easier sharing and long-term accessibility. Conversion options include:

• PDF: Using Microsoft Access, you can often re-export reports directly to PDF instead of SNP
• Image formats: Some utilities can convert SNP files to image formats like JPEG, PNG, or TIFF
• Print to PDF: Opening the SNP file in Snapshot Viewer and using a PDF printer driver
• Microsoft Office Document Imaging: This can sometimes be used to convert SNP files to TIFF format

Limitations and Considerations

When working with SNP files, keep in mind:

• They are primarily for viewing rather than editing
• Newer versions of Microsoft Office have reduced support for this format
• For modern applications, PDF has largely replaced SNP as the preferred format for sharing fixed-layout documents
• The Snapshot Viewer may require additional configuration on newer Windows operating systems

SNP files represent an older technology that, while still functional, has been largely superseded by more versatile and widely supported formats like PDF.

Applications That Open SNP Files

Windows Apps for SNP Files:

• Microsoft Access Free Trial

• Microsoft Snapshot Viewer

  Free