SNP File – What is .snp file and how to open it?

SNP File Structure and Components

An SNP file is a data file created by Microsoft Access, a relational database management system. It stores a snapshot of an Access report, preserving the report’s layout, data, and formatting. SNP files are commonly used for sharing and archival purposes, allowing users to easily distribute and view reports without requiring the original Access database file.

SNP files consist of a header section, followed by a data section and a trailer section. The header section contains information about the report, such as the report name, the database name, and the date and time the snapshot was created. The data section contains the actual report data, including field values, formatting, and calculated expressions. The trailer section contains additional information, such as the number of records in the report and the number of pages printed.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Access

• Step 1: Launch your Microsoft Access database.
• Step 2: Click on “File” > “Open.”
• Step 3: In the “Files of type” drop-down menu, select “Report Snapshots.”
• Step 4: Navigate to the .SNP file and click “Open.”
• Step 5: The report snapshot will open in a new window.

This method is suitable for opening SNP files that were created using Microsoft Access. It allows you to view the report’s data and formatting exactly as it was designed. However, it requires you to have Microsoft Access installed on your computer.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Tool

If you do not have Microsoft Access installed, you can use third-party tools to open SNP files. One such tool is SNP Viewer.

• Step 1: Download and install SNP Viewer from a reputable software repository.
• Step 2: Launch SNP Viewer.
• Step 3: Click on “File” > “Open.”
• Step 4: Navigate to the .SNP file and click “Open.”
• Step 5: The report snapshot will open in the SNP Viewer window.

SNP Viewer provides a limited set of features compared to Microsoft Access, but it allows you to view the data and formatting of report snapshots without the need for the full Access software.

SNP File Format: Snapshot of Database Queries

An SNP file, with the file extension .SNP, is a snapshot of a Microsoft Access report that includes the data and formatting of the report as it appeared at the time it was saved. SNP files are created using the “Save As” command in Access and can be reopened to view and edit the report without having to open the original Access database. This makes SNP files convenient for sharing and distributing reports with others who may not have access to the original database.

Benefits and Usage of SNP Files

SNP files offer several advantages:

• Data Preservation: SNP files capture a snapshot of the data in the report at the time of creation, preserving the data and formatting even if the underlying database is modified or updated.
• Portability: SNP files can be easily shared and distributed with others, allowing them to view and edit the report without requiring access to the original database.
• Simplified Access: SNP files can be opened and edited using Microsoft Access or other compatible applications, making it convenient for users to update and modify reports without opening the database.

SNP files are commonly used by users who need to share reports with colleagues, clients, or other stakeholders who may not have access to the original database. They are also useful for archiving reports or creating snapshots of data for historical reference or analysis.

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