What is a snapshot?

A snapshot is a read-only file in a binary format that stores the complete information of a database schema. It can be used as a data source in ApexSQL Diff.

The ApexSQL Snapshot utility enables creating snapshots without ApexSQL Diff. The utility is free and can be installed on multiple remote sites. It can be used in the following scenarios:

1. To synchronize two or more disconnected databases
2. To transfer the schema changes from a development database to client databases when a client database is not accessible
3. To capture and store a remote database schema
4. To load a snapshot of a remote database schema into a source control system

Where can I download the ApexSQL Snapshot utility?

The ApexSQL Snapshot utility can be acquired from the ApexSQL download page as the standalone installer, or it can be accessed as a free feature in ApexSQL Diff.

Using ApexSQL Snapshot utility

In order to create snapshot using ApexSQL Snapshot utility, start the utility and after selecting the server, setting the connection options, and selecting the database for which the snapshot will be created, the Create button can be clicked on.