# Create a snapshot

A snapshot captures the complete current state of an [instance](https://docs.nuvolos.com/nuvolos-basic-concepts/organisational-hierarchy#instances) — files, tables, and application configurations — as an immutable, time-stamped record. For background on what snapshots are, see [Snapshots](https://docs.nuvolos.com/features/nuvolos-basic-concepts/snapshots).

{% hint style="info" %}
There are two types of snapshots that the user can create:

* **Quick snapshot:** represents a quick option to snapshot the current state of an instance, the name of the snapshot is the timestamp of creation.
* **Detailed snapshot:** a snapshot with a user-provided description and a summary of what will be the next work phase in the current state.
  {% endhint %}

## **Create a quick snapshot**

1. Navigate to the space containing the instance.
2. Make sure you are viewing the current state of an instance.
3. From the left sidebar, hover on the camera icon and click on **QUICK SNAPSHOT**.

## Create a detailed snapshot

1. Navigate to the space containing the instance.
2. Make sure you are viewing the current state of an instance.
3. From the left sidebar, hover on the camera icon and click on **TAKE SNAPSHOT AND DESCRIBE**.
4. Fill in the snapshot name and description form. Snapshot names need to be unique in an instance.
5. Click **+ ADD SNAPSHOT**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Snapshots are created almost instantaneously. Make sure to refresh the page before creating another snapshot.
{% endhint %}