> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nuvolos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nuvolos.com/how-to-guides/common-workflows/snapshots.md).

# Snapshots

Snapshots are immutable, point-in-time copies of an instance's Current state. For the conceptual model of snapshots, distribution, and states, see [Concepts › Snapshots, distribution, and states](/concepts/distribution.md).

This section covers the practical actions you can perform with snapshots:

* [Create a snapshot](/how-to-guides/common-workflows/snapshots/create-a-snapshot.md) - save the Current state of an instance as an immutable record (quick or detailed).
* [Restore from a snapshot](/how-to-guides/common-workflows/snapshots/restore-a-snapshot.md) - replace the Current state of an instance with the contents of a snapshot, either in the same Instance or a different one. 
* [Delete a snapshot](/how-to-guides/common-workflows/snapshots/delete-a-snapshot.md) - permanently remove a snapshot to free up storage. 
* Distribute from a snapshot - push selected files, tables, or applications from a snapshot to another location using object distribution. This allows partial restores or sharing specific artefacts without overwriting an entire instance.