Snap files are Snapplify’s proprietary format for ingesting, protecting with DRM, and delivering interactive content via the Snapplify Reader app. These files support HTML, JavaScript, audio, and video, and are designed to function seamlessly within a web view or browser environment.


Offline Access: Once downloaded, Snap files can be used fully offline within the Snapplify Reader app.


To ensure compatibility and performance, your content must meet the specifications outlined below.


Snap File Specifications

SpecificationRequirement
File formatZIP file
File extension.snap (rename the .zip file to .snap)
File nameISBN.snap (e.g. 9781234567890.snap)
Root folderMust include index.html or index.htm
Folder structureLogical folder structure with correctly referenced content


Preparing Your Snap File

Optimise all embedded assets (especially video and image files) to reduce the final Snap file size.


JavaScript Linking Restrictions

  • iOS webviews do not support JavaScript links or redirects.

  • Use standard HTML links to ensure full cross-platform functionality.

Recommended Media Formats

  • Video: MP4 (Baseline Profile)

  • Audio: MP3

We recommend the following formats be used for video and audio files, to ensure they work across platforms:

  • Video- MP4 in Baseline Profile
  • Audio- MP3
To maintain consistent video control displays across platforms, use a JavaScript-based video component for playback.

Refer to our Best Practices for Embedding Media, PDFs, and Images in Snap Files for detailed media integration guidance.


Testing Your Snap File

Before submission, thoroughly test the Snap file to confirm all interactive content and links function as expected:

  • Open index.html or index.htm in Google Chrome.

  • Press F11 to enter full-screen mode.

  • Navigate through the content, checking all links, interactivity, and media playback.

Packaging Your Snap File

To package your content as a Snap file:

  1. Prepare your folder containing all required content, including index.html or index.htm.

  2. Select all files and folders, right-click, and compress them into a .zip file.

  3. Rename the .zip file extension to .snap.

  4. Confirm the filename follows the format: ISBN.snap.

⚠️ Without an index.html or index.htm file is at the root level, the Snap file will not open.


Uploading to Snapplify

  1. When uploading your Snap file to the Snapplify CMS, ensure the following:

    • Upload the .snap file as you would a PDF or ePUB.

    • Upload the metadata file associated with your Snap content.

    • Upload the jacket image associated with your Snap file.

  2. Ensure that you upload a jacket image associated with your Snap file.

Next Steps:
Learn how to prepare metadata files and understand Digital Rights Management (DRM).
Read the guide on how to prepare jacket images for your content.


Need help? Reach out to us by emailing marketplace@snapplify.com.