Snap files are Snapplify’s unique format for ingesting, protecting with DRM, and delivering interactive content via the Snapplify Reader app. These files can contain HTML, JavaScript, audio, and video elements. To ensure optimal functionality, the content must be compatible with running within a web view or browser.
This content can be used fully offline (once downloaded) in the Snapplify Reader app.
For your content to display correctly, you will need to ensure that the file requirements meet the required specifications.
The specifications and requirements for Snap files are:
| Specification | Requirement |
| File format | ZIP file |
| File extension | .snap (renamed from .zip to .snap) |
| File name | ISBN.snap e.g. 9781234567890. |
| Root folder | The root folder must contain either index.htm OR index.html |
| Folder structure | Content should be logically organised within a folder structure, and correctly referenced |
Preparing your Snap file (and its contents)
Asset file sizes: As the content will now be embedded within the Snap file, this will increase the final Snap file size. Ensure that video and image files are optimised.
JavaScript link restrictions: iOS webview does not handle JavaScript links or JavaScript redirects. We suggest using standard HTML linking to ensure that linking works across all platforms.
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 ensure that your video content displays the same video controls across all platforms, please make use of a javascript video component to play the videos. See Best Practices for Embedding Media, PDFs, and Images in Snap Files
Testing your Snap file (and its contents)
Before providing your Snap file to Snapplify, we strongly suggest it is tested to ensure all interactive content and links function as expected.
To test your Snap file open the index.html (or index.htm) file in the Chrome Web Browser and press F11 to activate full screen. Then navigate through your entire Snap file, testing all interactive content and links.
Packaging your Snap file (and its contents)
Before uploading the Snap file to Snapplify, it will need to be packaged as a ‘Snap’. This process is as simple as zipping a set of files:
To package your Snap file:
- Open the folder with your Snap file contents.
- Select all of the relevant files and folders, ensuring you have an HTML file called 'index.html' or 'index.htm' among the folders and files you plan to convert into a Snap file (without it, the Snap file won't open).
- Right click and select the function to zip the files on your relevant operating system.
- Once saved, right-click on the .zip folder and select ‘Properties’.
- Rename the .zip file extension to .snap and click ‘OK’.
- Ensure the filename is now ISBN.snap
- Your Snap file is now saved correctly and is ready for upload to the Snapplify content management system. Upload your .snap file in the exact same manner as you would a PDF or ePUB.
- Ensure that you upload the metadata associated with your Snap file.
- Ensure that you upload a jacket image associated with your Snap file.
Learn how to prepare other types of files and how to prepare your jacket images.Next, learn how to compile your metadata by understanding metadata format options and digital rights management (DRM).
Need help? Reach out to us by emailing [email protected].
