Snap Backup
by Snap Backup
What Snap Backup is
Snap Backup is a free, open-source utility for individual users who want to protect selected data files. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and is licensed under GPLv3. You choose files and folders, then apply include or exclude filters using wildcards or file-size rules. Snap Backup creates a full backup as one compressed ZIP archive and adds the current date to its filename. Separate profiles can hold different settings, such as work and personal files. The archive may be copied to another location, including a USB drive, external hard drive, or cloud backup destination. Backups can launch from the command line and be scheduled with the operating system scheduler. Every run includes files even when unchanged, because incremental backups are not supported. Snap Backup is intended for data files rather than whole drives. It has no built-in restore function; recovery requires opening the ZIP with the operating system. Generic JAR instructions require Java.
Who it suits
Snap Backup suits individual users at home or in a corporation who want a simple way to protect selected data files. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux users who can manage ZIP-based recovery.
What it does well
- Free and open source under GPLv3
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Creates dated compressed ZIP backups
- Supports wildcard and size-based filters
- Can copy archives to other destinations
What to know first
- No incremental backups
- Does not back up an entire hard drive
- No built-in restore feature
- Generic JAR use requires Java
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Backup | Free for all to use; open source under GPLv3. · Full backups of selected data files · no incremental or whole-drive backups · no built-in restore feature | Free |
As snapbackup.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Snap Backup provides straightforward full-file backups with profiles, filters, scheduling, and optional archive copies. Its design excludes incremental or whole-drive backups, and restoring files requires opening the ZIP archive manually.
Facts from Snap Backup's own pages
- Archive copies
- It can copy a backup to another location, such as a USB drive, external hard drive, or cloud backup destination. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Archive copy
- It can optionally copy the backup file to another location, such as a USB drive or external hard drive. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Backups can be launched from the command line and scheduled using the operating system’s scheduler. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup behavior
- Snap Backup makes full backups and includes files even if they have not changed since the previous backup. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup format
- It creates a single compressed ZIP file that can be opened with standard ZIP utilities. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup naming
- Snap Backup automatically adds the current date to the backup filename. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- file · snapbackup.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Backup selection
- Users can choose files and folders and apply include or exclude filters, including wildcard rules. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Backup type
- It creates full backups and does not create incremental backups. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Computer backup
- Yes · snapbackup.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Filters
- Backup filters support wildcards and can exclude files based on size. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1999 · snapbackup.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · snapbackup.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The FAQ describes using a USB drive as a backup destination by specifying its location in the “Copy Backup To” option. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site describes Snap Backup as a simple tool for individual users at home or in a corporation who want to protect valuable data. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- The generic JAR download instructions say to install Java before running the application. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The software is open source under GPLv3 and free for everyone to use. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- The FAQ says Snap Backup is intended for data files rather than backing up an entire hard drive. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- The download page offers macOS and Windows installers and a generic executable JAR for Java platforms. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Profiles
- Multiple profiles can keep separate backup settings, such as for work and personal files. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Snap Backup is a one-click utility for backing up individual users’ valuable data files. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Restore
- It has no built-in restore feature; users can open a ZIP backup and expand its contents with the operating system. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Restore limitation
- It has no built-in restore feature; the FAQ says to open the ZIP backup with the operating system to expand its contents. · snapbackup.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Restore modes
- file · snapbackup.org, 20 Sept 2026
Where Snap Backup stands on Freedom251
- Backup software#60 of 151