# What is a Snapshot?
Snapshots are development builds/versions for Minecraft. These allow you to have a sneak peek at the upcoming features while also helping to locate any bugs prior to the release.
Important
Because Snapshots are development builds, they are expected to be very unstable and can cause data loss or crashes when used on your server. By using snapshots, you acknowledge that you will be responsible for any issues that may arise due to this. Be sure to regularly create server backups in case of corruption of server files: How To Automatically Backup Your Minecraft Server
# Installing Snapshots Automatically
- It is ideal to install snapshots on a fresh server to ensure that no issues arise. To reset your server, follow our guide: How To Reset Your Minecraft Server
- Navigate to your server’s Shockbyte control panel.
- Navigate to the Server Type menu.
- Locate the Vanilla server type and click Next Step.
- Select Snapshots and click on the version you wish to use. Then click on Next Step.
- Make sure the server type is correct and click Save Changes.
- Start your server.
You're done! Your server should now be running the snapshot version of Minecraft that you have selected.
# Installing Snapshots Manually
If you are unable to locate the version you'd like on the list, you may also upload your preferred snapshot version on your server manually.
- Navigate to the website called MC Time Machine to download the Server JAR for your preferred snapshot version.
- On your control panel, navigate to Files and upload the JAR file you've just downloaded to your server's main directory.
- Rename the JAR file to
custom.jar. - Now go to the Server Type section and select Custom JAR. We have a guide on this here.
- Start your server.
You're done! Your server should now be running the snapshot version you have uploaded to your server.
