About snapshot files

Snapshot files are memory images of ZX Spectrum programs. They load instantly and the program begins running from the point the snapshot was made.

Spectaculator can load and save the most common snapshot formats:

• Spectaculator zx-state (*.szx)

• Mirage Microdriver (*.sna)

• Z80 / WinZ80 (*.z80)

Most games are available in one of these formats and can be downloaded free of charge from the following sites:

• Spectrum Computing

• The TZX Vault

• World Of Spectrum (Archived)

The zx-state snapshot format

Spectaculator can also save in the new zx-state (.szx) format. The zx-state format allows the entire state of the machine to be saved. For example:

• What hardware is currently enabled

• What software is currently installed in the Multiface RAM and whether it was paged in

• Whether the Currah µSpeech ROM was paged in at the time the snapshot was made

• Which audio cassette file is currently in the cassette recorder and at what position the playback head is (extremely useful for saving game progress in multiload games)

• Whether the ZX Printer is enabled.

• Any custom ROM that is currently in use.

The zx-state file format is documented here.

Tip

• Saving changes to snapshot files allows you to save your progress in games that don’t have a save option.