# CREATE SNAPSHOT
> Create a snapshot of a MotherDuck database for recovery or read scaling.
The `CREATE SNAPSHOT` statement creates a snapshot of a single MotherDuck native storage database. You can create an unnamed snapshot or provide a name to create a **named snapshot**.

:::note
This statement applies to native storage databases. DuckLake databases manage snapshots through [DuckLake maintenance operations](/concepts/ducklake#maintenance).
:::

Named snapshots can be looked up and restored later. Their names can be updated (or removed) using [`ALTER SNAPSHOT`](/sql-reference/motherduck-sql-reference/alter-snapshot). For retention and recovery behavior, see the [data recovery guide](/concepts/data-recovery).

## Syntax

```sql
CREATE SNAPSHOT [<snapshot_name>] OF <database_name>;
```

## Notes

- Only one database can be snapshotted per statement.
- If you omit a name, the snapshot is eligible for restore only while it remains within the database's `SNAPSHOT_RETENTION_DAYS` window. Use [`ALTER DATABASE`](/sql-reference/motherduck-sql-reference/alter-database) to configure retention.
- If you provide a name, the snapshot becomes a named snapshot and is retained until it is unnamed.
- `CREATE SNAPSHOT` waits for active write queries to finish and blocks new writes until the snapshot is created.
- MotherDuck also takes automatic snapshots in the background every minute when no write queries are running.

## Read scaling

Creating a snapshot will make the latest data available to read scaling connections.

Each read scaling instance picks up the latest available snapshot every minute. To minimize delays and ensure access to the latest data, use `CREATE SNAPSHOT` on the writer connection, followed by a `REFRESH DATABASE <name>` on the read scaling connection.

Learn more about [`REFRESH DATABASES`](/sql-reference/motherduck-sql-reference/refresh-database).

## Examples

Create a named snapshot:

```sql
CREATE SNAPSHOT prod_backup OF my_db;
```

Create an unnamed snapshot:

```sql
CREATE SNAPSHOT OF my_db;
```


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