---
title: "Take a snapshot of a vector database"
description: "Take a snapshot of every collection on every node of a Qdrant vector database in TIR, to restore from later."
content_type: "how-to"
product: "vector-database"
platform: "TIR"
url: "/tir/vector-database/how-to/take-a-snapshot/"
topic: ["snapshots"]
---

# Take a snapshot of a vector database

<!-- cspell:ignore Snaphot -->

A snapshot is a backup of the whole database: every collection on every node. Take one before you
scale up or change a lot of data, and [restore it](/tir/vector-database/how-to/restore-a-snapshot/)
if you need it.

## Before you begin

- A database in the **Running** state that holds at least one collection. The snapshot needs a
  collection to succeed.
- A role with Create permission on Vector Database.
- Any earlier snapshot finished. A database makes one snapshot at a time.

A snapshot is charged by its size for as long as it exists; delete the ones you have finished with. See
[Vector Database billing](/tir/vector-database/concepts/vector-database-billing/).

## Take the snapshot

1. In **Manage Vector Database**, select **Actions** in the database's row, then **Take Snapshot**.
2. In the **Take Snapshot** dialog, select **Take Snaphot**.

TIR opens the **Snapshot** tab, where the new snapshot is listed as `Snapshot-` followed by its
number, **Creating**.

## Check the snapshot

Select the refresh button on the **Snapshot** tab. When the snapshot finishes, its **Status** is
**Created**. If it shows **Failed**, take another snapshot. Wait until the snapshot is **Created** or
**Failed** before you scale up or stop the database.

## What to do next

[Restore a snapshot](/tir/vector-database/how-to/restore-a-snapshot/) when you need it, or
[delete it](/tir/vector-database/how-to/delete-a-snapshot/) to stop its charge. For help with
a message, see [Troubleshooting Vector Database](/tir/vector-database/troubleshooting/vector-database/).