This guide was originally published in October 1984 and has been subsequently updated on a regular basis. Since its inception, more than 25,000 copies have been distributed worldwide. The Specifications for Newsprint Advertising Production (SNAP) are designed to improve reproduction quality in newsprint production and provide guidelines for the exchange of information.

SNAP is intended for advertisers, advertising agencies, publishers, pre-press managers, material suppliers, and commercial and newspaper printers. The specifications pertain to proofing and coldset (sometimes referred to as «non-heatset») printing for all newsprint production on webs of paper, including offset lithography, direct lithography, letterpress, and flexography for a wide variety of products (e.g., newspapers, pre-printed advertising inserts, and other printed materials).

SNAP is not intended for magazine, catalog, packaging, or direct mail printing, nor is it intended for sheetfed, gravure, or heatset web offset processes. Other specifications have been developed to provide guidance for these processes.