# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/635/medium800/adafruit_io_adaSnap3-ezgif.com-resize.png?1718069043)

It's a Snap (ItsaSnap) is a simple iOS app for exploring [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/). It allows you to send data to your [Adafruit IO feeds](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-basics-feeds). You can also link it to control or monitor your internet-connected projects. This lets you control and check Adafruit devices from your phone, anywhere. 

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/634/medium800/adafruit_io_adasnap4-ezgif.com-resize.png?1718068991)

## Why Choose ItsaSnap?

- **Code-Free Experience:** Turn your ideas into reality without writing a single line of code. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned programmers.
- **Real-Time Interaction:** Control and monitor your IoT devices connected to your [Adafruit IO Feeds](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-basics-feeds).
- **Global Access:** Manage your IoT devices from anywhere. Whether home or away, your smart world is at your fingertips.

## ItsaSnap is Perfect For:

- **DIY Enthusiasts:** Bring your home automation dreams to life with easy and functional IoT integration.
- **Educators:** Introduce students to IoT engagingly and straightforwardly.
- **Innovators:** Quickly prototype and test your IoT ideas without the hassle of intricate programming.
- **Curious Minds:** Explore the world of IoT and discover how it can simplify and enhance your daily life.

Info: ItsaSnap is only available for iOS devices at this time. Android may be considered at a future date. We're sorry for any disappointment.

## What is [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/)?

[Adafruit.io](https://io.adafruit.com/) is a _cloud service _- that just means we run it for you and you don't have to manage it. You can connect to it over the Internet. It's meant primarily for storing and then retrieving data but it can do a lot more than just that!

- Display your data in real-time, online.
  - and _share_ that data with others!

- Make your existing electronics project internet-connected: Control motors, read sensor data, and more!
- Connect projects to web services like Slack, Mastodon, Discord, RSS Feeds, Weather Services
- Connect your project to other internet-enabled devices
- Create No-Code electronics projects that connect to the internet.
- _The best part?_ All of the above is do-able for  **free ** with Adafruit IO

# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Get Started with Adafruit IO

Adafruit IO is integrated with your [adafruit.com account](https://accounts.adafruit.com/) so you don't need to create yet another online account! You need an Adafruit account to use Adafruit IO because we want to make sure the data you upload is available to only you (unless you decide to publish your data).

## I have an Adafruit.com Account already

**If you already have an Adafruit account, then you already have access to Adafruit IO**. It doesn't matter how you signed up, your account will make all three available.

To access Adafruit IO, simply visit [https://io.adafruit.com](https://io.adafruit.com) to start streaming, logging, and interacting with your data.

## Create an Adafruit Account (for Adafruit IO)

An Adafruit account makes Adafruit content and services available to you in one place. Your account provides access to the [Adafruit shop](https://www.adafruit.com/), the [Adafruit Learning System](https://learn.adafruit.com/), and [Adafruit IO](https://io.adafruit.com/). This means only one account, one username, and one password are necessary to engage with the content and services that Adafruit offers.

If you do not have an Adafruit account, signing up for a new Adafruit account only takes a couple of steps.

Begin by visiting [https://accounts.adafruit.com](https://accounts.adafruit.com).

**Click the Sign Up button** under the "Need An Adafruit Account?" title, below the Sign In section.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/220/medium800/adafruit_io_Create_account_sign_in_up_page.png?1697479894)

This will take you to the **Sign Up** page.

**Fill in the requested information,** and **click the Create Account button.**

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/219/medium800/adafruit_io_Create_Account_info_entered.png?1697479894)

This takes you to your Adafruit Account home page. From here, you can access all the features of your account.

You can also access the Adafruit content and services right from this page. Along the top of the page, you'll see a series of links beginning with "Shop". To access any of these, simply click the link.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/217/medium800/adafruit_io_Create_account_home_page.png?1697479894)

For example, **to begin working with Adafruit IO, click the IO link** to the right of the rest of the links. This is the same for the other links as well.

That's all there is to creating a new Adafruit account, and navigating to Adafruit IO.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/218/medium800/adafruit_io_Create_Account_io_homepage.png?1697479770)

# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Download the ItsaSnap by Adafruit App

This section will guide you through downloading and installing the ItsaSnap by Adafruit app.

## Download and Install ItsaSnap

To install and download ItsaSnap for your iOS device,

1. **Open the App Store**.
2. **Tap** on the **"Search" icon** at the bottom of the screen.
3. **Type "ItsaSnap by Adafruit" or "ItsaSnap"** in the search bar and **tap "Search".**
4. Locate the **ItsaSnap****  app** in the search results and tap on it

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/658/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_5711-ezgif.com-resize-2.jpg?1718123186)

    5. **Tap** the **"Get" button** to download and install the app on your device. 

You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm the installation

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/659/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_5711-ezgif.com-resize-crop.jpg?1718123294)

After you have downloaded and installed ItsaSnap, open the app.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/637/medium800/adafruit_io_adaSnap5-ezgif.com-resize.png?1718070937)

You will need to enter your  **Adafruit username** and **Adafruit IO Key** (which is _different_ from your Adafruit account password).

Your Adafruit IO key is a long string of letters and numbers. To make it easier to add to the app, we've also included a QR code scanner that allows you to easily copy the Adafruit IO Key from the Adafruit IO website to the app.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/660/medium800/adafruit_io_qrbuttonscan.png?1718123519)

On the ItaSnap app, the QR code scanner is located below the Adafruit IO Key and above the login button. To access it, press the ' **Scan QR code for IO Key**' button. This will open the QR code scanner.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/662/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_5702-ezgif.com-crop.png?1718123632)

To find the QR code for your Adafruit IO account, [navigate go to the overview page](https://io.adafruit.com/overview). Once there, click the yellow button with a key in the center (it's next to the "New Device" button) to reveal your Adafruit IO Key. 

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/640/medium800/adafruit_io_Screenshot_2024-06-10_at_9.42.20%E2%80%AFPM.png?1718072559)

After clicking it, a window with your information will appear. Then, find the QR code and scan it, and log in.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/653/medium800/adafruit_io_Pasted_Image_6_11_24__11_55_AM.png?1718121312)

# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Using ItsaSnap

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/641/medium800/adafruit_io_adaSnappic2-ezgif.com-resize.png?1718072700)

## Sending Data to an Adafruit IO Feed from ItsaSnap

[Feeds](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-io-basics-feeds) are the core of the Adafruit IO system. A feed holds the **data** and meta-data that you have sent to Adafruit IO. **Data**  is the information you want Adafruit IO to store. For example, temperature data, fan speed, or whether a light switch is turned on or off. Note that the data does not have to represent a physical thing, but it often does!

With ItsaSnap, sending  **data** to your Adafruit IO Feed is straightforward.

The Overview screen contains a list of the Feeds you want to send data to. Once you have located the feed, tap on it to view its details.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/665/medium800/adafruit_io_same-ezgif.com-resize.png?1718124063)

To complete the process, please enter a value in the specified text field and then click on the blue button with an arrow to send the value.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/643/medium800/adafruit_io_adaSnapPic6-ezgif.com-resize.png?1718073648)

Here, I'm sending a hex color value to change the LEDs on my Adafruit MagTag. It's that simple!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/642/medium800thumb/adafruit_io_IMG_33102-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.jpg?1718073357)

# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Using It's a Snap with Apple Shortcuts

Info: Apple Shortcuts are only available in It'saSnap By Adafruit version 1.1.11 and newer

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/164/medium800/adafruit_io_ezgif.com-optijpeg.png?1720662963)

ItsASnap includes several actions within **Apple Shortcuts** , **allowing you to integrate Adafruit IO functions, such as sending and receiving data into your Apple Shortcuts workflows.** These pages will familiarize you with Apple Shortcuts and Actions, enabling you to create your own Apple Shortcuts that integrate with your Adafruit IO account.

### ItsASnap Actions Functions for Shortcuts

Within Apple Shortcuts, the following Adafruit IO actions are available to you:

- **Send Value to Adafruit IO Feed:** Send a specific value to an Adafruit IO feed.
- **Retrieve Last Value from Adafruit IO Feed:** Fetch the most recent value from a specific Adafruit IO feed.
- **Retrieve the Last 5 Values from Adafruit IO Feed:** Fetch the last five values from a specific Adafruit IO feed.
- **Send “1” Value to Feed:** Send the value “1” to a specific Adafruit IO feed.
- **Send “0” Value to Feed:** Send the value “0” to a specific Adafruit IO feed.
- **Fetch Historic Data:** Retrieve historical data from a specific Adafruit IO feed.

# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Setting up a Shortcut in Apple Shortcuts

Open Apple Shortcuts on your iPhone or iPad. To create a new shortcut, tap the "+" button.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/639/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_113918C25A84-1.jpeg?1722449637)

#### Add an action

Tap "Add Action". Then, search for _ItsASnap_.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/646/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_2B2F6B139226-1.jpeg?1722449945)

Select the "ItsASnap" action, _"Send Value."_

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/940/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_5276F6482775-1.png?1724163046)

#### Configure Action

Add your feed key and the value you want to send to your Feed here. For the example below, I can capture my current location and send it to my Adafruit IO feed. To do this, tap the  **Value field**  and select  **Location**  from the keyboard bar.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/766/medium800/adafruit_io_New_Shortcut.jpeg?1723224027)

 **Save the shortcut:**  Once you've configured all the actions, tap "Done" to save your shortcut.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/767/medium800/adafruit_io_New_Shortcut_2.jpeg?1723224173)

 **Run the shortcut:**  You can now run this shortcut manually or set it to trigger automatically based on conditions like time, location, or other events.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/768/medium800/adafruit_io_Screenshot_2024-08-09_at_1.24.24%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg?1723224400)

Now that you are familiar with the basics of setting up these actions and creating shortcuts, the next step is to delve into setting up automation.

The next page shows how to configure your shortcuts to run automatically based on various triggers, such as time, location, and specific events, allowing you to fully leverage the potential of automation in your projects.

# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Setting up an Automation in Apple Shortcuts

Automations in Apple Shortcuts can be triggered by various events such as time of day, location, or actions like connecting to a specific WiFi network. With automations, your device can perform tasks automatically without requiring manual input.   
  
Below demonstrates how to start setting up your own automation using Apple Shortcuts.

### Creating a New Automation
Locate and tap on the "Automation" tab at the bottom of your screen. This section is dedicated to setting up and managing your custom automation.

![adafruit_io_ezgif.com-optijpeg.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/185/medium640/adafruit_io_ezgif.com-optijpeg.jpg?1720800436)

To begin putting together a new automation, tap the "+" button, which is displayed at the top right corner of the screen.

![adafruit_io_IMG_6177.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/191/medium640/adafruit_io_IMG_6177.jpg?1720800377)

### Select Your Automation Trigger
You can choose a trigger that will start your automation. For example, you can select "Time of Day" to run the automation at a specific time. These are the many triggers you can choose from:

- **Time of Day** : Set a particular time for the automation to run.
- **Arrive** : Trigger the automation when you arrive at a location.
- **Leave** : Trigger the automation when you leave a location.
- **Email** : Trigger the automation when you receive an email from a specific sender.
- **Message** : Trigger the automation when you receive a message from a specific person. 
- There are many more trigger options available.

![adafruit_io_IMG_53010CD9FAC5-1.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/192/medium640/adafruit_io_IMG_53010CD9FAC5-1.jpeg?1720800671)

### Configure the Trigger

After selecting a trigger, choose the parameters for your automation. For example, if you have chosen "Time of Day," set the exact time for the automation to execute and decide if it should repeat on a daily, weekly, or a custom time.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/193/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_B8C371DE912A-1.jpeg?1720716250)

After choosing a trigger time, you will be taken to a view that displays automation actions. Then, tap "New Blank Automation" to create a new instance of your customized automation.

After choosing a trigger time, you will be taken to a view that displays automation actions. Then, tap "New Blank Automation" to create a new instance of your customized automation.

![adafruit_io_IMG_FC003C13F93D-1.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/194/medium640/adafruit_io_IMG_FC003C13F93D-1.jpeg?1720803741)

Search for ItsaSnap in the search bar and select "Send Value to Adafruit IO Feed".

![adafruit_io_Automation_F4427C2F-FE89-4217-AF43-81E2A85B4713_2.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/751/medium640/adafruit_io_Automation_F4427C2F-FE89-4217-AF43-81E2A85B4713_2.jpeg?1723219264)

### Configure the Action

Set the parameters for the chosen action. For instance, if "Send Value" is selected, you'll need to enter the necessary feed key and the value you wish to send.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/752/medium800/adafruit_io_Automation_F4427C2F-FE89-4217-AF43-81E2A85B4713_3.jpeg?1723219300)

Once all settings are adjusted to your preferences, tap "Done" to save the automation. Your setup is now ready to automate tasks.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/198/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_6185.jpg?1720716715)

# itsaSNAP by Adafruit

## Park Proximity Example

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/182/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_3840.png?1720713935)

This example will demonstrate how to use ItsASnap with Apple Shortcuts to send a value to an Adafruit IO feed when you arrive at a location - in this instance, a local park. 

Info: Note that feed names are case sensitive. If you used all lower case names please be sure your use of the values are also all lower case.

### Steps to Create the Park Proximity Automation
Once you're at the designated location, select "Arrive" as the trigger for the automation. This trigger requires a specific location to initiate the automation process. 

To create a new automation, go to the automation screen and tap the "+" button. 

![adafruit_io_IMG_6177.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/214/medium640/adafruit_io_IMG_6177.jpg?1720728455)

Here you are able to select many types of triggers to start an action. For now, we'll use "Arrive" to set a location where the action will be triggered.

Select "Arrive" as the trigger for the automation. This trigger requires a specific location to initiate the automation process.

Optionally, you'll be able to set the time of day when this automation should run.

![adafruit_io_IMG_0DBDA2B41629-1.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/215/medium640/adafruit_io_IMG_0DBDA2B41629-1.jpeg?1720728514)

I have selected the Saratoga Park location by inputting the name of the park in the search field; it will then be displayed on the map. Additionally, you can set the radius of the location to specify where you want the trigger to activate.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/202/medium800/adafruit_io_IMG_6189.png?1720723465)

Tap "New Blank Automation" then tap "Add Action" to determine what the automation will accomplish when triggered.

![adafruit_io_Screenshot_2024-08-09_at_12.23.36 PM.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/758/medium640/adafruit_io_Screenshot_2024-08-09_at_12.23.36%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg?1723222057)

![adafruit_io_Automation_C034B57D-BC1B-4D7B-8FE9-4D7655184B34.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/760/medium640/adafruit_io_Automation_C034B57D-BC1B-4D7B-8FE9-4D7655184B34.png?1723222297)

Next, search for "ItsaSnap" the select " "Send value." After selecting the "Send Value " you are required to enter the feed key where you want to send the value.

![adafruit_io_Automation_F4427C2F-FE89-4217-AF43-81E2A85B4713_2.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/762/medium640/adafruit_io_Automation_F4427C2F-FE89-4217-AF43-81E2A85B4713_2.jpeg?1723222606)

Then, enter the value you want to send, such as "I'm at Saratoga Park" to indicate your arrival. Also, if needed, you can include an action to fetch the last value from the feed to confirm that the data was sent.

![adafruit_io_Automation_AF427C67-5B28-4A11-876A-C98831B897F9.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/764/medium640/adafruit_io_Automation_AF427C67-5B28-4A11-876A-C98831B897F9.png?1723222667)

When you're ready, tap "Done." Once done, you should be able to view our saved automation settings.

Make sure to toggle the "Run Immediately" switch if you want the automation to run without confirmation.

![adafruit_io_Screenshot_2024-08-09_at_12.37.23 PM.jpeg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/131/756/medium640/adafruit_io_Screenshot_2024-08-09_at_12.37.23%E2%80%AFPM.jpeg?1723221967)

This example showcases the potential of combining ItsASnap and Apple Shortcuts to create powerful and useful automation.

You can explore further by adding more actions or integrating other data points into your automation workflows.


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