Snow Shot terms of service
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Welcome to Snow Shot. These terms form an agreement between you and Chao Huang (黄超), the individual operating Snow Shot and publishing as Snow Apps (“we,” “us,” or “our”). They cover the official Snow Shot client, official website, and the account, recognition, translation, AI processing, and other related online services we provide.
Please read these terms carefully, especially the provisions on charges and refunds, Premium Card benefits, online content processing, account deletion, liability, and disputes. Contact chao@mgchao.top with any questions. These terms take effect between us when you expressly accept them, for example by selecting an acceptance checkbox or confirming your agreement. If you disagree, you may decline the relevant services; your rights under applicable open-source licenses remain unaffected.
1. Services and requirements
- Snow Shot provides screen capture, annotation, pinned content, screen recording, text and QR code recognition, table and formula recognition, translation, AI processing, file export, and related tools. Available features may vary by version, operating system, and device, as described for the relevant version.
- Local features, such as screen capture, annotation, recording, and standard text recognition, operate separately from official online services. Local features generally do not require an account. Some online features require an internet connection, sign-in, available credits, or qualifying benefits. Device, network, and independently selected third-party service charges are governed by the relevant provider's terms.
- You decide whether to grant the permissions needed for screen recording, microphone or camera access, file access, and similar capabilities. Refusing or withdrawing a permission may affect the corresponding feature without affecting features that do not need it.
- You can obtain the software from our website, official release repositories, or stores and distribution channels we identify. Before using a third-party modification or redistribution, check its source and changes. Its provider is responsible for its changes and promises; we remain responsible under applicable law for the products and services we provide.
2. Open-source licenses and software rights
- The open-source portions of the Snow Shot client are licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3 or any later version (GPL-3.0-or-later). Under the applicable license, you may use the software for personal or commercial purposes and exercise rights to run, study, copy, modify, and distribute it. Third-party components, models, and other materials remain subject to their accompanying licenses and notices.
- These terms do not replace open-source licenses or impose additional restrictions on rights they grant. If these terms conflict with an applicable open-source license concerning use, modification, or distribution of the licensed software, that license governs those matters.
- An open-source license does not itself grant unrestricted access to our operated servers, paid APIs, account credits, or Premium Card benefits. Access to official online services is subject to these terms on accounts, billing, resource use, and security.
- Use of product names, logos, and other branding must respect the relevant rights. This does not restrict lawful descriptive use, notices required by a license, or other legally permitted use. Do not impersonate us or present software or services in a way that misleadingly suggests official endorsement.
3. Accounts and linked services
- You may create, sign in to, or link an account by following the instructions in the client or the “Snow 管理” (Snow Management) WeChat Mini Program. You must be entitled to use the relevant WeChat account and keep your username, password, session credentials, and devices secure.
- The same service account shares its credits, cumulative net top-ups, and corresponding Premium Card benefits between the Snow Shot desktop client and the Snow Management Mini Program. Feature availability may differ between clients. Charges incurred through either client are recorded against that same account.
- WeChat identities and service accounts are linked one to one. Changing the linked WeChat identity is not currently available through self-service. Check the account before scanning, linking, or purchasing. Contact support about an incorrect link, lost access, or suspicious sign-in; we will assist after necessary verification.
- Do not impersonate others, steal accounts, obtain payments or benefits fraudulently, or evade service limits through abusive registration or false identities. If you suspect unauthorized access, stop suspicious activity and contact us promptly. Responsibility for losses is determined by each party's fault, the actual cause, and applicable law, rather than assigning all responsibility to you solely because an action was recorded under your account.
4. Purchases, credits, and billing
- Official online services include free and paid features. Before you purchase or use a paid feature, we will display its price, benefits, billing units, and applicable conditions. Check the account, actual payment, and benefits before confirming payment.
- The amount actually paid for a Premium Card is credited in full to your account's service balance, and the corresponding benefits are activated under the rules disclosed at purchase. Purchased credits and Premium Card benefits have no expiry date. A Premium Card does not make every feature free. Service changes, refunds, and account deletion are governed by the relevant sections below.
- Translation, AI chat, AI image conversion, and similar services not covered by a free allowance or applicable benefit are charged under the published input and output usage rules for the selected feature and model. Dedicated table and formula recognition not covered by free benefits is charged per successful recognition at the published rate. Estimated usage counts and charges are estimates; actual charges depend on the applicable rules and actual processing usage.
- Automatic translation, automatic processing, and online calls made through automation you authorize may also incur per-call or usage-based charges. Review the rules before enabling them and turn off automatic actions when no longer needed.
- Some requests reserve credits before processing and settle afterward according to the result and applicable usage. Unused reservations are released. Failed requests do not incur the corresponding user service charge. Closing a window, cancelling a request, or losing connectivity does not necessarily mean that server processing has stopped or that no charge is due. You may request a review of disputed results or charges.
- If settlement creates an outstanding balance, further paid calls may be paused. Subsequent top-ups and released reservations first repay charges already incurred. Eligible free recognition remains available under its applicable rules.
- Payment and benefit status depend on verification with the payment channel and our service. If payment status is unclear, benefits are missing, or a payment or charge appears duplicated or incorrect, retain the order information and contact support before paying again. Purchasing a Premium Card or topping up does not itself authorize automatic renewal or recurring debits from your payment account.
5. Premium Cards and free recognition
- Under the current rules, cumulative net top-ups of at least CNY 188 qualify for free dedicated table recognition and LaTeX formula recognition. Cumulative net top-ups equal completed payments less completed refunds. Multiple payments accumulate; ordinary usage charges do not reduce this cumulative amount.
- These free recognition benefits have no cumulative call limit and do not deduct account credits. They do not include translation, AI chat, AI image conversion, or other services not expressly included. Generating tables or formulas through another AI feature does not automatically qualify for the dedicated recognition benefit.
- Processing speed, concurrency, and request frequency depend on server capacity, network conditions, and maintenance. We may apply reasonable queues, rate limits, and abuse prevention measures, but may not use them to effectively cancel or unreasonably diminish purchased benefits.
- If a completed refund reduces cumulative net top-ups below a threshold, future Premium Card status and free benefits may change. Previously completed service settlements are not retroactively changed. Changes to new products or future benefit rules do not automatically change benefits already purchased.
6. Refunds and transaction disputes
- Except where required by law, applicable platform rules, or an express promise we make, we do not offer additional change-of-mind refunds, including where your preferences change or you no longer need the service. This does not affect statutory rights to returns, refunds, contract termination, or other remedies.
- We will investigate duplicate payments, incorrect charges, benefits not activated as agreed, services not provided as agreed, transactions involving minors that require legal remedies, and other cases requiring refunds by law. For prepayments or unperformed services, the calculation will reflect the actual payment, services performed, and valid billing terms. We will not refuse a refund solely because the purchase is digital or benefits have been activated.
- Send your order number, an explanation, and necessary supporting evidence to chao@mgchao.top. We will respond with our handling position within 15 working days of receiving the request. If more information or investigation is needed, we will explain why and the next steps. Shorter deadlines required by law or applicable platform rules take precedence.
- Approved refunds will normally return through the original payment channel. If this is unavailable, we will arrange another lawful method after necessary verification. Arrival times depend on the payment channel; we will provide necessary assistance.
7. Content processing, third-party services, and automation
- When capturing screens, recording video or audio, using a camera, or processing files, make sure you are entitled to process the content and meet applicable obligations to notify other participants, obtain consent, or establish another lawful basis. This includes respecting privacy, personal information, trade secrets, and protected works.
- Official online recognition, translation, and AI features send the images, text, instructions, and parameters needed for the task to the relevant service for processing. Automatic actions you enable may also send requests. Check that the content is appropriate to submit and read the relevant privacy notices.
- When you configure your own AI, translation, or cloud storage service, the selected service receives the relevant content and credentials needed for the call. Its charges, availability, and data practices are governed by your agreement with that provider. Check endpoints, key permissions, and storage access settings. Cloud uploads may create publicly accessible links, and cancelling an upload does not guarantee deletion of a file already received.
- When you enable external client connections such as MCP, clients you authorize can access supported captures, files, or recognition content, or perform supported actions within the authorized scope. They may pass returned content to their own AI services. Connect only trusted clients, review permissions, and disconnect or disable the feature when no longer needed.
- Use of supported automation remains subject to online service billing and resource limits. Our use of third-party technology to deliver an official service does not relieve us of contractual obligations or liability imposed by law. Responsibility for independent third-party services you choose is determined by the actual service relationships, each party's fault, and applicable law.
8. Acceptable use and content rights
- Do not use the services for unlawful activities, infringement of privacy, personal information, intellectual property, or other rights, dissemination of legally prohibited content, fraud, harassment, or unauthorized surveillance.
- Do not attack official services, upload malware, steal data or credentials, bypass authentication or billing, abusively obtain free resources, or disrupt other users through abnormal bulk requests. This does not restrict lawful modification and operation of software under its open-source license or ordinary use of supported automation such as MCP.
- Rights you lawfully hold in submitted content and processing results do not transfer to us merely because you use the service. We process content only as necessary to provide the service, maintain security, and meet legal obligations. These terms do not grant us unrestricted rights to publicly display your content, use it in advertising, or use it for unrelated purposes.
- Whether AI output qualifies for intellectual property protection, and whether you may use third-party material in it, depends on applicable law and the particular content. We do not guarantee that every output is original or exclusive. When using or publishing AI-generated content, comply with applicable labeling requirements and do not unlawfully remove or alter labels or impersonate others.
9. Results and local files
- Recognition, translation, and AI output may contain omissions, errors, or inaccuracies and cannot be guaranteed suitable for every purpose. Check important text, numbers, table structures, and formula symbols. For significant decisions, consult original materials and appropriate professional advice where needed.
- Third-party links in QR code results, AI output, or other content do not constitute our endorsement of their authenticity, security, or legality. Verify the recipient and request before opening links, paying, or providing personal information.
- Keep copies of important captures, recordings, editable source files, and exports. History, caches, and recovery files are not cloud backups and may be affected by retention limits you select, cleanup actions, storage capacity, and device conditions.
- Clearing local history, removing the app, or deleting your account does not automatically delete copies already exported, shared, or uploaded to third parties. Manage those copies separately through the relevant device, recipient, or storage provider.
- We will reasonably maintain service quality and address feedback. These explanations of technical limitations, verification, and backups do not exclude our legal responsibilities for service quality, data security, or other matters.
10. Personal information and account deletion
- We lawfully process information needed for accounts, content processing, billing, and support. Read the Privacy policy and the privacy notices provided for specific services. These terms do not replace legally required notices, separate consent, or other authorization.
- You may request deletion of the same service account through “个人中心—注销账号” (Account—Delete account) in the Snow Management Mini Program, or contact support for assistance. We will verify your identity and account status through the current session, renewed authentication, or other necessary methods.
- A pending refund, outstanding debt, unresolved payment, or unsettled service call may temporarily prevent self-service deletion. Completed historical refunds do not, by themselves, prevent deletion. Contact support to resolve abnormal states; they must not serve as a reason to indefinitely refuse a lawful deletion request.
- Self-service deletion does not automatically request a refund. Contact support first if you need to resolve unused credits or transaction issues. Self-service deletion requires an active confirmation that you voluntarily give up remaining credits and all Premium Card benefits. This option is not preselected; you may cancel and request manual assistance.
- Once deletion is completed, the same account's desktop and Mini Program credentials, identity links, all Premium Card benefits, free recognition eligibility, and remaining credits you expressly waived are permanently invalidated. Deletion cannot be undone, and registering again will not restore the account or benefits. Deletion does not affect your rights to use local features that require no account under the applicable open-source license.
- Account personal information will be deleted or anonymized as required by law. Transaction, reconciliation, deletion, and security records that must legally be retained will be kept only within the necessary scope and period. Deletion and voluntary waiver do not exclude rights that cannot legally be waived or release either party from continuing legal obligations.
- We will respond to manual requests within 15 working days of receipt, subject to any shorter legally required deadline. Signing out, clearing caches, uninstalling the client, or removing the Mini Program does not delete your account.
11. Service changes, interruptions, and termination
- We may adjust services for legal requirements, feature updates, technical security, or operational needs. Material changes to charges, purchased benefits, or service duration will be prominently notified in advance through the official website, in-app notices, or other appropriate means.
- Purchased services that have not been fully performed remain governed by the valid terms at purchase. We will not unilaterally reduce those benefits merely by posting an announcement or updating these terms. Necessary changes will be discussed with you as required by law. If we cannot perform as agreed, we will lawfully address unused prepayments, unperformed services, and resulting liability.
- For maintenance, network failures, third-party outages, or security incidents, we will take reasonable steps to reduce disruption and restore service, explaining the situation where necessary. Whether a failure or third-party event excuses liability depends on applicable law and the actual circumstances.
- If we decide to cease operations, we will give prominent notice at least 30 days in advance on our website or relevant service pages, with valid contact details and arrangements for unperformed services, refunds due, and user information. Where major operational risks may affect performance, we will stop accepting relevant prepayments as required by law.
- For unlawful conduct or breaches of these terms, we may take necessary measures proportionate to the facts, nature, and impact, including warnings, request limits, feature suspension, or termination of relevant online services. Unless notice is legally prohibited or urgent action is necessary, we will explain the reason and provide an appeal channel. Purchased services and funds will be handled in accordance with law.
- Suspension or termination of online services does not automatically terminate your software rights under an open-source license.
12. Minors
- Users under 18 should read these terms with a parent or guardian and use services with their consent and guidance. Purchases and top-ups require guardian consent and must be appropriate to the user's age, understanding, and legal capacity.
- When processing personal information of children under 14, we will obtain guardian consent and comply with applicable special protections. Guardians may contact support about unauthorized transactions or other rights concerns. We will investigate under applicable law and will not infer guardian consent solely from account activity or successful payment.
13. Liability, changes to terms, and disputes
- Each party must perform its obligations lawfully. Liability for loss caused by a breach or fault is determined by applicable law, degree of fault, and actual causation. Force majeure and other lawful grounds for exemption will be addressed under applicable law, with reasonable steps to mitigate loss.
- These terms do not exclude or restrict your statutory consumer rights or exempt us from liability for intentional misconduct, gross negligence, personal injury, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. Open-source warranty and liability provisions operate under the relevant license and applicable law; valid additional promises we make for official services remain binding.
- We will prominently notify changes materially affecting your rights and obtain consent where required by law. Silence or continued use alone will not be treated as blanket acceptance. If you disagree with an update, you may stop using the affected service and resolve unperformed obligations and related rights in accordance with law.
- The formation, performance, interpretation, and dispute resolution of these terms are governed by the laws of mainland China. Mandatory consumer protections that applicable law does not allow parties to exclude remain applicable.
- You may seek an agreed resolution, request mediation, lodge a complaint, or bring proceedings before a people's court with jurisdiction under applicable law. Negotiation is not a prerequisite to exercising statutory remedies.
- If a provision is invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue to apply to the extent permitted by law. The Chinese and English versions should be read consistently; ambiguities are interpreted under applicable law and rules protecting consumers' lawful rights.
- For questions about these terms, transactions, account deletion, complaints, or other service matters, contact Chao Huang (黄超) at chao@mgchao.top.