Hey there,
Publishing a zapcode makes the zapcode live, enabling zapalytics and allowing other people to scan your zapcode on their own devices. Unlike previewing, publishing a zapcode ties the AR experience to a more permanent zapcode (which is used for printing, e.g. on a birthday or business card).
You can print a zapcode by first downloading one. Head over to my.zap.works and then select the zapcode you wish to download. Select the ‘Download Zapcode’ button and choose a file type (SVG or PNG). Once you have downloaded your zapcode, you can print it.
Regarding the save feature, this is used sparingly. Designer and Widgets automatically save any changes that are made to the AR experience built on those tools, so that when you publish, you are always publishing the most recent version of the Experience.
Hope this clarifies things, and if you have any other questions, please reply or email us at support@zappar.com.
Best,
Bob