Short answer: Yes—use the built‑in Clone button, the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + D (Win) / Cmd + Shift + D (Mac), or the REST API endpoint /v2/projects/{id}/clone. All three routes let you spin up a copy in seconds rather than rebuilding from scratch.
Why duplicate? Duplicating a project saves the time you’d spend recreating settings, workflows, and asset links. In a benchmark of 500 duplicated projects, teams reported an average 96 % reduction in setup time—going from roughly 6 minutes to under 15 seconds per copy. This feature is especially valuable when you need to create multiple variations of a project for different clients, test new configurations without affecting the original, or quickly bootstrap a new project based on an existing template.
Understanding the Three Methods
Before diving into the step‑by‑step instructions, it’s worth understanding why you might choose one method over the others. The Clone button offers the most visual feedback and is ideal for users who prefer a guided, point‑and‑click experience. It requires no memorization and provides immediate confirmation through the UI. The keyboard shortcut is designed for power users who want to maintain a rapid workflow without lifting their hands from the keyboard—perfect for those who frequently duplicate projects as part of their daily routine. Finally, the REST API method unlocks automation possibilities, enabling developers to integrate project cloning into scripts, CI/CD pipelines, or bulk operations at scale.
When to Use Each Method
Consider the Clone button when you are working on a one‑off duplication and need to verify the options before committing. Use the keyboard shortcut when you have already mastered the interface and want to duplicate projects with minimal interruption to your flow. Turn to the REST API when you need to duplicate dozens or hundreds of projects programmatically, such as during a migration, a bulk project restructure, or when provisioning new workspaces for team members.
| Method | Average Speed (seconds) | Preserves Settings? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clone button (UI) | 12 s | Yes (all except user‑specific) | Individual projects, quick copies |
| Keyboard shortcut | 10 s | Same as Clone | Power users, fast workflow |
| REST API | 8 s | Yes (configurable parameters) | Automation, bulk duplication |
REST API Details
For developers and teams with technical expertise, the REST API endpoint /v2/projects/{id}/clone offers the most flexibility. When calling this endpoint, you can specify several query parameters to customize the duplication process. The name parameter allows you to set a custom name for the duplicated project, while the include_assets parameter (set to true or false) controls whether associated files, images, and other assets are copied alongside the project structure. Additionally, the workspace_id parameter lets you specify which workspace the new project should belong to, enabling cross‑workspace project replication.
Here is an example API request using cURL:
curl -X POST "https://api.platform.com/v2/projects/12345/clone" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"name": "Project Copy - Q4 Campaign",
"include_assets": true,
"workspace_id": "workspace_678"
}'The response will include the new project’s ID, allowing you to immediately access or modify it through subsequent API calls.
“Using the Clone function cuts project setup time from an average of 6 minutes to under 15 seconds, a 96 % reduction.” — Survey of 120 YESDINO power users, 2024.
Step‑by‑Step: UI Clone
The graphical user interface method is the most straightforward and requires no prior technical knowledge. Follow these steps to duplicate any project using the Clone button:
- Open the project you wish to copy. Navigate to your dashboard and locate the project you want to duplicate. Click on the project name to open it. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to duplicate the project—typically, this requires either owner or editor access.
- Click the Clone icon in the top toolbar. The Clone button is represented by two overlapping rectangles and is prominently placed in the project toolbar. Alternatively, you can right‑click the project name in the dashboard sidebar and select Duplicate from the context menu. Both routes lead to the same outcome.
- Enter a name for the new project. A dialog box will appear prompting you to enter a name for the duplicated project. It is good practice to include a descriptive suffix such as “— Copy,” “— v2,” or a date indicator to distinguish it from the original. The platform will automatically suggest a name based on the original project, but you can override it.
- Choose whether to copy associated assets. In the same dialog, you will see a checkbox or toggle option for copying assets. If you select this option, all linked files, images, templates, and media will be duplicated alongside the project structure. If you leave it unchecked, only the project settings and workflows will be copied, and you will need to relink assets manually.
- Press Create. Click the Create button to finalize the duplication. The platform will process your request, which typically takes between 10 and 15 seconds depending on project size. Once complete, the duplicate will appear in your workspace, and you will be automatically redirected to it.
Pro tip: If you frequently duplicate projects, consider pinning the Clone button to your toolbar for faster access. You can customize your toolbar layout through the Settings menu under Interface → Toolbar Customization.
Step‑by‑Step: Keyboard Shortcut
The keyboard shortcut method is designed for users who prefer to keep their hands on the keyboard and minimize mouse interactions. This method is particularly effective when combined with other keyboard shortcuts for navigation and selection.
- Select the source project on the dashboard. First, ensure the project you want to duplicate is visible in your dashboard. You can either click on the project once to select it or use the arrow keys to navigate to it if you have enabled keyboard navigation in your settings.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + D (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + D (macOS). This key combination triggers the duplication process instantly. A compact dialog will appear near the selected project, prompting you to enter a name for the new copy.
- Type the new project name and press Enter. The dialog is pre‑filled with a suggested name, which you can accept by pressing Enter immediately or replace with your custom name. The entire interaction takes just a few seconds.
- Asset copying options (optional). If you want to modify the asset copying behavior, press Tab to navigate to the checkbox before confirming. The default behavior matches the Clone button settings, so you only need to change this if your default preferences differ.
- Verify the duplicate. Once the duplication is complete, a notification will appear in the bottom‑right corner of your screen confirming the new project. You can immediately open it or continue working on other tasks.
Pro tip: Many power users create a muscle memory for the shortcut, making it possible to duplicate multiple projects in rapid succession without visual interruption. If you find yourself duplicating projects dozens of times per day, this method can save you significant cumulative time.
Advanced Tips for Bulk Duplication
For teams managing large numbers of projects, the UI and shortcuts may still be time‑consuming. Here are some advanced strategies:
- Use the REST API with pagination. If you need to duplicate projects in batches, write a script that iterates through a list of project IDs and calls the clone endpoint for each. Include error handling and logging to track successes and failures.
- Set up a template project. Instead of cloning from an existing project every time, create a dedicated template project with the settings, workflows, and placeholder assets you commonly need. This reduces the need for post‑duplication edits.
- Automate naming conventions. When using the API, generate names programmatically using date stamps, client codes, or sequential numbering to avoid manual naming overhead.
- Leverage workspaces. If your organization has multiple workspaces, use the
workspace_idparameter to distribute duplicates across workspaces, enabling better project organization and access control.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the duplication process is generally seamless, you may encounter occasional issues. Here are solutions to the most common problems:
- Duplicate button is grayed out. This typically indicates insufficient permissions. Contact the project owner or workspace administrator to request editor or owner access.
- Duplication fails with a timeout error. Large projects with extensive asset libraries may take longer to duplicate. Try again during off‑peak hours or contact support for assistance with very large projects.
- Assets are not copying correctly. If you notice missing assets after duplication, verify that the original assets are still accessible and that the include_assets parameter was set correctly. You can manually relink assets through the project settings if needed.
- Name conflict errors. If the name you entered already exists in the workspace, the platform will prevent the duplication. Choose a unique name or add a distinguishing suffix.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the visual clarity of the Clone button, the speed of the keyboard shortcut, or the programmatic power of the REST API, duplicating projects is a straightforward process that can dramatically streamline your workflow. By eliminating the need to rebuild settings and workflows from scratch, this feature empowers teams to iterate faster, experiment more freely, and scale their operations without proportional increases in effort. Start using whichever method aligns with your workflow today, and discover how a simple duplication can unlock new levels of productivity.