Editing Copy Automation (section)

== How do I create a copy of an automation? ==

Copying an automation in ActiveCampaign is a straightforward process that allows users to duplicate existing automations for further editing or testing. This feature is vital for marketers and teams who want to replicate successful workflows without starting from scratch. Whether you want to tweak an existing automation or share it with other users, understanding how to copy automations can enhance your efficiency and workflow management.

=== How to access the Copy Automation feature ===

To access the Copy Automation feature, navigate to the '''Automations''' section in your ActiveCampaign account. This feature is available to users on the Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans, ensuring that a wide range of users can benefit from it.

=== Step-by-step instructions ===

Here are the detailed steps to create a copy of an automation:

# Click on '''Automations''' in the left menu.
# From the '''Automations Overview''' page, locate the automation you wish to copy.
# Click the dropdown next to the '''Edit''' button for that automation.
# Select '''Copy''' from the options.
# A toast notification will appear at the top right, indicating the progress of the copy. When the notification reaches 100%, the copy will be complete.

Once the process is finished, the copied automation will appear at the top of the '''Automations Overview''' page. Keep in mind the following details about the copied automation:
* The name of the new automation will include "(copy)".
* By default, the automation will be '''Inactive'''.
* Contacts from the original automation will not be included in the copy.
* Changes made to the copied automation will not affect the original automation, and changes to the original will not affect the copy.

If you need to share your automation with another ActiveCampaign user instead of copying it, you can create a share link for that automation. This feature allows the other user to import a copy of your automation directly.

=== Configuration options and settings ===

When copying an automation, it’s essential to note the following configuration aspects:

* The duplicated automation retains basic structural elements, but it does not include contacts from the original.
* It remains '''Inactive''' initially, meaning you will need to manually activate it once further adjustments are made.
* The automation name automatically receives a "(copy)" suffix, providing clarity on the version.

=== Best practices and tips ===

To effectively use the Copy Automation feature, consider the following best practices:

* Use copied automations as templates: Modify copied automations to cater to different campaigns or audiences rather than starting from zero.
* Confirm that the copied automation is configured correctly before activating it to ensure it performs as expected.
* Regularly review and update copied automations to align with current strategies and messaging.
* Keep your naming conventions consistent to easily manage and identify automations within your account.

=== Common use cases with examples ===

1. **Testing Variations**: If you have a successful automation setup for a specific product launch, use the copy feature to create variations that test different message timings or content elements.
  
2. **Segment-Specific Adjustments**: If you manage multiple customer segments, copy an existing automation and modify it to target a different segment's preferences and behaviors.

3. **Collaborative Sharing**: For teams working on campaigns, copy a well-performing automation and share it with your colleagues via a share link, allowing them to adapt and utilize the structure for their needs.

=== Troubleshooting section ===

If you encounter issues while copying an automation, here are some troubleshooting tips:

* **Toast Notification Does Not Complete**: If the copy process stalls, check your internet connection and refresh the page. Try copying again if necessary.
* **Automation Not Found**: Ensure you are on the '''Automations Overview''' page and that the automation has not been archived or deleted.
* **Edit Not Saving**: If you face issues while editing the copied automation, verify that you have the correct permissions and that you are not attempting to modify the original automation.

=== Related features ===

For additional functionalities related to automations, you might want to explore:
* [[Automations]]: Learn more about creating and managing automations.
* [[Automation Triggers]]: Understand how to set up triggers for your automations.

=== FAQ ===

'''Q1: Can I copy an automation that contains active contacts?'''
A1: No, when you copy an automation, contacts from the original automation will not be carried over to the copied version.

'''Q2: What happens if I activate a copied automation?'''
A2: Once activated, the copied automation can start processing new contacts independently from the original automation, and any edits you make will not impact the original.

'''Q3: Is it possible to copy an automation across different ActiveCampaign accounts?'''
A3: No, copying automations can only be performed within the same ActiveCampaign account; however, you can use a share link to share an automation with another account.

'''Q4: Will the copied automation maintain the same triggers as the original?'''
A4: Yes, the copied automation retains the same triggers, but it is important to review and ensure they are set up correctly according to your new goals.

'''Q5: Can I modify the name of the copied automation?'''
A5: Yes, you can rename the copied automation directly from its settings after copying it.

'''Q6: What does the "(copy)" suffix indicate?'''
A6: The "(copy)" suffix helps users identify that this automation is a duplicated version of an original, maintaining clarity in your automation management.

'''Q7: How often can I copy an automation?'''
A7: You can copy any automation as many times as you wish, allowing for extensive variations and iterations for different campaigns.

By following the above instructions and tips, you'll efficiently take advantage of the Copy Automation feature in ActiveCampaign to optimize your automation processes and share valuable insights with others.
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