New Feature - Duplicate Component
What Duplicate Component is
Duplicate Component duplicates any component and adds a hidden copy to the same page. Editors can build the next version of the content out of sight, then swap it in by hiding one component and showing the other.
Key points:
- Works on any component
- The copy lands on the same page, hidden from visitors
- The original stays live and untouched while you edit the copy
- Swapping is hide one, show the other: do it manually, or schedule it ahead of time with each component's Start Date and End Date
- You can keep several versions ready on one page (e.g., one per day of Spirit Week)
How it works
1. Duplicate:
Hover over the component, click the copy icon, then click OK. The duplicate is added hidden, directly underneath the original, and labeled "[component title] (copy)".
2. Prepare:
Edit the hidden copy with new text, images, or links. The original stays live and visitors see nothing until you’re ready, so there’s time to review and get approval.
3. Swap:
Show the copy and hide the original, either right away or on a schedule by setting the original’s End Date and the copy’s Start Date. Visitors never see a gap.
Ways to use Duplicate Component
Here are thirteen scenarios in five themes. Each card shows what the hidden copy says and when to swap it in.
Emergencies and weather
The Snow Day Swap
"Schools Closed Today: Stay Warm, Stay Safe" with a winter photo | [SWAP MOMENT] 5:45 a.m. on a closure day; swap back the next morning
Pre-approved crisis content
Early dismissal, shelter in place, water main break (one copy each) | [SWAP MOMENT] A real event: unhide the right one, adjust details
Rain plan
"Moved Indoors: Gym Schedule Below" | [SWAP MOMENT] Rain on Field Day: a 10-second swap
Scheduled moments
Countdown to launch
“Registration Is OPEN: Start Here” with the live form button | [SWAP MOMENT] Monday, 8 a.m. (or scheduled)
Friday Night Lights
“FINAL: Eagles 28, Panthers 21” with a celebration photo | [SWAP MOMENT] The final whistle, from a phone in the parking lot
Board meeting night
“Watch Live Now” with the livestream link | [SWAP MOMENT] 6:59 p.m.; swap back after
Recurring rotations
Spirit Week stack
Pajama Day, Twin Day, Decade Day, Blue & Gold Day | [SWAP MOMENT] Each morning: show the next, hide the last
Seasonal hours
Summer hours, extensions, closures | [SWAP MOMENT] Every June and August
Staff spotlight
Next month’s photo and quote | [SWAP MOMENT] First of each month
Safe editing
Edit without an audience
Full rewrite done over several days | [SWAP MOMENT] When finished and approved
The undo button
A copy of the original, kept before big changes | [SWAP MOMENT] If the new version doesn’t work, unhide the original
Approvals and QA
Show the boss both options
Version B of the message | [SWAP MOMENT] During the review meeting: toggle and decide
Translation or accessibility QA
New alt text, reworded headings, language changes | [SWAP MOMENT] After testing, before touching the public version
Schedule the Swap
Set the original's End Date and the copy's Start Date to the same time, and the swap happens on its own. This fits the registration countdown, board meeting night, Spirit Week, seasonal hours and staff spotlight. Snow days, crisis content and game results stay manual.
Duplicate Component vs. Revision History
Revision History and the Recycle Bin are for recovering from mistakes. Duplicate Component is for planning changes you know are coming. Think of this as "use both," not as a replacement.
"Revision History is your undo button. Duplicate Component is your on-deck circle."
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|
Duplicate Component |
Revision History |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose: |
Prepare future content |
Restore past content |
|
Where versions live: |
On the page, hidden, side by side |
In a list inside the component's edit area |
|
How long they last: |
As long as you keep them |
Versions from the last year only |
|
Steps to switch: |
Hide one, show the other, or schedule it with Start and End Dates |
Edit > Revision History > find version > preview > Revert Component > OK > Save |
|
Finding the right version: |
Visible and identifiable in the editor |
10 most recent by timestamp; Load More and preview to go further back |
|
Effect on the live version: |
Untouched until you swap |
Revert overwrites current content |
|
Can hold never-published content: |
Yes |
No; only versions that were saved to the component |
|
Switching back and forth: |
Instant, repeatable |
Another revert each time |
|
Best for: |
Snow days, crisis messages, rotations, approvals, safe editing |
Undoing an unwanted edit |
Better together: Copies handle planned, repeatable swaps. Revision History is the safety net for mistakes in any of them.
Note for annual content: Because revisions older than a year drop off, a once-a-year version (summer hours, the June supply-list rollover, kindergarten registration) is safer as a hidden copy.
