Duplicating a Glide App
Introduction
Duplicating a Glide App creates a copy of an existing app, which can include its layout, features, and data. This is useful in Glide for testing changes without affecting the original app, or for creating variations that share or separate data.
When to Use This
- To build a separate version of an app for different user groups, like one for managers and one for employees, while keeping the data linked.
- To make a backup of your app and its current data before making big updates.
- To develop a new app based on an existing one without linking the data, such as starting a fresh project with similar setup.
What You Need First
- An existing Glide App in your dashboard that you want to copy.
- Access to your Glide account and any connected data sources, like Google Sheets.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open Your Dashboard
Go to your Glide dashboard where all your apps are listed. Find the app you want to duplicate.
Step 2: Access the Menu
Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the app's card.
Step 3: Select Duplicate
From the menu, choose "Duplicate." This starts the copying process.
Step 4: Choose Data Option
Decide if you want to keep the same data sheet (so changes sync between apps) or copy the sheet (to have separate data). Pick the option that fits your needs and confirm.
Step 5: Review the New App
Once duplicated, the new app appears in your dashboard. Open it to check the layout and data, and make any needed adjustments.
Helpful Tips
- If you're duplicating to test changes, always choose to copy the sheet to avoid accidentally updating live data in the original app.
- Name your duplicated app clearly, like adding "Copy" or "Version 2" to the title, to avoid confusion in your dashboard.
- Test data syncing right after duplicating if you kept the same sheet, to ensure everything links as expected.
Fixing Common Problems
A common issue is the duplicated app showing a blank screen or not loading properly, often due to data mismatches or glitches during the copy process.
To fix this: First, duplicate the app again as a backup. Then, check and clear any empty rows or columns in the linked data tables via another app that shares the same data. If that doesn't work, try accessing the app in a different browser or clearing your cache.
If the problem persists, reach out to Glide support with your app's details.