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Duplicate datasets

In this guide

Overview
Duplicate a dataset
What gets duplicated?

Overview​

Duplicate datasets to create independent copies that can be modified separately. Duplication creates a new dataset with all the metadata from the original, allowing you to reuse existing metadata structures without affecting the original dataset. This feature is useful when you need to create similar datasets or use an existing dataset as a template.

Duplicate datasets when:

  • You want to create a completely independent dataset based on existing metadata
  • You need to create similar datasets with different purposes or scopes
  • You want to use an existing dataset as a template

For example: If you manage multiple regional datasets with similar structures—such as Employment Statistics - North Region and Employment Statistics - South Region—you can duplicate the first dataset and modify only the region-specific details, saving time on data entry.

How duplication works:

  • Duplicated datasets are created as independent copies in draft status. No link exists between the original and the duplicate
  • The duplicate includes all metadata fields, distributions, and data dictionary entries
  • Duplicate datasets are prefixed with "Clone -", and you can rename them as needed
  • A new unique identifier is automatically generated for the duplicate
  • Authentic source labels in data dictionaries are not preserved (they must be reassigned)

Duplicate a dataset​

To duplicate a dataset, you must be an Editor or have the permission to edit datasets. Check your permissions. You can duplicate datasets in any status.

  1. Browse or search for the dataset you want to duplicate in any status tab (Draft, Completed, Approved, Published, Internal Only, or Deprecated).

  2. Select the options icon ( ⋮ ) on the dataset card.

  3. Select Duplicate from the menu. The system creates a copy of the dataset and automatically opens the edit page for the new duplicate.

Screenshot showing the duplicate option in the dataset actions menu

  1. Review and modify the duplicated dataset details:

    • Title: Prefixed with "Clone -" to distinguish it from the original
    • All metadata fields: distributions and data dictionary entries

  2. Update the fields as needed, then select Preview & Save to save the dataset as a draft. From here, you can continue editing, submit the dataset for approval.

What gets duplicated?​

The following properties are included when duplicating a dataset:

  • All metadata fields: Title with "Clone -" prefix, description, temporal coverage, etc.
  • Distributions: Access URLs, formats, and all distribution metadata
  • Data dictionary entries: Field names, descriptions, and data types
  • Dataset relations: Links to other datasets or external resources
  • Qualified attributions: Role assignments for organisations
  • All other DCAT-AP-LU metadata properties

The following properties are not included when duplicating a dataset:

  • Version relationships: The duplicate is not linked to the original as a version
  • Authentic source labels: Must be manually reassigned in data dictionaries
  • Activity logs: The duplicate starts with a fresh activity log
  • Comments: Comments from the original dataset are not copied
Remember

Duplicated datasets are completely independent from the original. If you want to create a tracked version of an existing published dataset, consider creating a new version of the dataset instead.