Copying a flow is the safest way to reuse logic without risking changes to your original. You can duplicate an existing flow to create a new version, test improvements, localize content, or build a new workflow using the same structure.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create an exact copy of a flow, quickly identify the copied version in the editor, and update the copy’s key settings (name, triggers, expiration, and keyword behavior) before you test or launch it.
Copy a flow safely (and turn it into a new version)
If you already know what you want and just need the fast path, follow this:
- Open the flow you want to duplicate in the flow editor
- Use the ☰ menu and click Copy
- Rename and update key settings via ☰ → Edit
- Test the copied flow (simulator) before using it with real contacts
You’re done. You now have a separate flow you can modify without touching the original.
Step-by-Step Process
- Log in to your RapidPro.app workspace.
- Go to the Flows tab.
- Click the flow you want to duplicate to open it in the flow editor.
[CAPTURE: Flows list showing a selected flow opening into the flow editor.]
- In the flow editor, locate the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner.
- Click the ☰ menu to open flow options.
- Select Copy.
[CAPTURE: Flow editor showing the ☰ menu open with the “Copy” option highlighted.]
After copying:
- RapidPro.app opens the copied flow automatically in the editor.
- The default name is typically: “Copy of [original flow name]”.
[CAPTURE: Flow editor header showing the new flow name starting with “Copy of …”.]
- In the copied flow, click the ☰ menu icon again (top-right).
- Select Edit.
- Update any flow-level settings you need, such as:
- Flow name (rename it clearly)
- Keyword triggers (add/remove keywords)
- Flow expiration window (adjust how long runs stay active during inactivity)
- Ignore keyword triggers once a contact has entered (if supported in your workspace)
[CAPTURE: Flow editor ☰ menu with “Edit” selected and the Edit dialog open showing name, triggers, expiration, and keyword options.]
Registration – v2 (Copy) or Survey – Pilot – Dec 2025.
- Open the copied flow in the editor.
- Run the flow in the simulator to confirm:
- Messages are correct
- Splits route as expected
- Any updates (contact fields, groups) happen in the right step
- If you changed triggers or keywords, test entry behavior with a small internal test group first.
[CAPTURE: Simulator panel showing a test run in the copied flow, plus the action log confirming updates.]
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
Problem: I can’t find the Copy option.
Fix: Confirm you are inside the flow editor (not just the Flows list). Check your permissions—you may need an Editor or Admin role. If your UI uses a different label, look for Duplicate or similar wording.
Problem: I copied a flow but can’t tell which one is the copy.
Fix: Open the copied flow and check the flow name— it typically starts as “Copy of …”. Immediately rename it using ☰ → Edit, then add a suffix like (Copy), v2, Pilot, or a date.
Problem: I edited the copy but my original flow changed too.
Fix: Verify you are editing the copied flow by checking the flow name at the top. Adopt a naming convention that prevents confusion and (if supported) separate Production vs Draft vs Archived using labels.