Bulk Actions & Cloning

TimeWrit allows you to take data from other researchers and create independent copies in your own collection. This ensures you can edit descriptions, add private notes, or change dates without affecting the shared source of truth. ## Cloning Methods There are three main ways to duplicate data in TimeWrit: ### 1. Quick Copy (List Views) Found in the **Copy** column of list views (Timelines, People, Locations, etc.). This creates an instant standalone copy of that specific record in your collection.  ### 2. Bulk Quick Copy (Admin Actions) You can copy multiple items at once using Admin Actions. 1. Select the items via the checkboxes in the list view. 2. Open the **Actions** dropdown. 3. Select **Quick Copy selected to my collection**. 4. Click **Go**.  ### 3. Full Deep Copy (Timelines) For Timelines specifically, a "Deep Copy" is available. This duplicates the timeline record **and every event within that timeline**. - Because this can involve hundreds of records, it is processed in the background. - You will receive a notification (or can check the background tasks) when it is complete. ## Data Privacy & Integrity When an item is cloned: - **Researcher Notes** are cleared to protect the original author's private research. - **Needs Research** status is reset to `False`. - **Ownership** is assigned to you. - **Provenance**: The new record will have a permanent link back to the `cloned_from` original record for audit purposes. > [!IMPORTANT] > **Timeline Pollution**: When cloning events, TimeWrit only maintains links to timelines that you already own. This prevents your private clones from appearing on other researchers' public timelines. ## When to Clone Only create a copy if you intend to: 1. Add private biographical notes that shouldn't be shared. 2. Adjust dates or descriptions based on your own specialized research. 3. Combine events from multiple sources into a new, unique timeline.