How do I duplicate a layer?
Duplicate creates a full copy of a Layer — including all of its annotations — from the Layers sidebar's 3-dot menu. It's the simplest way to back up a Layer before a destructive change like merging or deleting.
When to duplicate a Layer
Common reasons to duplicate:
- Before merging — merging Layers is permanent and can't be undone, so duplicate first if you want to keep the originals as a fallback;
- Before deleting — deleting a Layer is permanent. Duplicate first if you might want the annotations back;
- Before bulk-editing annotations — make a copy, edit the duplicate, and keep the original untouched as a comparison or backup;
- To branch a Layer — split a single Layer in two directions (e.g., one Layer for the director's intended notes and a duplicate for the alternate version you want to try);
- To recover Lost Layers — duplicating any Layer can surface hidden Lost Layers that Scriptation set aside as a safety net.
How to duplicate a Layer
- Tap the Layers icon on the Top Toolbar to open the Layers sidebar;
- Tap the 3-dot menu at the upper right of the sidebar and choose Duplicate;
- Select the Layer (or Layers) you want to duplicate, then tap OK.
Each duplicated Layer appears in your Layers list with a 2, 3, 4, etc. appended to its name — for example, "Director's Notes" becomes "Director's Notes 2". From there you can rename it, assign it a color, or treat it like any other Layer.
Duplicating Info Layers
If you want to edit an Info Layer (Revision Colors, Large Scene Numbers, Scene Dividers, 8th Page Counts, or Dialogue Numbers), you need to duplicate it first — Info Layers themselves are auto-generated and not editable. The duplicate becomes a regular editable Layer.
Each Info Layer has a boxed plus icon ** + ]** next to it; tap that to duplicate. Full walkthrough: [What are Info Layers, and how do I use them?
What's Next
What are Layers, and how do I use them?
Updated on: 13/06/2026
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