3

When managing lists or objects, what are the advantages of a "clone" action over "copy & paste", if any? What are the disadvantages? Or when should you use one pattern over another?

I assume a clone action would: 1. Automatically duplication an object in a list 2. Increment the name to something like "Object 1 copy" 3. Automatically enter the edit state/mode for the object in the list to allow the user to make changes. From there a user can cancel or save the changed object?

Thanks.

2
  • I have yet to see the action terminology "Clone" used in a website. "Create Copy" or simply "Copy" should suffice for most people. Are you trying to appease regular users or is this a very technical application where people would be more apt to understand clone in the given context?
    – MonkeyZeus
    Aug 25, 2015 at 18:31
  • 1
    @MonkeyZeus makes a good point - I have seen clone before, but most often the term in UI is Duplicate (clone is more popular in programming - you clone an object).
    – Izhaki
    Aug 25, 2015 at 21:13

2 Answers 2

5

Copy and paste were originally intended to act between two containers (folder A, folder B).

Clone, on the other hand, is within-container.

Copy and paste are two actions, clone is one action. So if the user intention is to clone, why make this a two-action process when you can do with one?

Then:

  1. Automatically duplication an object in a list

Indeed

  1. Increment the name to something like "Object 1 copy"

This depends - in some systems the label is unique, in others it isn't (all TODO lists I know of allow you to put milk twice).

  1. Automatically enter the edit state/mode for the object in the list to allow the user to make changes.

This is nearly always useful with textual items (not always so for graphical ones); it all depends what the list is for and what the user needs are.

0

The advantage of copy/paste, as I see it, is that I've been trained to type cmd-C cmd-V to make a copy of something. The only way Clone would be more efficient than that would be if it had its own keyboard shortcut and if I memorized it.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.