Copy options explained
What each option does: copy as subsite or merge, existing items, permissions, authors and dates, and version history.
Action to perform (Copy structure)
- Copy as a subsite of the destination: the source site becomes a new subsite. You can give it a new title and URL name.
- Merge with the destination: lists, columns, groups and other objects are added to the existing destination site.
Operation mode
- Automatic: no questions during the copy. Choose what happens when an item already exists at the destination:
| Option | Result |
|---|---|
| Copy and replace them | The destination item is overwritten |
| Don't copy existing items | Existing items are skipped |
| Copy and keep both | The new item is added with a different name |
| Copy if newer (incremental) | Only items changed since the last copy are copied |
- Manual: you are asked each time an item exists, with an apply to all choice.
Keep the following items
- Custom permissions: unique permissions on sites, lists, folders and items.
- Authors and dates (Created / Modified): keeps who created and changed each item, and when. Users are matched through Mappings or by e-mail.
- Version history: copies earlier versions with their dates and authors. You can limit it to the latest N versions to save time and storage.
- For structure copies: list views, site navigation, subsites, web parts and required features.
Use Copy if newer (incremental) for a final catch-up copy just before switching users to the new site.
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Updated 2026-10-17