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IDProjectCategoryView StatusLast Update
20484Bug reportsSurvey editingpublic2026-04-14 23:10
Reportergseilhei Assigned Toc_schmitz  
PrioritynoneSeverityminor 
Status closedResolutionduplicate 
Product Version6.16.x 
Summary20484: Survey copy functionality removed from survey editor – regression since 6.14+
Description

In previous LimeSurvey versions it was possible to duplicate a survey directly from within the survey editor or via a simplified workflow. This allowed efficient reuse of survey structures including permissions, which is especially important in teaching environments.

Since versions ~6.14+, this functionality appears to be removed or significantly changed. Currently, surveys can only be copied via the survey overview, followed by manually selecting and reconfiguring elements. This introduces additional steps, reduces usability, and makes it harder to reuse templates for students or projects.

Steps To Reproduce

Schritte zur Reproduktion

  1. Open LimeSurvey (version 6.14+ / 6.15 / 6.16)
  2. Create or open an existing survey
  3. Try to duplicate/copy the survey from within the survey editor (as possible in earlier versions)
  4. Observe that the option is no longer available
  5. Navigate to survey overview and attempt duplication from there (only available workaround)

Erwartetes Ergebnis
A simple and direct way to duplicate a survey (including structure and permissions) should be available within the survey editor, as in previous versions.

Tatsächliches Ergebnis
Survey duplication is only possible via the survey overview with additional manual steps. The previous streamlined workflow is no longer available.

TagsNo tags attached.
Attached Files
Bug heat4
Complete LimeSurvey version number (& build)6.16.16+260408
I will donate to the project if issue is resolvedNo
BrowserChrome / Safari (tritt unabhängig vom Browser auf)
Database type & version8.0.45-0ubuntu0.24.04.1
Server OS (if known)Linux web4 6.8.0-107-generic #107-Ubuntu SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Fri Mar 13 19:51:50 UTC 2026 x86_64
Webserver software & version (if known)nginx/1.24.0
PHP Version8.3.6
Git branch / Pull Request URL

Relationships

duplicate of 20415 closedc_schmitz Copy Survey Option Missing in 6.16.5 Update 

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Activities

mfavetti

mfavetti

2026-04-14 08:09

developer   ~84617

"Currently, surveys can only be copied via the survey overview, followed by manually selecting and reconfiguring elements."

from the survey listing page if you use the action menu for a survey and do copy -> custom copy or copy -> quick copy, what are you expecting to get copied that is not getting copied?

gseilhei

gseilhei

2026-04-14 09:44

reporter   ~84633

Thank you for your response and clarification.

Our main concern is not that copying is impossible, but that the workflow has become significantly less efficient compared to previous versions.

Previously, it was possible to create a new survey directly based on an existing one within the “create survey” dialog (i.e., using an existing survey as a template). This approach was much faster and more intuitive, especially in teaching scenarios.

Current situation:
• Copying via survey list (quick copy / custom copy) works technically
• However, it requires leaving the creation context and switching to the overview
• This interrupts the workflow and adds unnecessary steps

Expected / previous behavior:
• Ability to select an existing survey as a template directly during survey creation
• Faster setup for standardized surveys
• More intuitive for users (especially students)

Use case (important for context):
• Reusing predefined survey templates for courses
• Quickly assigning permissions and adapting content
• Minimizing complexity for non-technical users

In summary, the previous approach within the creation dialog was significantly more efficient and user-friendly than the current copy-via-overview workflow.

It would be very helpful to understand whether this was an intentional UX change or if reintroducing such a template-based creation flow is being considered.

Issue History

Date Modified Username Field Change
2026-04-13 14:25 gseilhei New Issue
2026-04-13 14:25 gseilhei File Added: Bildschirmfoto 2026-04-13 um 14.25.19.png
2026-04-14 08:09 mfavetti Note Added: 84617
2026-04-14 08:09 mfavetti Bug heat 0 => 2
2026-04-14 08:57 mfavetti Category Accessibility => Survey editing
2026-04-14 09:44 gseilhei Note Added: 84633
2026-04-14 09:44 gseilhei Bug heat 2 => 4
2026-04-14 23:09 c_schmitz Relationship added duplicate of 20415
2026-04-14 23:10 c_schmitz Assigned To => c_schmitz
2026-04-14 23:10 c_schmitz Status new => closed
2026-04-14 23:10 c_schmitz Resolution open => duplicate