---
title: Using the Copy and Delete Features in Survey Management
description: "The HRSimplified platform now includes two additional features within the **Survey Management** module: **Copy** and **Delete**. These features make it easier to manage, duplicate, or remove survey templates as needed. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to use these…"
url: "https://hrsimplified.org/docs/using-the-copy-and-delete-features-in-survey-management/"
updated: "2024-11-26"
category: "Surveys & Feedback"
---

# Using the Copy and Delete Features in Survey Management

The HRSimplified platform now includes two additional features within the **Survey Management** module: **Copy** and **Delete**. These features make it easier to manage, duplicate, or remove survey templates as needed. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to use these options effectively and understand their implications.

![Screen in HRSimplified to show the acceptance of a Copy of a Survey before continuing.](https://hrsimplified.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-27-1024x576.png)

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#### **1. Copying a Survey Template**

The **Copy** function allows you to duplicate an existing survey template. This is especially useful when you need to create similar surveys with minor changes, saving time and effort in re-entering all the questions manually.

##### **Steps to Copy a Survey Template**

1. **Navigate to the Survey Management Module:**
   - Go to the **Survey Management** section under the **Templates** tab.
2. **Find the Survey Template to Copy:**
   - Locate the survey template you want to duplicate from the list of available templates.
3. **Initiate the Copy Process:**
   - Click the **Actions** button next to the selected template and choose **Copy** from the dropdown menu.
4. **Confirmation Dialog:**
   - A popup will appear asking for confirmation to copy the survey. For example:
     *"Do you want to copy 'Social Well-being' and delete the existing template?"*
     - Click **Yes** to proceed or **Cancel** to stop the process.
     - If you proceed, a new template will be created with the same name and questions as the original, and you can modify it as needed.
5. **Editing the Copied Template:**
   - Once copied, the template will appear in the template list. Use the **Edit** option under the Actions menu to make any changes to the copied survey.

##### **Key Points to Remember:**

- The copied survey includes all questions, categories, and settings from the original.
- You can change the name, questions, and configuration of the copied survey after duplication.

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#### **2. Deleting a Survey Template**

The **Delete** function permanently removes a survey template and all its associated responses. Use this feature with caution, as it is irreversible.

##### **Steps to Delete a Survey Template**

1. **Navigate to the Survey Management Module:**
   - Go to **Survey Management** and locate the **Templates** tab.
2. **Select the Template to Delete:**
   - Identify the survey you wish to remove from the list.
3. **Initiate the Deletion Process:**
   - Click the **Actions** button next to the template and select **Delete** from the dropdown menu.
4. **Confirmation Dialog:**
   - A popup will ask for confirmation to delete the survey. For example:
     *"Are you sure you want to delete the survey template 'Social Well-being'? This action will also delete all corresponding answers."*
     - Click **Yes** to confirm or **Cancel** to abort the process.
5. **Template and Data Removal:**
   - Once confirmed, the survey template and all responses associated with it will be permanently removed from the system.

##### **Key Points to Remember:**

- Deleted templates cannot be restored. Ensure you no longer need the template or its data before deleting.
- If the survey has active responses, they will also be removed permanently.

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**3.** **What Happens After Deletion?**

- Deleted surveys are flagged as inactive in the system.
- In the grid view, inactive surveys are moved to the **last page** of the grid to avoid cluttering active templates.
- To locate a deleted survey, navigate to the last page and look for templates marked as **inactive** in the **Active** column (indicated by a red cross).

#### **Best Practices for Using Copy and Delete**

- **Copying Templates:** Use the Copy feature when you need to create variations of an existing survey. For example, you can duplicate an exit interview survey to adjust questions for specific departments.
- **Deleting Templates:** Ensure you have exported or backed up survey results before deleting a template. This is particularly important for compliance and reporting purposes.
- **Naming Conventions:** When copying templates, use a clear naming convention to differentiate the new survey from the original (e.g., "Exit Interview - Updated" or "Social Well-being - V2").

**Important Notes**

- **Data Integrity:** Deleted surveys and their associated responses cannot be recovered. Be cautious when deleting a survey template.
- **Grid Behavior:** Deleted surveys remain visible but flagged as inactive to allow tracking of historical templates. They are moved to the last page of the grid for easy identification.
- **Review Inactive Templates:** Navigate to the final grid pages to review inactive survey templates.