Clone Tile Instance into Tile Template
This feature allows you to convert a tile instance (including all its overrides) into a new tile template. This is useful when you've customized an instance and want to reuse that customized version elsewhere.
Overview
Cloning an instance to a template enables you to:
- Preserve customizations made to an instance
- Create new templates from existing work
- Reuse modified designs across multiple pages
- Save time by not recreating complex configurations
When to Use This Feature
Common Scenarios
| Scenario | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Evolved design | Instance has valuable overrides worth reusing |
| Prototype to production | Turn a one-off design into a reusable template |
| Variant creation | Create a variation of an existing template |
| Design exploration | Save experimental designs as templates |
Example Workflow
Original: "Card Template"
│
▼
Instance on Page A (with overrides)
- Changed colors to blue theme
- Added new element
- Modified layout
│
▼
Clone to Template: "Blue Card Template"
│
▼
New template available for use anywhereHow to Clone Instance to Template
Step 1: Select the Instance
- Navigate to the page with the instance
- Click on the instance to select it
- Confirm it's the instance you want to clone
Step 2: Access Clone Option
- Right-click on the instance
- Select "Clone to Template" (or similar option)
- Or use the Floating Design Panel menu
Step 3: Configure New Template
A dialog appears:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Template Name | Name for the new template |
| Description | Optional description |
| Location | Where in the Tile Section to place it |
Step 4: Create Template
- Enter a descriptive name
- Click Create or Clone
- New template is created in the Tile Section
Step 5: Verify
- Check the Tile Section for your new template
- Open the template to verify contents
- All elements and overrides are now part of the template
What Gets Cloned
Included in the Clone
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| All elements | Every element from the instance |
| Element properties | Text, colors, dimensions, etc. |
| Element positions | Layout and arrangement |
| Overrides | All customizations become template defaults |
| Styles | Applied styles and custom styling |
| Events | Click actions and triggers |
Not Included
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Instance position | Templates don't have page positions |
| Live data values | Data bindings are preserved, not actual data |
| Instance-specific conditions | May need reconfiguration |
After Cloning
Relationship to Original
The new template is independent:
- No connection to the original template
- No connection to the source instance
- Changes to original don't affect the clone
- Changes to clone don't affect original
Using the New Template
- Find it in the Tile Section
- Drag onto any page to create instances
- Edit the template to make global changes
- All instances of the new template will share its design
Cloning Flow Diagram
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CLONE PROCESS │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌──────────────────┐ │
│ │ Original Template│ │
│ │ "Base Card" │ │
│ └────────┬─────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ Creates instance │
│ ┌──────────────────┐ │
│ │ Instance on Page │ │
│ │ + Overrides: │ │
│ │ • Blue colors │ │
│ │ • Extra button │ │
│ └────────┬─────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ▼ Clone to Template │
│ ┌──────────────────┐ │
│ │ NEW TEMPLATE │ │
│ │ "Blue Card" │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Contains all │ │
│ │ overrides as │ │
│ │ defaults │ │
│ └──────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Best Practices
Before Cloning
- Review the instance - Ensure all desired changes are made
- Clean up - Remove any temporary or test content
- Verify styling - Confirm all styles are correct
- Check elements - All needed elements are present
Naming the Template
Use clear, descriptive names:
| Good | Avoid |
|---|---|
| "Product Card - Featured" | "Clone of Card" |
| "Blue Theme Header" | "Instance Copy" |
| "Survey Form - Extended" | "New Template 1" |
After Cloning
- Verify the template - Open and review the contents
- Test an instance - Create a test instance
- Document - Note what the template is for
- Clean up source - Consider removing the original instance if no longer needed
Common Use Cases
Creating a Variant
You have a "Product Card" template but need a "Featured Product Card":
- Place a Product Card instance
- Customize with featured styling (border, badge, colors)
- Clone to "Product Card - Featured" template
- Use both templates as needed
Saving Experimental Work
Exploring a new design in an instance:
- Make changes to an instance
- Test and iterate
- When satisfied, clone to template
- New design is preserved and reusable
Converting Legacy Content
Have an old instance with good design:
- Select the instance
- Clone to template
- New template can be used going forward
- Retire the old instance/template
Troubleshooting
Clone Option Not Available
- Verify you selected an instance (not a template)
- Check your permissions
- Ensure you're in edit mode
Template Not Appearing After Clone
- Refresh the Tile Section
- Check if it was placed in a different location
- Verify the clone operation completed
Missing Elements in Template
- Some elements may not clone correctly
- Manually verify and add missing elements
- Check if elements had special conditions
Styles Not Transferred
- Verify styles were part of the instance
- Check if styles are applied inline vs. saved
- Reapply styles if needed
Questions?
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can submit an issue on this platform.
Useful Links:
Tile Instances - https://help.acenji.com/#/./create-web-application/website-builder/tile-section/tile-instances/index Tile Templates - https://help.acenji.com/#/./create-web-application/website-builder/tile-section/tile-templates/index Editing Tile Instance - https://help.acenji.com/#/./create-web-application/website-builder/tile-section/tile-instances/editing-tile-instance/index