This feature is currently in Beta and subject to quick, iterative changes. As a result, the latest product version may differ from the content of this document. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions.
Sigma allows you to copy elements to your clipboard and paste them to specific locations. You can copy and paste elements within a single workbook, or you can copy an element from one workbook and paste it in another.
Summary of Content
User Requirements
Applicable Elements
Copy and Paste an Element
Copy the element
Paste the element below an existing element
Paste the element in an empty space
Frequently Asked Questions
User Requirements
The ability to copy and paste elements requires the following:
- You must be assigned an account type with the Explore Workbook or Edit Workbook permission enabled.
- You must be the workbook owner or be granted Can Explore or Can Edit workbook permission.
Applicable Elements
Copy and paste functionality is currently supported by select elements. Sigma will periodically release additional support while the feature is in Beta.
You can copy and paste the following elements:
- Data elements: table, visualization, pivot table
- UI elements: text, image, button, embed
- Input tables: empty
You cannot copy and paste the following elements:
- Input tables: linked
- UI elements: spacer, divider, plugins
- Control elements: number, list values, text box, switch, date, drill down, top N
Copy and Paste an Element
Once you've copied an element to your clipboard, you can paste it directly below an existing element in the destination workbook, or you can paste it to an empty space.
When you copy a child element, its lineage is also saved to the clipboard and pasted to the destination workbook.
Copy the element
- Select or hover over the element you want to copy.
- In the element toolbar, click the
action icon to open the element menu, then select Copy element. 
The original element and all applicable parent elements in its lineage are saved to your clipboard.
Paste the element below an existing element
- Open the destination workbook in Explore or Edit mode, then select or hover over an existing element.
-
In the element toolbar, click the action icon to open the element menu, then select Paste element below.
A copy of the original element is pasted below the existing element.
Paste the element in an empty space
- Open the destination workbook in Explore or Edit mode, then find an empty space in the canvas.
-
Right-click the empty space to open the action menu, then select Paste element.
A copy of the original element is pasted to the empty space.
How do the Copy/Paste element actions differ from the Duplicate action? When should I use each?
| |
Duplicate |
Copy/Paste element |
| Single workbook action |
Cross-workbook action |
| Original element only |
Original element + lineage |
| Current workbook/page |
Any workbook/page |
| Original and duplicate reference the same lineage |
Original and copy reference separate lineages |
When you select Duplicate in an element's action menu, Sigma immediately adds an exact copy directly below the original element (in the same workbook and page). If the original is a child element, the duplicate shares its lineage (i.e., the original and its duplicate reference the same parent elements in the workbook). Changes applied to a parent element are reflected in the original and its duplicate. This feature is recommended when you need to create a duplicate in the same workbook containing the original element.
When you select Copy element in an element's action menu, Sigma saves the element to your clipboard. You can then select the Paste element action to create a copy in any workbook and page across your organization. If the original element is a child element, its lineage is also saved to the clipboard and pasted to the destination workbook page. In this case, the original and its copy are disassociated and don't share the same lineage (i.e., the original and its copy reference separate parent elements). This feature is recommended when you need to create a copy in a different workbook that doesn't contain the original element.
If I copy a child element, but its parent element exists in a different page of the workbook, does Sigma still copy the parent element to the clipboard and paste it to the destination?
Yes. The element's entire lineage is copied to the clipboard, regardless of a parent element's location in the workbook. In the destination workbook, however, child and parent elements are pasted to the same page.
Can I copy an element and paste it to a workbook in a different organization?
No. An element can only be copied and pasted between workbooks created in the same Sigma organization.
Can I copy and paste a custom SQL element?
Yes. An element with a custom SQL source can be copied and pasted whether it's the original element or part its lineage. However, control elements impacting the element are not copied and pasted to the destination workbook page.
How are permissions applied when I copy and paste an element between different workbooks? Who can view the element's data?
The ability to view an element's data depends on a user's access to the data source. When you share a workbook with a user who doesn’t have access to a particular element’s data source (i.e., dataset or connection table), the user can view that element’s data in the shared workbook only. If the user copies the element and pastes it to another workbook, the copy doesn’t load any data in the destination workbook page, and Sigma notifies the user that they don't have access.
Are an element's filters carried over when it's copied and pasted?
Yes. If filters are already applied to the original element at the time it's copied, those filters are applied to the copy in the destination workbook page. This also applies to parent elements that are copied and pasted as part of the original element's lineage.
Are control elements copied and pasted with an element?
No. At this time, control elements impacting the original element and its lineage are not copied and pasted to the destination workbook page.
Are cross-element actions copied and pasted with an element?
No. At this time, cross-element actions impacting the original element and its lineage are not copied and pasted to the destination workbook page.
Can I copy and paste an entire workbook page?
No. At this time, workbook pages cannot be copied and pasted.
