The cloning functionality allows you to copy and paste the same text or number in different places within a document. This makes it easy to keep your information consistent and update it all at once. For example, if you have a specific value or phrase that appears in multiple sections, you can clone it, so any changes you make will be reflected everywhere it’s used. Below are the steps for creating, applying, and updating clones.
Create or Add a Clone
To initiate the creation of a new clone:
1. Begin by navigating to the "Tools" tab. Here, select "Clone" and then "Create Clone" from the drop-down menu.
2. Enter a unique and descriptive name for the clone. A well-chosen name makes it easier to identify and manage clones, especially in documents with numerous clones.
3. Choose whether the clone will represent a Numeric value (such as a price or quantity) or a Text (such as a repeated phrase or template). This distinction is crucial as it determines how the clone can be formatted and used.
4. Click "OK" to create the clone. The system will save this clone in a list, making it available for use throughout the document.
By creating clones, you establish a set of reusable elements that can be applied anywhere in the document, ensuring uniformity and ease of maintenance.
Apply Clone
Once you've created a clone, you can insert it into your document wherever needed. This is how you apply a clone:
1. Position the mouse cursor in the location where you want to insert the clone. This can be within a table, a paragraph, or any other section of the document.
2. Go to the "Tools" tab, select "Clone", and then "Apply Clone" from the drop-down menu.
3. From the drop-down list, select the clone you wish to use. You can also adjust settings such as scale and decimal places for numeric clones, ensuring that the clone matches the formatting requirements of the document.
4. Click "OK" to place the clone at the selected location.
Update Clone
Updating clones is a most useful feature that ensures all instances of a cloned value or text are automatically synchronized with any changes. To update a clone:
1. Go to the "Tools" tab, select "Clone", and then "Update Clone" from the drop-down menu.
2. In the list of available clones, find the one you want to update. Check the Update checkbox next to the clone, then enter the new value or text. This step ensures that any modifications are applied uniformly across all instances of the clone in the document.
3. Click the "Update" button to apply the changes. The system will automatically update every occurrence of that clone throughout the document.
4. If a clone is no longer needed, you can remove it by checking the "Update" checkbox next to the desired clone and clicking the "Delete" button. This action will remove all instances of the clone from the document.
Updating clones simplifies the process of making global changes, particularly in documents with repetitive elements that require frequent updates. It ensures that all instances are synchronized, reducing the potential for inconsistencies and manual errors.