Channel Duplication

This article explains how to duplicate a channel. You will learn how to copy your existing rules, formulas, and mappings to the same ProductFlow or a different one.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Channel Duplication
2. Duplicating a Channel

Understanding Channel Duplication

You can copy an entire channel, including all of its rules and formulas. You can duplicate a channel inside its current ProductFlow or send a copy to a completely different ProductFlow.

• Example: You spent hours building a complex Google Shopping channel for the US market. Now, you need the exact same setup for the UK market in a different ProductFlow. Instead of starting from scratch, you duplicate the US channel. SmartFeeds copies your logic, and you simply connect the new UK data. This saves time and prevents manual errors.

1. How Smart Mapping Works

When you duplicate a channel to a different ProductFlow, the source data (imports) might have different names. SmartFeeds automatically matches them to save you time.

• Imports Mapping: SmartFeeds searches the destination ProductFlow for an import with the exact same name. If there is no exact match, it looks for similar formats (e.g., matching product_feed with productFeed). As a last resort, if there is only one import of the same type available, it selects it by default.
• Columns Mapping: Once an import is mapped, SmartFeeds automatically maps the columns inside it using the same logic.

Columns without a match will remain empty and are highlighted visually. You can always click any dropdown to change SmartFeeds' automatic suggestions manually.

2. Handling Missing Variables

Variables from your "Variables" tab are not copied during channel duplication.

If your original channel uses a variable that does not exist in the destination ProductFlow:

• The duplication is not blocked.
• SmartFeeds will display a confirmation warning before you copy.
• The specific rules using the missing variable will show an error in the new channel.
• To fix the error, simply create the missing variable in the destination ProductFlow.

Duplicating a Channel

1. In the Same ProductFlow

1. Open your ProductFlow.
2. Click the Duplicate icon next to the channel you want to copy.
3. Select In this product flow.
4. The channel copies immediately. You can now update its name, protections, or alerts.

⚠️ Note for MCT API Channels: Do not duplicate an MCT API channel into the same ProductFlow if it uses the same account, as this will cause an error. To reuse the account, duplicate it to a different ProductFlow.

2. To Another ProductFlow

1. Click the Duplicate icon next to the channel.
2. Select In another product flow.
3. Choose your destination ProductFlow from the dropdown list.
4. Review the Imports Mapping and Columns Mapping. SmartFeeds fills these out automatically.
5. Edit any empty or incorrect mappings.
6. Click Duplicate to finish.

Quick Answers to Common Issues

Why am I getting an error when duplicating an MCT API channel?

You are likely trying to duplicate it into the same ProductFlow. You cannot use the same MCT API account twice in one ProductFlow. You must duplicate the channel to a different ProductFlow to reuse the account.

Why do my rules show errors after duplicating to a new ProductFlow?

This happens if your original rules use variables or columns that are missing in the new ProductFlow. The channel still copies, but the affected rules are left incomplete. To fix this, you can either create the missing variables, manually map the missing columns, or edit the rule so it no longer needs the missing field.

Why did SmartFeeds leave some columns empty during mapping?

SmartFeeds automatically maps columns with exact or similar names. If your new data uses completely different column names, you must click the dropdown to map these columns manually.

Related Articles

For further assistance with SmartFeeds, consider reviewing these articles:

• Data import
• Data Export
• Mapping

For additional help, feel free to reach out via our Contact Us page