Manus Adds 'Make a Copy' Feature for WebDev Projects
Timothy Morano May 11, 2026 11:07
Manus Website Builder introduces 'Make a Copy,' enabling WebDev users to duplicate projects for safer experimentation and reusable templates.
Manus Website Builder has introduced a new feature called "Make a Copy," aimed at giving developers more flexibility and control over their projects. This tool allows users to duplicate an existing WebDev project into a fresh, independent session, preserving the original while enabling experimentation or reuse. The feature rolled out on May 11, 2026, according to Manus's blog announcement.
The "Make a Copy" function is designed to address common challenges developers face when working on live sites or apps. Whether testing a new homepage design, building a market-specific version, or trialing a payment flow, the copied project provides a safe environment to make larger changes without the risk of disrupting the original. Once changes are finalized, users can choose to publish the updated version.
How It Works
Duplicating a project can be done through two simple methods: from the project’s card in the Library menu or via the General tab in the WebDev editor’s settings. Before creating the copy, users see a "Duplicate project" dialog to confirm or modify the new project title, such as "Copy of SaaS Landing Page." The dialog also outlines the elements that will be carried over, including project code, database schema, and API secrets.
Not everything is cloned, however. The copied project starts with a clean slate in terms of database rows, ensuring no sensitive or production data is transferred. Additionally, custom domain settings, GitHub connections, and live publishing states are not inherited, giving the duplicate project its own independent setup.
Why Use It?
The "Make a Copy" feature is particularly useful in scenarios such as:
- Redesigning or testing major changes to a live website without risking the production version.
- Reusing a proven structure—like a landing page or portfolio—as a template for new projects.
- Testing payment flows or integrations in a controlled, isolated environment.
- Starting with a fresh database while retaining the app's architecture.
For instance, an agency might copy a polished service-page template for each client, or a startup could reuse its product launch site’s structure for different audiences. Developers also benefit from knowing that changes made to the copied project won’t impact the original, ensuring complete separation.
Limitations and Roadmap
Currently, users can only copy their own projects. Features to duplicate team projects or public community templates are reportedly planned for future releases. Additionally, any GitHub connections must be manually reconfigured for the new project.
What's Next?
"Make a Copy" offers Manus users a streamlined way to innovate and expand without compromising stability. By separating experimental changes from production environments, developers can confidently refine their work, test new ideas, and build reusable templates. This feature is another step in Manus’s commitment to simplifying web development while maintaining robust project management tools.
Image source: Shutterstock.jpg)