# Editing, Duplicating and Deleting a Rule

> Source: https://primemoq.app/help/managing-rules/edit-duplicate-and-delete-rules
> Collection: Managing Rules
> Updated: 2026-08-02

Why an active rule's fields are locked, how to change one safely, and why duplicating is the right way to test a risky edit.

**Short answer.** An existing Active rule is read-only. Click Deactivate rule in the page header, make your changes, then click Activate rule to save and re-enforce. Duplicate copies every field into a new rule saved as Deactivated, and Delete rule only appears once a rule is not active.

## Key takeaways

- Active rules lock their fields on purpose, so a live rule cannot change under shoppers mid-flow.
- The lock only applies to existing rules. A brand-new rule stays editable while you build it.
- A duplicate is always created as Deactivated, so it can never start enforcing alongside the original by accident.
- Delete only appears when the rule is not active, mirroring the bulk-action gating.

## Where the actions live

Once a rule exists, three actions sit in the **page header** of the rule editor,
next to the back arrow: **Activate / Deactivate** as the primary action,
**Duplicate**, and **Delete rule** as a secondary action shown only when the rule
is not currently active. None of them live inside the form. The Status card is a
read-only summary.

## Active rules are locked for editing

An existing rule that is currently **Active** is read-only. Every field in
Conditions, Products, Eligibility, Schedule and Messages is disabled until you
deactivate it.

This is intentional. It stops a scope or condition change from silently altering
what is blocked at checkout while shoppers are actively hitting that rule
mid-flow. The Status card's description says as much: *"Active rules enforce
instantly in cart and checkout. Deactivate to make changes."*

The lock only applies to **existing** rules. A brand-new rule you are still
building stays editable even though it defaults to Active, so you are never
blocked from finishing your first save.

## Edit a live rule

**Open the rule** from the Rules list. If it is Active, every field is disabled.

**Deactivate it.** Click **Deactivate rule** in the page header. It is styled as
a critical action because it stops enforcement immediately. This saves the rule
with its status flipped right away.

**Make your changes.** Every field unlocks once the rule is deactivated.

**Reactivate.** Click **Activate rule** in the header. This saves your edits and
turns enforcement back on immediately.

## Duplicate a rule

Duplicating is the safest way to base a new rule on an existing one, or to test
changes without touching a live rule at all.

Open the rule you want to copy and click **Duplicate** in the page header's
secondary actions. This is available whether or not the source rule is active.

You land straight on the new rule's editor. It is named `{original name} (copy)`
and saved as **Deactivated**, never Active, so duplicating a live rule can never
accidentally create a second rule enforcing the same thing at the same time.

Change whatever you need on the copy, then activate it when you are ready. The
original is untouched throughout.

## Delete a rule

**Delete rule** only appears in the header once the rule is not currently active.
This mirrors the same "deactivate before delete" gating the Rules list's bulk
actions use, so a live, enforcing rule cannot be deleted by accident.

Click **Delete rule** and confirm in the dialog. This is permanent. There is no
undo beyond restoring from a prior
[export](/help/managing-rules/import-and-export-rules).

## Common mistakes

- **Every field is greyed out.** The rule is Active. Deactivate it from the
  header, not by looking for a toggle inside the form.
- **Delete rule is not showing.** The rule is still Active.
- **A duplicate matches the same products as the original.** Expected, since
  duplication copies every field including the Products scope. Because only one
  rule governs a product at a time, do not activate both copies over the same
  products.

## FAQ

### Why can I not edit my rule's fields?

The rule is currently Active, and active rules are locked so a change cannot quietly alter what is blocked while shoppers are hitting it. Click Deactivate rule in the page header, edit, then reactivate.

### Does deactivating a rule lose my unsaved edits?

No. Clicking Activate or Deactivate saves the whole rule with its status flipped, so unsaved edits on the page are saved along with the status change rather than discarded.

### How do I test a risky change without breaking a live rule?

Duplicate the rule, tune the copy, then deactivate the original and activate the copy once you are confident. The copy starts as Deactivated so nothing enforces until you say so.

### Why is Delete rule missing from the header?

Because the rule is still Active. Deactivate it first, and the action appears.

### Can I recover a deleted rule?

Only from a prior export file. Deletion is permanent, which is why exporting before a clear-out is worth the few seconds it takes.

### Does duplicating a rule copy its messages and schedule?

Yes. Duplication copies every field, including message text, schedule, scope and eligibility. The only thing that changes is the name and the status.

**Best for:** Anyone who needs to change a rule that is already enforcing at checkout.

**Applies to:** All limit types