Latest Update: 04-27-2026
When you copy elements from one schedule to another using Linked Copy & Paste, the elements share the same ID, so updates flow automatically without requiring a new schedule version. This feature works bidirectionally: you can copy from the Field Schedule to the Master Schedule or vice versa. Each element can have only one linked counterpart; the same element cannot be linked twice.
Key behaviors:
Progress updates made in the FS flow to the MS automatically when elements are linked
Linked Copy & Paste works in both directions: FS to MS and MS to FS
Each element can only have one linked counterpart
Notes and comments are not carried over during a linked paste
Linked paste only works when copying between a Master Schedule and its corresponding Field Schedule for the same project
Copy and Paste as Linked
Select the elements you want to copy in your Field Schedule or Master Schedule
Right click and select Copy from the menu, or press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)
Open the corresponding Master Schedule or Field Schedule
Right click and select Paste from the menu, or press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste
Note: A dialog will appear with two options: Select Paste as Linked
The elements are added to the destination schedule with the same ID as the source
Note: Progress updates made in the FS will now flow to the MS automatically.
What Is and Is Not Included
When using Linked Copy & Paste, these elements carry over to the destination schedule:
Element type (Activity, Task, Milestone, or Group)
Duration
Constraints and calendar assignment
Labor and equipment resources
Custom codes, if the code already exists in the destination schedule's code library
Predecessor and successor relationships, including lag
These do not carry over:
Notes
Comments
When Linked Copy & Paste Is Not Available
The Paste as Linked option only appears when both of the following are true:
You are pasting into the corresponding MS or FS for the same project; cross-project pastes are not supported
You are pasting across schedule types (MS to FS, or FS to MS); copying and pasting within the same schedule will not trigger the linked paste dialog
If an element has already been linked, it cannot be linked again. Attempting to paste a previously linked element will show an error and the paste will be skipped for that element.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link elements between two different projects?
No. Linked Copy & Paste only works between the Master Schedule and Field Schedule for the same project. Cross-project pastes are not supported.
Do linked elements stay synchronized if I update the source?
Yes. Progress updates made in the Field Schedule automatically flow to the Master Schedule. The elements share the same ID, so changes synchronize without manual intervention.
What if I copy an element that's already linked to something else?
If an element already has a linked counterpart, attempting to paste it again as linked will show an error and skip that element. Each element can only have one linked relationship.
Do I lose notes and comments when I paste as linked?
Yes. Notes and comments from the source element are not carried over during a linked paste. You may need to re-add any important notes in the destination schedule.
Can I paste linked elements within the same schedule?
No. The Paste as Linked option only appears when copying between different schedule types (Master Schedule to Field Schedule, or vice versa). Pasting within the same schedule shows the standard paste options.