Auto-remove "(copy)" suffix from new subitem names

Auto-remove "(copy)" suffix from new subitem names

TL;DR: When  monday.com  duplicates a subitem, it appends "(copy)" to the new subitem's name. This automation strips that suffix automatically the moment the duplicate is created. The #10 most-used Subitem Automation in the app — used by 4% of all accounts.

What this does

Recipe: "When subitem is created, remove (copy) from its name."
Whenever a new subitem appears with " (copy)" in its name (the default  monday.com  adds when duplicating), this automation removes that suffix immediately. The result: clean names that match the originals.

When to use it

  • You duplicate subitems frequently as part of your workflow (templating, batch creation)
  • Reports and views need consistent subitem names — "(copy)" suffixes break grouping/sorting
  • Eliminating manual cleanup after every duplication
  • Pairing with template-based workflows where duplicates should look like originals

Before you start

  • No setup needed — the recipe targets the literal " (copy)" string  monday.com  appends

Set it up (1 minute)

I. Create the Automation

    Click Integrate in the top right of your board.

    Type Subitem Automations into the Search field.Click the Subitem - All automations app card to view the available templates.

    Type "remove" into the Search automations box.Find the automation that removes the "(copy)" text from names and click Use template.

    Click Create automation to enable the rule on your board.

Success: The automation is now active. Any newly duplicated subitems on this board will automatically have the "(copy)" text stripped from their names shortly after creation.

Test the Automation

You can verify the automation works by duplicating subitems either individually or in bulk.
Info: Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment (usually 2-5 seconds) for the automation to run and rename the duplicated subitems.


Test that it works

    Duplicate any subitem (right-click → Duplicate, or use Cmd/Ctrl + D).
    Confirm the new subitem's name does NOT contain "(copy)".

Common gotchas

  • Only strips "(copy)" — not "(copy 2)" or other variants. If you duplicate a duplicate,  monday.com  may append "(copy 2)" — that won't be auto-removed.
  • Fires on every new subitem, not just duplicates. Subitems created normally without "(copy)" in the name aren't affected.
  • Combine with prefix recipes: if you use  Add parent name as a prefix to subitem names⁠ , this cleanup runs first so the prefix isn't applied to "(copy)"-tainted names.
  • Pair with template workflows. Combine with  Create subitems from a template⁠  for clean templated subitems with no manual cleanup.
  • Doesn't strip other  monday.com  auto-suffixes (e.g. "(2)", "[duplicate]"). Recipe is "(copy)"-specific.

Next up

 Create subitems automatically⁠  (browse other patterns)

Related

  •  Create subitems automatically⁠  (parent landing)
  •  Create subitems from a template⁠  (the duplication-driven workflow this recipe complements)
  •  Add parent name as a prefix to subitem names⁠ 

Still stuck?

Email  hello@fantasymedia.io  and we'll help you keep names clean.