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Methods for copying a volume

Contributors netapp-dbagwell netapp-aherbin

The method you use for copying a volume depends on whether you are copying it to the same aggregate or a different aggregate, and whether you want to retain Snapshot copies from the original volume. Copying a volume creates a standalone copy of a volume that you can use for testing and other purposes.

The following table lists characteristics of the copy and the methods used to create that copy.

If you want to copy a volume…​ Then the method you use is…​

Within the same aggregate and you do not want to copy Snapshot copies from the original volume.

Creating a FlexClone volume of the original volume.

To another aggregate and you do not want to copy Snapshot copies from the original volume.

Creating a FlexClone volume of the original volume, and then moving the volume to another aggregate by using the volume move command.

To another aggregate and preserve all of the Snapshot copies from the original volume.

Replicating the original volume using SnapMirror, and then breaking the SnapMirror relationship to make a read-write volume copy.