Duplicate a layer without changing the name (without "... - copy"

Hello,

This minor problem of Illustrator automatically adding "copy" to a duplicated layer's name as well as to all its sub-layers has annoyed me as well. Especially if there are a lot of sub-layers, and you want them to retain their original names. I think I've got a simple and helpful workaround:

1) Turn ON "Paste Remembers Layers" in the Layers palette.

2) UNLOCK and make visible everything in the layer that you are duplicating.

3) SELECT everything in that layer and COPY to the clipboard.

4) RENAME the original layer (i.e. add 1 to the end of the name).

5) PASTE in FRONT (⌘+F). Illustrator will create a new layer with the original layer and sub-layers' names and contents.

6) Change the original layer's name back, if you wish.

I hope this helps.

function test()

{

     var docRef = app.activeDocument;

     var layers = docRef.layers;

     var layerCopy = layers[0].duplicate();

     layerCopy.name = layers[0].name;

}

test();

Woops. disregard the above. duplicate is not a method of the layer class.

my sincere apologies.

Thank you for your answers !

I have a lot of views with the common elements and it's painful to rename every time !

But there seems to be no solution...

You can drag the layer to the New Layer Icon in the lower area of the Layers Panel.