Copying a base in Clash of Clans is the fastest way to use a pro layout without building it tile by tile. Instead of guessing where every wall, defense, and trap should go, you can import a complete base from a shared link straight into your own village. This guide walks you through the entire process, from finding a base link to saving the finished layout.
Clash of Clans lets players share base layouts as links. When someone opens that link, the game offers to copy the layout into one of their layout slots. It works for Home Village and Builder Base bases, and it's perfect for grabbing strong war or trophy designs.
What you need before you start
- The Clash of Clans app installed and updated on your phone or tablet.
- A base you want to copy, shared as a layout link (from a clanmate, a video, or a layout website).
- A free or spare layout slot so you don't overwrite a base you still use.
How to copy a base in Clash of Clans
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Step 1: Get a shared base layout link
First, find the base you want and grab its layout link. Layout links usually start with link.clashofclans.com. A clanmate can share one in chat by editing their base, opening the Layout Editor, and choosing the share option, or you can copy a link from a trusted layout site or creator. Copy the link or simply tap it.
Copy or tap a shared Clash of Clans base layout link. -
Step 2: Open the link to launch Clash of Clans
Tapping the layout link on the same device where Clash of Clans is installed will open the game automatically. A confirmation pop-up appears asking whether you want to copy the shared base. Tap OK (or Confirm) to accept it. The game then takes you into the editor with the copied layout ready to place.
Tap OK on the in-game pop-up to accept the copied layout. -
Step 3: Open the Layout Editor
If the layout didn't load automatically, you can import it manually. Tap your Town Hall or village area to enter Edit Mode, then open the Layout Editor. This is the same screen where you manage all of your saved base designs and layout slots.
Enter Edit Mode and open the Layout Editor. -
Step 4: Pick a slot and choose Import Layout
In the Layout Editor, select an empty or spare layout slot so you don't replace a base you still rely on. Then tap Import Layout. The game pulls the layout from your most recently copied link and loads it into the chosen slot.
Select a spare slot, then tap Import Layout. -
Step 5: Adjust placement and save
Buildings and defenses you haven't unlocked yet will appear as placeholders and won't be placed. Nudge any misaligned buildings into position, fill in the gaps as you unlock more, then tap Save. Your copied base is now stored and ready to set as your active village.
Tweak the layout and tap Save to keep it.
Tips for copying bases
- Match the Town Hall level. A base built for a higher Town Hall may include defenses you can't place yet, leaving holes in your design.
- Use a spare slot first. Import into an empty slot so you can compare it with your current base before switching over.
- Copy from trusted sources. Stick to clanmates and well-known creators, and avoid pasting links from unknown sources.
- Tap the link on your device. The copy prompt only appears when the link is opened on a device that has Clash of Clans installed and you're logged in.
Troubleshooting
The link won't open the game
Make sure Clash of Clans is installed and updated on the same device, and that you tap the link there rather than on a PC. If it still fails, copy the link, then use the Import Layout button inside the Layout Editor.
Some buildings are missing
That's normal when the base was built for a higher Town Hall. Defenses you haven't unlocked appear as placeholders. Place them once you upgrade.
I imported into the wrong slot
Just import again into a different slot, or edit the slot you used. Imported layouts only save when you tap Save, so nothing is locked in until then.
Frequently asked questions
How do I copy someone's base in Clash of Clans?
Ask them to share their base layout link, tap that link on your device to launch the game, confirm the copy pop-up, then save it into a layout slot in the Layout Editor.
Can I copy a base from a different Town Hall level?
Yes, but any defenses or buildings above your level will appear as placeholders and won't be placed until you unlock them.
Where do I find my copied base after importing?
It lives in the Layout Editor as a saved layout slot. From there you can edit it, save it, and set it as your active base.
Does copying a base work for the Builder Base?
Yes. The same link-sharing and Layout Editor process works for Builder Base layouts as well as Home Village bases.
Final thoughts
Copying a base in Clash of Clans saves you the hassle of building from scratch and lets you run proven defensive designs in minutes. Grab a layout link, open it in the game, import it into a spare slot, adjust the placeholders, and save. For the latest features and official support, visit the official Clash of Clans website.