Clean Up Duplicate Dovetail Research Tags
Merge tags only after confirming they represent the same analytical concept. Similar names can conceal different contexts, and a cleanup that removes those distinctions can weaken the evidence.
Before you start: Custom project tags require Enterprise; Managers and Contributors can organize and merge them. Confirm edit access to the project and review dependent findings before changing the taxonomy.
Worked example: Invite confusion and unclear invitation may be duplicates, while permission denied describes a distinct access condition. Inspect their evidence before combining them.
Step-by-step guide
List candidate duplicates
Compare names, descriptions and how the tags are actually used. Keep a note of the proposed mapping.
Review source evidence
Open representative highlights from each tag. Look for differences in audience, trigger or outcome that justify keeping separate concepts.
Define the destination
Choose a clear retained meaning and document what it includes and excludes. Resolve semantic differences before using the merge control.
Perform the supported merge
On the same tag board, select the checkbox at the upper left of a candidate tag. In the toolbar, choose Merge into, select the intended destination and confirm with Merge tags. Check the destination before confirming.
Check the resulting evidence
Review the combined highlights and important findings. Verify that the cleanup did not hide a useful distinction or leave misleading labels in the narrative.
Record the taxonomy change
Save the old-to-new mapping and reason. Update researcher guidance so the duplicate does not immediately return.
Common mistakes
Similar wording equals same meaning
Read the evidence first.
Merge before choosing scope
A broad destination can erase analytical detail.
Dependent findings ignored
Their labels and claims may need revision.
Tips
Keep an old-to-new mapping.
Ask a second researcher to review a major merge.
Trial the revised definition before further cleanup.
Sources and verification
Based on product documentation checked on 2026-10-24. This is a documentation-based guide, not a hands-on benchmark. Features and availability can change.