> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nuvolos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nuvolos.com/how-to-guides/workflows-for-researchers/create-alternate-approaches.md).

# Create alternate approaches

<mark style="color:$primary;">**Outcome**</mark>\
You create a new instance branching off from your main work, populated with the files and configuration you want to experiment with.

<mark style="color:$primary;">**Before you start**</mark>

* You are a **Space Administrator** of the project (required to create instances).
* You have decided whether to start from a snapshot or from an empty instance.
* You know which files, tables, or applications you want to copy from the source.

In research, you often need to explore different methods, parameters, or data transformations side by side. Each alternative lives in its own instance within the same space - think of instances as lightweight branches. Each has its own Current state, snapshots, and running applications, but they all share the same project space. For the conceptual model, see [Concepts › The hierarchy and resource model](/concepts/nuvolos-basic-concepts.md).

### Create the new Instance

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the space.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the cogwheel icon and select **Project Users / Instances**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **+ ADD NEW INSTANCE**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Choose whether to start from a snapshot of an existing instance or to create an empty Instance.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Give the instance a descriptive name (for example: Model B — ridge regression).
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

For the full Instance management reference, see [Administration › Instance management](/administration/instance-management.md).

### **Copy material from the source Instance**

Use distribution to copy files, tables, or applications from your main instance:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the source Instance (typically the Master Instance).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the Files, Tables, or Applications view, select the items you want to copy and click **STAGE** or **STAGE SELECTED**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the sidebar, click the share icon to open the Stage.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **CONTINUE**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the new Instance as the target.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Confirm and complete the distribution.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Distribution runs in the background. You will receive an email when it completes. If it fails, contact <support@nuvolos.cloud>.
{% endhint %}

### Switch between Instances

Once you have multiple instances, use the third element of the breadcrumbs to switch context. For navigation tips, see [Getting Started › Find your way around](/getting-started/find-your-way-around.md).

### Compare and consolidate

You can distribute results back from the alternate instance to the Master Instance when an experiment proves successful. Use snapshots to preserve the state of each approach for later comparison.