I'm trying to copy an object from a different layer. However when I copy + paste, or duplicate and cut and paste, it removes a similar (but not cloned) object from my working layer. Inkscape does not believe that it is removed but I can't see or select anything - so I have to revert the file to get it back. Objects disappearing happens to me semi frequently and sometimes I find find zooming in and out helps restore them but it's not working here. Unfortunately I do need to be able to see this object to keep working on the file. 

Things I have tried: 
- Locking the removed object

- Duplicating and cutting and pasting vs copying and pasting

- Restarting inkscape

Is there anything else I can try? This is my first time working with such complex objects in inkscape so I may have made an amateur mistake with something. Please let me know. 

 

1. Describe the source of the file: created with Inkscape, downloaded, imported from another program, etc.
2. Describe your OS (your computer's Operating System: Mac/Windows/Linux/etc. & version).
3. Describe if Inkscape was newly installed, or upgraded from an earlier version.
4. Describe the version of Inkscape and the installer you used (the file you downloaded from the web: .msi/.exe/.zip/appimage/other, PPA/Snap/Flatpak, dmg/other ). 
5. Describe any special hardware being used, like tablet/stylus, external drives or multiple monitors.
6. Describe any helper/assistive programs or keyboard modifiers (macros, languages, etc.).

Bonus points, if you:

• Attach* a screenshot of the issue.
• Attach* an example SVG file that has the issue.

Source: created with inkscape
OS: Win 11 64 bit
Inkscape 1.4.2 (f4327f4, 2025-05-13) - uninstalled 1.3 and reinstalled from inkscape-1.4.2_2025-05-13_f4327f4-x64.msi 
No special hardware or assistive programs

Here's a screen recording, I tried to make a gif to embed but the file is too large.

Update: I managed to fix this issue by having the 2 layers visible at the same time, and manually dragging the duplicated object to the correct layer within the layers tab. Although if there's a better fix I would love to hear it to prevent it happening in the future

edit: After making some further changes, pressing ctrl - z removed the object again so the issue is only partially fixed

Unless you haven't already, I'd reset the preferences. It should be done after every installation.
https://inkscape.org/forums/questions/getting-back-to-square-one-and-starting-over-its-easy/

OK I will try that. For some further information I have figured out what's happening to the object - the clip is changing and essentially deleting the whole thing. 

Unfortunately resetting preferences didn't work. Whenever I press ctrl-z or click the undo button it disappears 

That's a bit strange. If you want me to privately look at the file, I can PM you my email addy.

Thank you Tyler that would be great if you could

PM sent

OK I looked at the file. That one is challenging. There are a lot of re-used elements that make for a very large and complex file. I suggest simplifying a number of objects, creating them from scratch rather than duplicating a complex object and hiding numerous bits with clips.

I also suggest breaking the document into multiple files with the numerous steps (layers) in their own file. One file is risky if there is data corruption. You can copy/paste (and paste in place) across documents.

http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Copy.html

That said, It looks like some groups with path effects don't work reliably with clips. The vanishing object is a group that is clipped with a bend path effect. I can't say why it looks ok until it gets touched. I played around with grouping it twice before clipping and that might have helped.

I also cleaned the document and that removed ~5200 useless defs bloating the file.

http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/File-Vacuum.html (now called clean up document)

Good to hear that you have the file looking correct.  (I'd break it into multiple documents before disaster strikes, it always seems to happen right when least want it or expect it.)