I have a graphic built up of a number of objects on top of each, in separate layers.  Is it possible to copy all these objects by selecting them all,  and paste while preserving the layers each object was in?

I've tried a few things, eg Duplicate, and Clone -> Unlink Clone, but all objects end up in one layer.

I'd like to be able to do this so that I can create versions of the graphic as I build it up.  :)

Why not store+organise the variants inside folders or pages?

I don't know how that would help.  As each "stage" of the design is reached,  I want to make a "backup" copy - with the layers - so that I can add to it as a new version.  Then if the new version doesn't really work out I can revert to a previous version,  make a fresh copy of that,  and try again.

There must be some way of preserving the layers when copying or duplicating or cloning.... ?

Well, there's always save-as plus an incrementing version number. e.g. Save as document_101.svg  it will be the current document, and document_100.svg is in your directory if needed.

Hey Tyler...  yes,  saving versions as files is an option,  although I find it handy to have the versions in one doc so I can compare iterations.

I guess it would only be helpful to people that use Layers a lot...  but maybe it could be suggested to the developers as a future update,  to include Layers info when copying?

Regardless,  Inkscape is an awesome program IMO,  and I'm grateful that it's priceless.   😎

How about working with sub-layers? The parent layer would be the version, the sublayers would have hierarchical structure. Then use "Duplicate Layer" on the parent for each new version.

That sounds like it might fit the build.   I think parent and sub layers may be in a later version than the one I'm still using after 3 years - 1.0.2-2.?

Should be there.

Hmmm...  Yep!  Tunnel vision at my age,  haven't even reached a century yet.   Cheers.  🤣