When making a lot of updates and changes to configure Elements, it isn't always efficient or effective to make those changes in your active environment (Production). To alleviate these concerns, Elements administrators have the ability to create a Sandbox. A Sandbox mirrors Production, allowing you to make updates and changes before publishing them for your users. It also allows you to create, customize, and change objects, fields, and page layouts without adversely impacting users. You can also create and test your automations in Sandbox, without making live updates to your Production environment.
To create a sandbox:
- From Setup > Quick Find Box: Sandbox > Select Sandboxes.
- Click New Sandbox.
- Enter a Name (10 characters or fewer) and Description for the sandbox. We recommend that you choose a name that:
- Reflects the purpose of this sandbox, such as QA.
- Has only a few characters, because Salesforce appends the sandbox name to usernames on user records in the sandbox environment. Names with fewer characters make sandbox logins easier to type. For example, if your username is [email protected], your Sandbox username will be [email protected].
- Select the Type of sandbox you want. If you don’t see a sandbox option or need licenses for more, contact Elements Support for assistance.
- DEVELOPER SANDBOX - If you're simply adding/changing/editing fields and page layouts: Choose Developer Sandbox > click Next, and then decide whether or not you want an Apex Class to run after creation. In most cases, you'll leave this blank. If you're not sure, it's highly likely you should leave this blank.
- PARTIAL COPY - If you're doing more complex configuration, such as formula fields, or editing multiple objects (Contacts, Relationships, etc.): Choose Partial Copy sandbox > click Next, and then select the Partial template.
- Click Create.
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To view the status of the Sandbox copy, return to the Sandboxes (from Setup). You'll also be able to log in to the Sandbox from here. Try to limit changes in your production org while the sandbox copy proceeds. When the Sandbox is ready, you'll receive an email notification confirming its availability.
Next, you will need to connect your sandbox to your production org and upload any updates to production through a change set. Learn more here.
