When editing reports, what is the recommended action?

Cloning and then modifying a report is recommended because this approach preserves the original template while allowing users to customize their versions tailored to specific needs. By cloning, you ensure that the base report remains intact and available for future use, providing a fallback option in case the customized version does not meet requirements or needs further adjustments. This practice promotes better management of reporting templates, enabling users to experiment and innovate without the risk of losing the foundational format or data structure.

In contrast, modifying templates directly can lead to the loss of the original configuration, which can be problematic if that template is widely used. Overwriting an existing report can result in losing prior versions, which is not ideal for tracking changes or maintaining historical data. Deleting a report entirely eliminates access to it, which is unnecessary if you're trying to create a variation of the original. Thus, cloning and modifying strikes a balance between customization and preservation.