Once a Release is locked or live on elasticStage, certain fields can still be edited — but fundamental product details cannot.
This article explains:
What you can edit after locking
What cannot be changed
When you need to clone a Release
How to safely update a live product
Why Some Changes Are Restricted
When you create and lock a Release, an EAN (barcode) is issued.
That barcode uniquely identifies your product worldwide. Fans, retailers, and sales systems rely on the EAN to know exactly what version of a product they are purchasing.
For this reason, once a Release is locked, its core identity cannot change.
What You CAN Edit After Locking
You can update the following fields without cloning:
Price Category
Territory availability
Limited Edition Size
Pre-order settings
Internal Notes
To edit these:
Go to Releases
Select your live Release
Open the Metadata tab
Click Edit
Save your changes
What You CANNOT Change After Locking
The following require a new EAN and therefore cannot be edited directly:
Track listing
Track order
Audio files
Artwork files
Primary release metadata that changes the product identity
If you need to change any of the above, you must clone the Release.
How to Clone a Release to Make Changes
Cloning creates a new version of your Release with a new EAN, allowing you to edit audio, artwork, and other core details.
Go to the Releases page
Click the orange Edit button
3. Click the Clone icon next to the Release you want to update
4. Select the format when prompted
Step 1: Make Your Changes
Go to the Tracks tab to edit audio or track order
Go to the Artwork tab to upload updated artwork
Review the Metadata tab
Step 2: Lock the New Version
Once you’re happy with the updates:
Lock the cloned Release
Attach it to a Release Group
You can now:
Order a new Test Record
Or publish the updated version live
What Happens to the Old Version?
After your new version is live, you may retire the old Release.
Go to the Releases page
Click Edit
Select the red arrow to retire
Once retired, click the red bin icon to delete (optional)
Important: A Release must be retired before it can be deleted.
Any outstanding customer orders will not be affected. The factory retains all necessary production data to complete open orders.
Common Scenarios
I Made a Small Mistake — Do I Still Need to Clone?
If the mistake affects track titles, audio, artwork, or release identity, yes — cloning is required.
If it’s related only to price, territory, limited edition size, or release date, you can edit it directly in the Metadata tab.
I Received My Test Record and Want to Fix Something
You must clone the Release and create a new version with a new EAN.
I Already Ordered a Test Record — Can I Change It?
No. Once a test record order enters production, it cannot be cancelled or modified. You will need to clone the Release and order a new test copy.
Summary
Minor commercial settings can be edited after locking.
Audio and artwork changes require cloning.
Cloning issues a new EAN.
Old versions can be retired safely without affecting existing orders.
If you’re unsure which route to take, cloning is always the safest option when making structural changes.