Copying a Google Sheet is a handy skill to have, whether you’re organizing data for work, school, or personal use. It’s a simple task that can save you a lot of time. You can make a duplicate of an existing sheet, which will include all the data, formulas, charts, and formatting. Let’s jump into how you can do this in just a few quick steps.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Copy Google Sheets
Before we begin, it’s important to understand that copying a Google Sheet will create a new file with the same contents as the original. This is useful when you need to work on a document without altering the original or when you want to use an existing sheet as a starting point for a new project.
Step 1: Open the Google Sheet
Open the Google Sheet that you want to copy.
When you’re in your Google Drive, locate the sheet you want to copy. Double-click to open it. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to make a copy of the sheet; if you don’t, contact the owner of the sheet to get access.
Step 2: Click on ‘File’ Menu
Go to the ‘File’ menu in the top left corner of your screen.
Once your sheet is open, look at the top of the page for the ‘File’ menu. This is where all the magic happens. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu with various options.
Step 3: Select ‘Make a Copy’
In the dropdown menu, select ‘Make a copy’.
You’ll see options like ‘Share’, ‘Download’, and ‘Publish to the web’, but you want to choose ‘Make a copy’. This will open a new dialog box that gives you options for your new document.
Step 4: Rename Your Document (Optional)
In the dialog box, you can give your new sheet a name.
You’ll be prompted to enter a new name for your copied document. This step is optional, but it’s a good idea to give it a name that helps you differentiate it from the original. If you don’t rename it, it will default to “Copy of [original name]”.
Step 5: Choose Where to Save the Copy
Decide where you want to save your new Google Sheet.
In the same dialog box, you can also choose a destination for your new sheet. You can save it in the same folder as the original, or navigate to a different location in your Google Drive.
Step 6: Click ‘OK’
After you’ve named your document and chosen a location, click ‘OK’ to create the copy.
By clicking ‘OK’, Google Drive will create a new Google Sheet with the same contents as your original sheet. It might take a few seconds, but once it’s done, you can access and edit it just like any other document in your Drive.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a brand-new Google Sheet that’s an exact copy of the original. You can now edit and use this new sheet however you’d like without affecting the original document.
Tips: Enhancing Your Experience with Copying Google Sheets
- Tip: If you want to copy a specific sheet within a workbook, right-click on the sheet’s tab and choose ‘Copy to’ followed by ‘New spreadsheet’.
- Tip: Use the ‘Make a copy’ option if you want to share a document without giving access to the original.
- Tip: Remember that any changes you make in the copied sheet won’t be reflected in the original, so double-check you’re working in the correct file.
- Tip: If you’re copying a sheet that is shared with others, the copy will not inherit the same sharing settings. You’ll need to share it separately.
- Tip: When working collaboratively, consider using the ‘Version history’ feature to track changes without making copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will copying a Google Sheet also copy the comments?
No, comments are not copied over when you make a copy of a Google Sheet. You’ll need to manually transfer any important comments to the new document.
Can I copy a Google Sheet if I’m not the owner?
Yes, you can copy a Google Sheet as long as you have ‘Viewer’ or higher permissions. If you only have ‘Commenter’ permissions, you’ll need to ask the owner for greater access.
Will formulas and formatting be copied as well?
Yes, when you copy a Google Sheet, all formulas, formatting, and data will be copied to the new document exactly as they appear in the original.
How do I copy a sheet to another workbook?
To copy a sheet to another workbook, right-click on the sheet’s tab, select ‘Copy to’, then choose the destination workbook from your Drive.
Can I make a copy of a Google Sheet on mobile?
Yes, you can make a copy of a Google Sheet on mobile using the Google Sheets app. Tap on the three dots menu and select ‘Make a copy’ just like on desktop.
Summary
- Open the Google Sheet you want to copy.
- Click on ‘File’ Menu.
- Select ‘Make a Copy’.
- Rename Your Document (Optional).
- Choose Where to Save the Copy.
- Click ‘OK’.
Conclusion
There you have it! Copying a Google Sheet is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a matter of clicks. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just organizing personal data, understanding how to copy Google Sheets is a valuable skill that can help you work more efficiently and effectively. Now that you know how to make a copy, you can collaborate on projects without worrying about losing the original data, experiment with different scenarios using the same dataset, or simply organize your documents better. Remember to use the tips and FAQs provided to enhance your experience and address any concerns you might have. Happy copying!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.