How to Force a Copy of a Google Doc (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Business

Dec 18

If you create freebies, templates, or guides for your audience, you may be using Google Docs to share them.

But here’s a mistake many people make: they send out the original document link. That means anyone with the link can view or even edit the master file, which can leave your template messy or broken.

The solution is simple. You can force a copy of a Google Doc so that every person who clicks your link gets their own version saved directly into their Google Drive. Your original document stays safe and untouched.

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Open Your Original Google Doc

Start with the document you want to share. This should be your master template, the version you want to keep untouched.

Step 2: Adjust the Sharing Settings

Click the blue Share button in the top right corner of your document OR right click inside the menu and click Share.

Change the sharing settings of your document

Under “General access,” switch to Anyone with the link.
Change the permission to Viewer.

This ensures people can see your document but cannot edit your master file.

Change the sharing settings to ‘Anyone with link’ is a viewer

Step 3: Copy the Link

Click the blue Share button in the top right corner of your document, then click Copy link.

The link will look something like this:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1234example5678/edit?usp=drive_link

Step 4: Edit the Link to Force a Copy

Paste the link somewhere you can edit it, like in an email draft or a note.

Delete everything after the document ID (the long string of numbers and letters).
Replace it with /copy.

Your new link should look like this:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1234example5678/copy

Step 5: Share the Copy Link

Now when someone clicks your link, they won’t open your original file. Instead, they’ll see a screen that says:

Would you like to make a copy of (document name)?

Once they click Make a copy, a fresh version of your document is saved directly into their own Google Drive.

Change the link to force a copy of the Google Doc

Why Force a Copy of a Google Doc?

Protect your work: Your original template stays safe and untouched.
Keeps it professional: Every person gets their own editable version.
Simple and consistent: Everyone starts from the same template without extra steps.
Works across Google apps: You can use the same trick for Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t share the default /edit link, people will be editing your master file.
Don’t share a /view link if you want people to use the document, they’ll have to manually make a copy.
Always test your copy link before sending it out. Paste it in a new browser window to make sure it opens correctly.

FAQs About Forcing a Copy of a Google Doc

1. Can I use this trick with Google Sheets or Google Slides?
Yes. Forcing a copy works the same way for all Google Drive file types: Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

2. Can people still access my original file?
No. With the copy link, they only get their own version. Your master file stays private and untouched.

3. Does this work for anyone, or do they need a Google account?
They’ll need a Google account to save the copy into their own Drive. If they don’t have one, the link won’t work.

4. Can I brand my template before sharing it?
Yes! Add your logo, footer, or a link back to your website inside the document. That way, even when people make their own copy, your branding stays visible.

TLDR

To force a copy of a Google Doc, change the end of your share link from /edit to /copy. Anyone who clicks it will be prompted to save their own version, and your original template stays protected.

Video Tutorial: How to Force a Copy of a Google Doc

If you prefer to see the steps in action, watch the walkthrough below. You will see exactly how to adjust your sharing settings, update your link, and test the copy prompt so you can share templates confidently and keep your master file safe.

Ema Katiraee https://www.emakatiraee.com/