Duplicating an Excel file already stored in Google Drive is a simple process, giving you an exact copy of your spreadsheet. There are two main ways to achieve this, depending on whether you want to duplicate it directly from the Drive interface or after opening the document.
Method 1: Using "File > Make a Copy" After Opening (Referenced Method)
This method, as mentioned in the reference from November 12, 2022, involves opening the document first. When you open an Excel file (.xls or .xlsx) in Google Drive, it often opens in a preview or within the Google Sheets editor.
Here are the steps:
- Locate Your File: Go to your Google Drive (drive.google.com).
- Open the Excel File: Double-click the Excel file you wish to duplicate. It will typically open within a Google Sheets viewer or editor interface.
- Access the File Menu: In the upper-left corner of the open document window, click on the "File" menu.
- Select "Make a copy": From the dropdown menu, choose the "Make a copy" option.
- Configure Your Copy: A dialog box will appear.
- You can rename the new copy (e.g., "Budget Report Copy").
- You can select the folder where you want to save the copy. By default, it's saved in the same folder as the original.
- Confirm: Click the "Make a copy" button.
Google Drive will then create a duplicate of your Excel file. Note that if you opened the file in Google Sheets and your settings convert uploaded files, the copy might be in Google Sheets format. If you didn't convert it upon upload, the copy usually remains an Excel file (.xlsx).
Method 2: Duplicating Directly from the Google Drive Interface
This is a general method for duplicating any file type in Google Drive, including Excel files, without needing to open the document first.
Here's how:
- Navigate to Your File: Open Google Drive (drive.google.com) and find the Excel file you want to duplicate.
- Right-Click the File: Click the right mouse button (or use the equivalent gesture on your device) on the Excel file name or icon.
- Select "Make a copy": From the context menu that pops up, select the "Make a copy" option.
- Locate the Copy: Google Drive will immediately create a duplicate file named "Copy of [Original File Name]" in the same folder as the original file.
- Rename and Move (Optional): You can then right-click the new "Copy of..." file to Rename it or select Move to to place it in a different folder.
| Feature | Method 1 (File > Make a copy) | Method 2 (Right-Click > Make a copy) |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Opening? | Yes | No |
| Original File Type | Excel (.xlsx, .xls) | Any file type |
| Copy File Type | Can be Google Sheets or Excel (depends) | Usually same as original |
| Naming | Prompted to name immediately | Defaults to "Copy of..." |
| Location | Prompted to select folder immediately | Defaults to same folder |
Both methods effectively create a duplicate of your Excel file within your Google Drive storage, allowing you to edit or share it independently of the original.
