Duplicating a "page" (more commonly known as a "sheet" or "tab") in Google Sheets can be done in a couple of ways, depending on whether you want to duplicate the entire sheet with all its properties or just its visible content. The standard method is using the built-in "Duplicate" function, while another approach involves copying and pasting content.
Method 1: Using the Built-in "Duplicate" Function (Recommended)
This is the easiest and most common way to create an exact copy of an existing sheet, including its data, formatting, formulas, conditional formatting rules, data validation, and more.
Here's how to do it:
- Locate the sheet tab you want to duplicate at the bottom of your Google Sheets window.
- Click the downward-pointing arrow next to the sheet name.
- From the menu that appears, select "Duplicate".
Select 'Duplicate' from the sheet tab menu.
A new sheet will be created immediately to the right of the original sheet, with the same name followed by "(copy)". You can then rename this new sheet as needed.
Note: This method is the standard way to duplicate a full sheet but is not the method described in the provided reference.
Method 2: Copying and Pasting Sheet Content
Another way to create a copy of information from one sheet to another is by manually selecting and copying the content. This method is useful if you only want to copy specific data or a range, or if you are moving content between different documents without duplicating the entire sheet structure.
The provided reference outlines this copy/paste process:
- Select the page content with your mouse. This involves clicking and dragging your mouse over the cells you want to copy, or clicking the square in the top-left corner (between column A and row 1) to select the entire sheet's used range.
- Copy it using "Ctrl+C" (Windows) or "Command+C" (Mac). This command copies the selected data to your computer's clipboard.
- Navigate to the desired location in your document. This could be another sheet within the same spreadsheet, a new sheet you create, or a different Google Sheet document.
- Paste the copied content using "Ctrl+V" (Windows) or "Command+V" (Mac). This command inserts the content from the clipboard into the selected cells.
Key Considerations for Copying and Pasting:
- This method primarily copies visible data, formulas (which may need adjustment depending on relative references), and basic formatting.
- It often does not perfectly replicate conditional formatting rules, data validation, protected ranges, hidden columns/rows, or other sheet-level properties as accurately as the "Duplicate" function.
- Pasting into a new sheet might require adjusting column widths and row heights manually.
Comparing the Methods
| Feature | Method 1: "Duplicate" Function | Method 2: Copy & Paste Content |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very easy, one-click process. | Requires multiple steps (select, copy, navigate, paste). |
| Copies | Entire sheet: Data, formulas, formatting, conditional formatting, data validation, protected ranges, column widths, etc. | Primarily data, formulas (may adjust), basic formatting. |
| Accuracy | Creates an exact replica of the sheet. | May require manual adjustments for perfect replication of complex elements. |
| Speed | Instant for creating the duplicate sheet. | Faster for small selections; Slower for large sheets due to rendering/pasting time. |
| Reference Used? | No, this method is not described in the reference. | Yes, this method is described in the provided reference. |
In summary, while copying and pasting content (as described in the reference) is a valid way to move information, using the built-in "Duplicate" function on the sheet tab is the most efficient and accurate method for creating a full duplicate of a Google Sheet page.
