How to share google docs with someone

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a copy of a Google Doc by using a shared link. Follow these steps to efficiently duplicate your document for further editing or sharing.

Step 1

Begin by opening the Google Doc that you want to copy. Ensure you have access to the document.

Step 2

Locate and click on the "Share" button in the upper right corner of the document to open sharing settings.

Step 3

Click on the option to generate a link that allows "Anyone with the link" to access it. Then, adjust the viewer permission to "Commenter" to enable others to leave comments.

Step 4

Copy the generated link and click "Done." Open a new browser tab and paste the link into the address bar. Modify the link by replacing the word "edit" with "copy" and press Enter.

Step 5

A prompt will appear allowing you to create a new copy of the document. Click on "Make a copy" to duplicate the existing document.

Pro tips on how to share google docs

1. Use the "Make a Copy" Link: Replace the "edit" part of the URL with "copy" to generate a link that automatically prompts the user to make a copy.

2. Share with Permissions: Ensure the document's sharing settings allow access to anyone with the link to make a copy (set to Anyone with the link can view).

3. Create a Customized Copy Link: For convenience, add “?copy” at the end of the Google Doc link so recipients are automatically prompted to create a copy upon clicking.

4. Share the Link Safely: Avoid exposing the link to unintended users by sharing it only with those you want to give a copy access.

5. Test the Link: Before sending the link, open it yourself to confirm that it prompts you to create a copy of the document.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them for sharing a google doc

1. Incorrect Link Format: Forgetting to change “edit” to “copy” can prevent the prompt to make a copy from appearing.
   Fix: Ensure the URL ends with “/copy” or “?copy” for the link to work correctly.

2. Wrong Sharing Permissions: If the document is set to restricted, users won’t be able to access it.
   Fix: Set sharing permissions to Anyone with the link can view before sharing the link.

3. Recipients Unable to Make a Copy: Users might be unable to make a copy if they only have comment or view permissions.
   Fix: Ensure the document is shared with view permissions at minimum for them to copy.

4. Failure to Test the Link: Sending the link without checking could lead to confusion if the copy prompt doesn’t appear.
   Fix: Test the link by opening it in an incognito window or a different account to confirm it works.

5. Overlooking Security Risks: Sharing the link with too many people can lead to unintended copies being made.

6. Fix: Only share the link with intended recipients to control who can access the copy option.

Common FAQs for how to share google docs

1. How do I make a copy of a Google Doc using a link?
   Replace “edit” in the URL with “copy,” and share the link for users to make a copy of the document.

2. Can I create a link that automatically prompts users to make a copy?
   Yes, append “/copy” or “?copy” at the end of the Google Doc URL to make the copy prompt appear.

3. What permissions do I need to make a copy of a Google Doc?
   You need at least view access to the document to make a copy using the link.

4. Can I make a copy of a document that’s restricted?
   No, the document must be shared with view permissions for others to make a copy.

5. How do I test if the copy link works?
   Open the link in an incognito window or a different Google account to ensure it prompts the recipient to create a copy.

This is how you can easily make copy for any google doc using a link.