Duplicating a folder in Google Drive is a simple task that can be done in just a few clicks. Whether you’re organizing your files or sharing them with others, making a copy of a folder can be incredibly useful. You’ll learn just how easy it is to do so in the following steps.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Duplicate a Folder in Google Drive
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. We’re going to make an exact copy of a folder in Google Drive, including all the files and subfolders inside it. This can be helpful for backing up your files or for creating a template folder that you can use multiple times.
Step 1: Open Google Drive and locate the folder you wish to duplicate.
Find and right-click on the folder you want to copy.
Step 2: Click on ‘Make a copy’.
After right-clicking on the folder, a menu will appear. Click on the ‘Make a copy’ option.
Step 3: Rename the duplicated folder (optional).
Google Drive will automatically rename the duplicated folder by adding "Copy of" before the original folder’s name. You can rename it if you wish.
Step 4: Organize the duplicated folder (optional).
Move the duplicated folder to a new location within your Google Drive if you want to keep things tidy.
After you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have an exact duplicate of your selected folder, including all its contents. Now, let’s look at some tips to make the process even smoother.
Tips for Duplicating a Folder in Google Drive
- Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account before starting the duplication process.
- If you have a large folder, it might take some time to duplicate. Be patient!
- You can also duplicate multiple folders at once by selecting them before right-clicking.
- Keep in mind that duplicating a folder will also duplicate the sharing settings of the original folder.
- Use the ‘Search’ feature in Google Drive to quickly locate the folder you want to duplicate if you have a lot of files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I duplicate a shared folder?
Yes, you can duplicate a shared folder, but the duplicated folder will not inherit the share settings.
Will duplicating a folder use up more of my Google Drive storage?
Yes, since you’re creating an exact copy of the folder, it will take up additional space in your Google Drive storage.
Can I duplicate a folder on the Google Drive mobile app?
No, currently, the mobile app does not support duplicating folders. You’ll need to use the web version of Google Drive.
How do I undo duplicating a folder if I made a mistake?
You can delete the duplicated folder by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘Remove’.
Will the files in the duplicated folder synchronize with the original folder?
No, once the folder is duplicated, the files inside are independent of the original folder and will not sync with any changes made to the original files.
Summary
- Open Google Drive and locate the folder to duplicate.
- Right-click on the folder and click ‘Make a copy’.
- Rename the duplicated folder if desired.
- Organize the duplicated folder to a new location if needed.
Conclusion
Duplicating a folder in Google Drive is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s a helpful trick to have up your sleeve when you’re managing files for work, school, or personal use. Not only does it save you time, but it also ensures you have backups of important documents. Try it out next time you’re organizing your digital space; you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Don’t forget that although it’s an easy process, duplicating folders can quickly fill up your storage space, so use this feature wisely. Happy duplicating!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.