Forcing a copy of a Google Form is a handy trick that allows you to make a duplicate of any form that’s been shared with you. The process is simple: you just need to tweak the form’s URL. This is particularly useful when the original form is view-only and you need to make edits or use it as a template for your own purposes. After reading this article, you’ll be able to force copy any Google Form with ease.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Force a Copy of a Google Form
Before jumping into the steps, it’s important to understand that this process will allow you to create a new, editable copy of the form that will be saved to your own Google Drive. This is perfect for when you want to use someone else’s form as a starting point for your own.
Step 1: Open the Google Form
Open the Google Form that you want to make a copy of.
Once you have the form open, take a look at the URL in the address bar of your browser. This is where you’ll be making a small change to force the copy.
Step 2: Modify the URL
In the URL, locate the "/edit" part near the end.
You’ll need to replace the "/edit" section with "/copy". This little switch is the key to forcing the form to make a copy.
Step 3: Press Enter and Make the Copy
After modifying the URL, press Enter to load the new URL.
Once the page reloads, you’ll be prompted to make a copy of the form. Just click "Make a copy," and voilà, you’ll have your own editable version of the form in your Google Drive.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a brand new Google Form based on the original. You can edit it, send it out, and collect responses just like you would with any form you created yourself.
Tips for Forcing a Copy of a Google Form
- Make sure you’re logged into the Google account where you want the copied form to be saved.
- If the form is set to "View only," you won’t be able to make a copy using the usual "File" > "Make a copy" method, but the URL trick will still work.
- After making a copy, double-check the form settings to ensure they match your needs.
- Don’t forget to rename your new form to avoid confusion with the original.
- If you’re sharing your new form with others, remember to check the sharing settings so that your respondents have the correct access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the URL of a Google Form?
The URL is in the address bar at the top of your web browser when you have the form open.
Can I make a copy of a form if I don’t have editing access?
Yes, using the URL method described above, you can force a copy even if you only have view access.
Will making a copy of a form include the responses?
No, it will only copy the form itself. The responses stay with the original form.
Can I edit the copied form?
Absolutely, the copied form is fully editable and will be saved in your Google Drive.
What happens if the form owner deletes the original form?
Your copy of the form will remain in your Google Drive, unaffected by what happens to the original.
Summary
- Open the Google Form
- Modify the URL by replacing "/edit" with "/copy"
- Press Enter and make the copy
Conclusion
Forcing a copy of a Google Form is a nifty trick that can save you time and effort, especially when collaborating with others or working on projects that require similar forms. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily duplicate any form and make it your own. Remember, it’s all about that tiny change in the URL. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll be able to create copies of forms as and when you need them, ensuring your workflow is as efficient as possible. Whether you’re a teacher, business professional, or just someone who loves to organize events, knowing how to force a copy of a Google Form is an invaluable skill. So go ahead, give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy and useful it can be.
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.