How Do I Share a Copy of a Google Doc Automatically?
Answer
What is a "Force Copy?"
In Google Drive, a force copy is another way to have users “Make a Copy” of Google Drive files like Docs, Slides, Sheets and Forms. However, this simplifies the process by creating a direct copy link. This is best for providing other users, such as students, with their own copy of a document, like a digital worksheet. A user can then edit the file in their own drive without making any changes to your original file.
Visit How Do I Create a Canvas Assignment with Google LTI 1.3? for more on assigning a file to individual students.
How Do I Create a Force Copy with Google Drive Files?
- Open a preexisting Google Drive file or create a new file.
- Click "Share" and change the dropdown to "Anyone with the Link Can View."
- In the URL, highlight the word "Edit." If there are other parts of the URL after "Edit," you can copy those as well.
- Replace that section of the URL with the word "Copy."
- Wherever you are sharing the URL, paste the version that includes the word "Copy." This creates a force copy.