How to Copy a Sheet to Another Workbook in Google Sheets

If you're a project manager, you know it's imperative to keep everyone on task. Suppose each member of your team creates reports with Google Sheets. Imagine the time it would take you to sift through endless spreadsheets to quickly find something you need. The wasted time could cause your project to go over budget.

However, there is a way to access all reports in one place by creating a secure master workbook to review reports and collaborate with your team. This article will show you how to copy one spreadsheet and place it into another in Google Sheets.



How to copy a sheet to a new spreadsheet on a PC

You can copy a sheet to a new spreadsheet on your PC in a few simple steps:

  1. Make sure that the latest version of Google Sheets is installed on your PC.
  2. Open the Google Spreadsheet you want to copy.
  3. Right-click on the sheet name at the bottom of the document.
  4. Select "Copy" from the menu.
  5. Select "New spreadsheet".
  6. Tap "Open Spreadsheet" in the pop-up window.
  7. Right-click on the new sheet and press "Paste".
  8. Rename and save the new spreadsheet.

For security reasons, some browsers will not allow you to copy and paste using the right-click option. Try one of the following options if you encounter this problem.


Use keyboard shortcuts as follows:

  1. Open the sheet you want to copy.
  2. Press the Ctrl + C keys to copy the document.
  3. Open a new sheet.
  4. Press Ctrl + V keys to paste.
  5. Rename and save the sheet.

To use the "Edit" function of the menu (top right of the screen):


  1. Open the sheet you want to copy.
  2. Select "Copy" from the edit menu.
  3. Open a new spreadsheet.
  4. Select "Paste" from the edit menu.
  5. Rename and save the new spreadsheet.

Make sure extensions are enabled for the "Edit" function to work in your browser. Here are the steps to enable the feature if you haven't already:

  1. Open the menu at the top right of the screen (3 vertical dots).
  2. Scroll down and tap on "More tools" and then on "Extensions".
  3. Turn on the toggle switch for "Docs Offline Extensions".

Keep in mind that you need to install the Offline Docs Extension to use the edit menu option. You can download it from the Chrome web store if it's not in your browser. It can also be used to copy a Google sheet to another workbook when you are offline. To do this, you must:

  • Be connected to the Internet.
  • Use the Google Chrome browser.
  • Disable private browsing.
  • Have enough space on your device to save your files.

Once you've confirmed that you meet the requirements, follow the steps below to enable offline access to Google Sheets:


  1. Download Google Drive.
  2. Use your Google Chrome login credentials to sign in to Google Drive.
  3. Click "Settings" (the gear icon) in the top right.
  4. Enable the "Offline" setting.
  5. Open Google and work in your Chrome browser.

By default, you will have two sheets with the same formatting when you copy a sheet. However, you can change formatting and other options on the new Google Sheet using Paste Special.


This feature is useful for copying and recycling custom reports or budgets, but it may use different formatting. Follow these steps to change the format from a PC using Paste Special:

  1. Open the spreadsheet you want to copy.
  2. Click on "Edit" (top right of the screen).
  3. Right-click the sheet name at the bottom of the document, select "Copy To" from the menu, and select "New Spreadsheet".
  4. Choose "Open Spreadsheet" from the pop-up window.
  5. Open the "Edit" menu again and press "Paste Special".
  6. Choose from options including:
    • "Paste values ​​only" to paste only the text into the cells of the original sheet.
    • "Paste only format" to paste only the cell formatting from the original sheet.
    • "Paste column widths only" to resize the columns to match the original sheet.
    • "Paste all but borders" to copy the sheet to another workbook without borders.

There are several other options in the "Paste Special" menu on your PC. Use Paste Special when you don't want the new workbook to be an exact copy of the original.


How to copy a sheet to a new spreadsheet from the iPhone app

Just because you're away from your computer doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your productivity. Copy a Google sheet to a new one in simple steps using the iPhone app.


If you haven't already, download the Google Sheets app from the Apple Store. Here's how to start:

  1. Find the Google Sheets app in the App Store.
  2. Press "Get".
  3. Select "Install".

Once the installation is complete, Google Sheets will appear on your home screen. To copy a sheet to a new spreadsheet from your device, follow these steps:

  1. Open a sheet file.
  2. Press the "Down" arrow on the sheet tab.
  3. Press "Duplicate". An identical sheet named "Copy of sheet" will appear in a new tab.
  4. Open the duplicate sheet. Rename and save the file.

Here's how to copy a sheet to another offline spreadsheet from an iPhone:

  1. Open Google Sheets.
  2. Press “Menu”. Go to settings. »
  3. Select "Make recent files available online".

Any sheets you work on offline will now be saved and available to be copied to another workbook. To search for a saved sheet online:

  1. Open Google Sheets.
  2. Press “Menu” (3 horizontal lines).
  3. Select "Offline" and choose your file.
  4. Copy the file and paste it into another workbook.

Keep in mind that the Paste Special feature is not available on iPhones, but some users have found a lengthy workaround for this problem. Here are the steps:

  1. Copy the column or row to the original sheet.
  2. Open a new sheet and paste the values ​​inside.

The original formula will not follow; only the values ​​will appear in the new sheet. The numbers must be copied and pasted again.

How to copy a sheet to a new spreadsheet from Android app

Before you start copying new spreadsheets, you need to install the latest version of the Google Sheets for Android app. Find the app in the Google Play Store and install it on your device. Then do the following:

  1. Open a Google Sheets file on your Android phone or tablet.
  2. Tap and hold the spreadsheet.
  3. Select "Copy" from the menu that appears.
  4. Open a new spreadsheet.
  5. Long press where you want to paste the sheet.
  6. Select "Paste" from the menu that appears.
  7. Name and save the new worksheet.

To use Paste Special to change the format of a new workbook that you copied to the Android app:

  1. Highlight the cells you want to edit on the original sheet.
  2. Select "Copy".
  3. Open a new sheet.
  4. Press and hold the area you want to paste.
  5. Select "Paste Special".
  6. Choose "Paste Format Only" or any other option from the menu.

Here are the steps to copy and paste into Google Sheets from the Android app while offline:

  1. Open Google Sheets on your device.
  2. Press “Menu” then “Settings”.
  3. Tap "Make recent files available online".

All sheets you are working on will be saved when this setting is enabled. To search for a saved sheet online:

  1. Open Google Sheets.
  2. Press “Menu” (3 horizontal lines).
  3. Select "Offline" and choose your file.

21st century numbers game

A project or business can involve thousands of people located all over the world, which can be a logistical nightmare. Fortunately, Google Sheets makes it easy to manage complex work projects. The tool onboards and aligns everyone using the spreadsheets to ensure everyone is on the same page.

However, Google Sheets is not just for businesses. The average user can use the app to create to-do lists, budgets, and keep personal organizational goals on track.

Are spreadsheets essential in your technical arsenal? If so, share with us if they are useful for your business, personal use, or both. Tell us about it in the comments box below.

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