How to Create Force Copy Links for Google Drive Resources

This video outlines two manual methods and one TPT-integrated method for creating force copy links for Google Drive resources like Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides. These links allow users to make a copy of your file instead of editing the original.

Option 1: Manual Force Copy Link

1. Open your Google file and click Share.

2. Under General Access, set it to “Anyone with the link” and leave it as Viewer (DO NOT change to Editor).

3. Click Copy link.

4. Paste the link into a doc and replace everything after the last slash (starting with /edit) with: /copy

5. When users open this link, they’ll be prompted to “Make a copy.”

Option 2: Template Preview Link

Instead of /copy, you can use: /template/preview

This opens a preview of the resource, where the user can click “Use Template” to make a copy. (This is the method used in Hot Teacher Summer!)

Option 3: Google Drive Integration on TPT

If you’re selling on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), you can upload an entire Google Drive folder containing:

– The Google file(s)
– Answer key
– Worksheets or extras
– Terms of use (as a PDF)

TPT will automatically generate force copy links for each item inside the folder when a buyer downloads the product — no need to manually adjust links!

Bonus Tips:

– Make sure your shared link is set to Viewer, not Editor – this prevents users from changing the URL to gain editing access.

– Double-check link formatting when pasting into a product or PDF.

– Using /template/preview provides a more professional first impression than jumping straight to a copy prompt.

Need help with this lesson? Email Lisa at lisa@helloalgebra.com and include the workshop and lesson name so we can help you as quickly as possible.