How to Duplicate Files and Folders in Google Drive with Google Sheets

In this tutorial I want to show how to copy files and duplicate folders structures in Google Drive with the help of Google Sheets and FileDrop. FileDrop offers different tools for managing your Google Drive, like batch folder creation in Google Drive or even batch rename files in Google Drive using Google Sheets.

What is FileDrop?

FileDrop is a file management add-on for Google Sheets, Docs and Slides. You can install FileDrop from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

With FileDrop you can do different tasks like batch create folders in Google Drive, or batch rename files and much more.

How to Copy Files and Folders in Google Drive with Google Sheets

Please see the video below.

Step by Step Tutorial

1. Introduction to FileDrop:

For those unfamiliar with FileDrop, it’s a versatile file manager designed for Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides. Available in the Google Workspace Marketplace, it offers a plethora of features, including the ability to translate documents, extract text with OCR from images and PDFs, and even harness the power of AI for your daily tasks.

2. Accessing the Folder Tools:

To begin, launch FileDrop and navigate to the Folder Tools menu. This is where the magic happens!

We have multiple tools here like Folder Report, Share Files and more. Today we are focusing on copying files and folders in Google Drive.

3. Copying Files and Folders in Google Drive:

Here’s how:

• Start by navigating in Google Drive to the folder you wish to copy.
• Next, copy the folder ID of your source folder.
• Paste this ID into the ‘source folder ID’ field.
• Similarly, copy and paste the destination folder ID.
• You’ll notice an option labeled “copy only folder structure, no file.” This is particularly useful when you want to replicate a folder structure without the files inside. It’s a time-saver, especially when setting up for new projects or employees.

4. Understanding the Folder Structure Option:

Choosing the “copy only folder structure, no file” option means that only the folder’s structure will be duplicated, not the files within. This is especially handy when you want to maintain a specific organization without manually recreating folders.

5. Initiating the Copy:

Once you’ve made your selections, click on ‘start copying’. A notification will alert you that an email will be sent upon completion. Depending on the number of files, this process can be swift or might take a few minutes. If you’re dealing with thousands of files you can close the sidebar, be patient and wait for the notification email.

6. Checking the Copy Status:

You can monitor the copying process in real-time. In this demo, with 13 files, the process was relatively quick. Once completed, you can also check your email for a confirmation notification.

Conclusion:

Copying files and maintaining folder structures in Google Drive has never been easier.

FAQ

1. What is FileDrop and what can it do?

FileDrop is a file management add-on for Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides, available on the Google Workspace Marketplace.
It allows you to batch create folders, batch rename files, copy files and folder structures in Google Drive, translate documents, extract text with OCR from images and PDFs — all directly from Google Sheets.

2. How can I copy files and duplicate folder structures in Google Drive with FileDrop?

To copy files and folders:

• Open FileDrop and go to the Folder Tools menu.

• Enter the source folder ID and destination folder ID.

• Choose if you want to copy everything or just copy the folder structure without files.

• Click Start Copying — you’ll get a notification email once the copy process is complete.

3. What does the “copy only folder structure, no file” option do?

Selecting the “copy only folder structure, no file” option will duplicate the entire folder hierarchy without copying any of the files inside, making it easy to quickly set up organized folders for new projects, clients, or team members.