How to Copy Google Slides: A Comprehensive Guide

Copying a Google Slides presentation is surprisingly versatile, offering multiple methods to suit different needs and scenarios. Whether you need a personal backup, want to duplicate a template, or plan to share a version for collaboration without altering the original, understanding the various copying techniques is crucial. The core method is using the “Make a copy” function, but let’s dive into the specifics, ensuring you master the art of Google Slides duplication.

The Core Method: “Make a Copy”

This is the most straightforward and commonly used method. Here’s how it works:

1. Open the Google Slides presentation you want to copy.
2. In the top left corner, click “File.”
3. From the dropdown menu, select “Make a copy.”
4. A dialog box will appear. Here, you can:
   • Rename the copy: Give it a descriptive name to differentiate it from the original.
   • Choose a location: Select the Google Drive folder where you want to save the copy. You can either select an existing folder or create a new one.
   • Share with the same people: If the original presentation is shared with others, you have the option to automatically share the copy with the same collaborators. This is particularly useful for creating individual working copies of a shared template.
5. Click “OK.” A new browser tab will open, displaying the copied presentation.

This method creates a complete, independent duplicate of your Google Slides presentation. Edits made to the copy will not affect the original, and vice versa.

Beyond the Basics: Other Copying Methods

While “Make a copy” is the most direct route, there are other methods to achieve similar results, each with its unique advantages.

Downloading and Re-uploading

This approach is useful when you need to work with the presentation offline or convert it to a different file format during the process.

1. Open the Google Slides presentation.
2. Click “File” and then “Download.”
3. Choose your desired file format. Common options include:
   • Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx): Ideal for compatibility with PowerPoint.
   • PDF document (.pdf): Preserves the presentation’s layout and formatting for viewing and printing.
   • Plain text (.txt): Extracts the text content, stripping away formatting.
   • JPEG image (.jpg) or PNG image (.png): Saves each slide as an individual image.
   • Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg): Saves each slide as a vector image.
4. The presentation will be downloaded to your computer.
5. To create a copy in Google Slides, go to your Google Drive.
6. Click “New” and then “File upload.”
7. Select the downloaded file from your computer.
8. Once uploaded, open the file in Google Slides. If you downloaded a PowerPoint file, it will automatically open as a Google Slides presentation. If you uploaded a PDF, you’ll need to open it with Google Slides.
9. Save as Google Slides: (For PDF only) Click “File”, then “Save as Google Slides”.

This method essentially creates a new, independent Google Slides presentation based on the downloaded file. Depending on the file format you choose, some formatting or interactive elements may be lost during the conversion.

Copying Slides to Another Presentation

Sometimes, you only need to copy a few slides from one presentation to another.

1. Open both the source presentation (the one you’re copying from) and the destination presentation (the one you’re copying to).
2. In the source presentation, select the slides you want to copy. You can select multiple slides by holding down the Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) key while clicking on each slide in the slide sorter on the left.
3. Copy the selected slides: Right-click on any of the selected slides and choose “Copy.” Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C).
4. In the destination presentation, click on the slide where you want to insert the copied slides.
5. Paste the copied slides: Right-click and choose “Paste.” Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V).
6. You will be prompted to choose whether to “Keep original theme” or “Match destination theme.” Select the option that best suits your needs.

This method allows you to selectively transfer content between presentations, maintaining flexibility over the design and formatting.

FAQs: Mastering Google Slides Copying

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of copying Google Slides.

1. Can I copy a Google Slides presentation that is shared with “View only” access?

Yes, you can. The “Make a copy” function works even if you only have viewing permissions. This allows you to create your own editable version of the presentation.

2. How do I copy a Google Slides template from the template gallery?

When you select a template from the Google Slides template gallery, a copy is automatically created for you. This copy is saved in your Google Drive and is fully editable. No separate “copy” action is required.

3. What happens when I copy a presentation that contains linked spreadsheets or charts?

When you copy a Google Slides presentation with linked spreadsheets or charts, the links are usually preserved. However, if the copied presentation is shared with someone who doesn’t have access to the linked spreadsheet, they will see a placeholder or a request for access. Ensure that all collaborators have the necessary permissions for both the presentation and the linked data sources.

4. Can I copy a Google Slides presentation to a different Google account?

Yes, you can. First, share the presentation with your other Google account with at least “View” access. Then, log in to that account and use the “Make a copy” function. The copy will be saved to the Google Drive associated with that account.

5. How do I copy a Google Slides presentation without keeping the comments?

Unfortunately, the “Make a copy” function always copies the comments as well. There isn’t a direct way to remove them during the copying process. However, you can delete the comments in the copied presentation after it’s created.

6. Can I automate the process of copying Google Slides presentations?

Yes, you can use Google Apps Script to automate the copying process. This requires some programming knowledge, but it allows you to create scripts that automatically copy presentations based on certain triggers or schedules.

7. Is there a limit to the number of Google Slides presentations I can copy?

Google does not impose a specific limit on the number of Google Slides presentations you can copy. However, your Google Drive storage limit will affect how many files you can store, including copies of presentations.

8. What happens to embedded videos when I copy a Google Slides presentation?

Embedded videos should generally function correctly in the copied presentation, as long as they are hosted on a platform that supports embedding (like YouTube). Ensure that the video is publicly accessible or shared with the appropriate permissions if it’s a private video.

9. How do I copy a Google Slides theme to another presentation?

The best way to copy a Google Slides theme is to:

1.  **Open the presentation** with the desired theme. 2.  Click **"Slide"** and then **"Edit Theme."** 3.  Click **"Copy."** 4.  Open the **destination presentation.** 5.  Click **"Slide"** and then **"Edit Theme."** 6.  Click **"Paste."** 7.  Choose either replace existing theme or create a new theme. 

10. What’s the difference between “Make a copy” and “Download as PowerPoint”?

“Make a copy” creates a duplicate of the Google Slides presentation within Google Drive, preserving all features and functionality specific to Google Slides. “Download as PowerPoint” converts the presentation to the .pptx format, which may result in some loss of formatting or interactive elements due to compatibility differences between Google Slides and PowerPoint.

11. If I copy a presentation with animations and transitions, will they be preserved?

Yes, animations and transitions are generally preserved when you use the “Make a copy” function. However, if you download the presentation as a PowerPoint file, some complex animations or transitions might not translate perfectly to PowerPoint.

12. Can I copy a presentation owned by someone else if they haven’t shared it with me directly?

No, you need to have at least “View” access to a Google Slides presentation to copy it using the “Make a copy” function. If someone hasn’t shared the presentation with you, you won’t be able to access it and create a copy. You would need to request access from the owner.

By mastering these copying techniques and understanding the nuances of each method, you can confidently manage and share your Google Slides presentations with ease. Remember to always double-check permissions and linked resources to ensure a seamless experience for your collaborators.