Google Sheets Duplicate Spreadsheet
Create a complete copy of a Google Spreadsheet with all sheets and data
Node Type
Action
Category
Google Sheets Integration
Icon
Google Sheets
Overview
The Google Sheets Duplicate Spreadsheet node allows you to create a complete copy of an existing Google Spreadsheet, including all sheets, data, formatting, and formulas. This powerful automation tool integrates with Google Sheets and Drive APIs to provide intelligent spreadsheet management capabilities for your workflows.
Key Features
- • Complete Duplication: Copies all sheets, data, formatting, and formulas
- • Custom Naming: Set a custom title for the duplicated spreadsheet
- • Drive Integration: Automatically saves to your Google Drive
- • URL Generation: Provides direct access URL to the new spreadsheet
- • Error Handling: Built-in success/failure tracking with detailed results
Prerequisites
Google Integration
Must be connected to access Google Sheets and Drive APIs
Required Scopes
The following OAuth scopes are required for this node to function properly
Node Configuration
Required Fields
spreadsheetId
The unique identifier of the Google Spreadsheet to duplicate (found in the URL or selected via picker).
newTitle
The title/name for the newly created duplicated spreadsheet.
Examples & Use Cases
Basic Spreadsheet Duplication
Create a copy of an existing spreadsheet with a new name
{
"spreadsheetId": "1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms",
"newTitle": "Q4 Sales Report - Copy"
}Creates a complete copy of the source spreadsheet with the title "Q4 Sales Report - Copy".
Template-Based Workflow
Use a template spreadsheet to create new instances for each user
{
"spreadsheetId": "{{workflowSettings.templateSpreadsheetId}}",
"newTitle": "{{user.name}} - Monthly Report - {{workflow.timestamp}}"
}Uses template variables to create personalized spreadsheet copies for each user with timestamps.
Backup Creation Workflow
Automatically create backups of important spreadsheets
Workflow Structure
Automatically create daily/weekly backups of critical spreadsheets and notify stakeholders.
Multi-User Template Distribution
Distribute template spreadsheets to multiple team members
Workflow Structure
Create personalized copies of a template spreadsheet for each team member and send them access links.
Best Practices
Do's
- • Use descriptive titles that include timestamps or user identifiers
- • Check the success field before proceeding with dependent operations
- • Use the newSpreadsheetUrl for immediate access to the duplicated spreadsheet
- • Store the newSpreadsheetId for future reference and operations
- • Use template variables for dynamic naming based on workflow context
- • Consider the source spreadsheet size when planning duplication workflows
Don'ts
- • Don't duplicate very large spreadsheets without considering performance
- • Avoid hardcoding spreadsheet IDs (use template variables or picker)
- • Don't forget to handle the Error field in case of failures
- • Avoid creating duplicates with identical names (add timestamps or identifiers)
- • Don't duplicate spreadsheets you don't have access to
- • Avoid making too many duplication requests in quick succession
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Permission Errors
Symptoms: Node fails with insufficient permissions
Solution: Ensure your Google account connection has the required scopes (spreadsheets and drive.file). Check that you have access to the source spreadsheet and that your account has permission to create files in Google Drive.
Spreadsheet Not Found
Symptoms: Node fails with 'Spreadsheet not found' error
Solution: Verify the spreadsheet ID is correct and that the spreadsheet hasn't been deleted or moved to trash. Ensure you have access to the source spreadsheet.
Duplicate Title Conflicts
Symptoms: Node succeeds but with unexpected naming
Solution: Google Drive automatically handles duplicate names by appending numbers. Use unique titles with timestamps or identifiers to avoid confusion.
Large Spreadsheet Performance
Symptoms: Node takes a long time or times out
Solution: Large spreadsheets with many sheets or complex formulas may take longer to duplicate. Consider the size of your source spreadsheet and plan accordingly for workflow execution time.
Empty Output Fields
Symptoms: Node succeeds but output fields are empty
Solution: Check that the Google Drive API response is properly formatted. Verify your Google integration is working correctly and that the duplication operation actually completed successfully.