Template sale
Gumroad thank-you page opens copy link for budget planner master.
What is a make a copy link?
A make a copy link is a URL pattern that prompts viewers to duplicate your spreadsheet into their Google Drive instead of editing your original. Template sellers use it so each buyer owns a separate file while the master stays protected.
When to use it
Use copy links when selling or sharing templates, trackers, and dashboards where everyone needs their own editable instance.
When to skip it
Use view-only or comment links when you want one canonical live dashboard everyone references.
How it works
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Finish master template with protections on formula areas.
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Generate copy link from sharing UI or URL tool.
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Deliver link after payment via email or Gumroad.
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README tab explains first-run setup steps.
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Rotate link if it leaks on public forums.
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Pair with OnlySheets for automated copy delivery at scale.
Examples in Google Sheets
Build this without starting from a blank cell
Use a Better Sheets tool for make a copy link, then watch a walkthrough when you want the full pattern.
Better Sheets resources
Common mistakes
- Accidentally sharing edit link to master.
- Copy link on file that requires your private add-on without telling buyers.
- No setup README after copy.
Frequently asked questions
- Copy link vs share?
- Share opens your file. Copy creates a new file in the visitor's Drive.
- Copy link vs OnlySheets?
- OnlySheets automates copy delivery and access; copy link is the core Google mechanism.
Related Tutorials
Watch how make a copy link works
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Related blog posts
Guides that explain make a copy link in more depth.
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Read post →Related glossary terms
clone a spreadsheet
Cloning creates a new Google Sheets file from an existing one so you start from a proven layout without editing the master template. Use File > Make a copy inside the sheet or copy from Google Drive. The clone usually brings tabs, formatting, named ranges, and bound Apps Script, but sharing permissions reset.
Read guide →publish Google Sheets
Publishing puts a read-only snapshot or live view of your sheet on the web at a public URL. File > Share > Publish to web lets you choose a tab and format (web page, CSV, TSV, PDF). Published links do not require Google login, which is powerful for embeds and data feeds but risky if you publish the wrong range.
Read guide →monetize Google Sheets templates
Monetizing a Google Sheets template means selling a licensed copy, not sharing your master file. You package a polished workbook, set a price, deliver via copy link or automated email after payment, and keep support boundaries clear so buyers know what updates they receive.
Read guide →OnlySheets
OnlySheets is a Better Sheets product for selling spreadsheet templates without giving buyers edit access to your master file. It connects checkout tools like Gumroad and Stripe to controlled copy delivery, license ideas, and seller workflows so template businesses scale beyond manual email fulfillment.
Read guide →Google Sheets URL
A Google Sheets URL is the web address for a spreadsheet file or a specific view of it. Share URLs control who can open the file. Export URLs download CSV or PDF snapshots. Hackable URL parameters can jump to a tab, pre-fill filters, or embed a chart if you know the pattern. Treat URLs like keys when edit or copy access is enabled.
Read guide →Done reading about make a copy link?
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