How to Duplicate a Word Document with Our Guide

Duplicating a Word document might seem like a simple task, but there are different ways to do it depending on your needs.

Whether you want to create a backup, use a template, or make a quick copy for editing, knowing the right method can save you time and ensure you get the results you want.

Megon Venter

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Megon is a B2B SaaS Content Writer with 7 years of experience in content strategy and execution. Her expertise lies in the creation of document management tutorials and product comparisons.

Method 1: Using ‘Save As’ to Create a Duplicate

One of the easiest ways to duplicate a Word document is by using the ‘Save As’ feature. This method is quick and straightforward, allowing you to save the document with a new name or in a different location.

Step 1: Open the Word document you want to duplicate.

Click on “File” in the top menu.

Step 2: Select “Save As” from the dropdown menu.

Choose a new location or folder if you want to save the duplicate in a different place.

Step 3: Enter a new name for the duplicate document.

Click “Save.”

When to use:

• When you need a quick copy with minimal changes.
• When creating a version for different edits or revisions.

Method 2: Copying and Pasting the File

Another simple way to duplicate a Word document is by copying and pasting the file directly within your file explorer. This method is especially useful when you need multiple copies or if you’re working with multiple documents at once.

Step 1: Navigate to the folder where your Word document is stored.

Right-click on the document file.

Step 2: Select “Copy” from the context menu.

Navigate to the folder where you want to place the duplicate (or stay in the same folder).

Step 3: Right-click again and select “Paste.”

A duplicate of the file will appear, usually with “- Copy” added to the name.

When to use:

• When duplicating multiple files at once.
• When organizing files in different folders.

Method 3: Creating a Duplicate via Templates

If you frequently need to create new documents based on an existing one, turning your document into a template can save time.

This method allows you to keep the original content intact while creating new documents with the same structure and format.

Step 1: Open the Word document you want to use as a template.

Click on “File” and then “Save As.”

Step 2: In the “Save as type” dropdown menu, select “Word Template (.dotx).”

Choose a location to save the template file (usually in the Custom Office Templates folder). Click “Save.”

When to use:

• When regularly creating documents with similar layouts or content.
• For standardizing documents across a team or organization.

Duplicating a Word document is a fundamental task that can be accomplished in several ways depending on your needs. You can easily do the above by downloading the latest version of PDF Reader Pro:

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Whether you’re backing up your work, creating templates, or managing different versions, knowing the right method will help you work more efficiently.

From using the “Save As” function to leveraging cloud storage, these methods ensure that your documents are always ready for the next step.