Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Office 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Creating a Workbook Clone.
There may be times when you want to make a copy of a workbook, without affecting the original. Excel provides an easy way to do this. Simply follow these steps:
The workbook that is opened uses the same file name, but Excel attaches some sort of phrase to the beginning of the file name, as a prefix. For instance, you might see the file name prefixed with "Copy of" or "Copy (1)." Thus, if the original workbook you selected in step 2 is named "Budget.xlsx," what Excel creates is a workbook named "Copy of Budget.xlsx" or "Copy (1)Budget.xlsx." If you want to rename the file, you will need to either use the Save As command, or rename the workbook after closing it.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (8036) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Office 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Creating a Workbook Clone.
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2020-07-15 03:58:34
Ms Jane Angus
I want to make a copy of a big workbook in case something goes wrong and I lose it. I can fond the dialogue box anywhere. Thanks am on 2019
2020-01-08 11:50:12
Anton Reimer
Thank You! It works for me
2019-12-30 09:06:47
John Mann
I'm using 2010. I didn't find the "Open as Copy" option greyed - it worked for me.
Another method is File > New > New from existing. In my tests this created a new file with the same name as the origininal with the number 1 appended. For example, if the existing file was MiscTests.xlsx, then the new file was MiscTests1.xlsx.
2017-01-27 12:51:00
You'er great
Thanks
2015-03-05 12:32:37
When I make a copy of the sheet in the same file at the end the format is changed. Pl let me know how to keep the format while making a copy of sheet in the same file . I am using a Mac book pro
2015-03-03 09:27:42
Glenn Case
Another option is to open the spreadsheet and Save As another name. You will then have two copies, one with the old name, and one with the new.
2015-03-02 17:05:11
Arlene Gregoire
I'm using 2010 and the "Open as Copy" option is greyed out.
2015-03-01 01:13:53
venkat
am I missing something? do not see arrow button right of OPEN. excel 2007
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Office 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
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