How to make a copy for each student in Google Classroom
Quick answer
- In the assignment, click Drive under Attach and pick your Doc, Slides or Sheet.
- Click the drop-down next to the attached file.
- Choose Make a copy for each student.
- Click Assign.
Each student gets their own copy with their name in the file name. You must choose this before you post; it can't be switched on afterwards.
The three sharing choices
When you attach a Google Drive file, the drop-down next to it offers three choices:
| Choice | What students get | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Students can view file | Read-only, one shared file | Reading, directions, answer-free references |
| Students can edit file | One file everyone edits together | A class brainstorm or shared slide deck |
| Make a copy for each student | Their own copy, named with their name | Worksheets, graphic organizers, projects |
Getting printables ready for it
Students can only type into their copy easily when it's a Google Doc, Sheet or Slides file. If your worksheet is a PDF:
- Use a version that already comes as Google Docs or Slides. Most LessonSupply resources include a Copy to my Drive button for exactly this.
- Or, in Drive, open the PDF with Google Docs (formatting may shift) and check it before you assign.
Tips
- Name the master clearly ("Fractions sort – MASTER") so you never hand out your own.
- Don't edit the master after posting; students already have their copies.
- Find student copies in Google Drive under My Drive › Classroom › the class folder › the assignment's folder, or open each student's work from the assignment.
Questions teachers ask
I already posted it as "Students can view file". How do I fix it?
You can't change it to Make a copy for each student after posting. Delete the assignment (if no one has turned work in) or post a new one, attach the file again and choose Make a copy for each student before you click Assign.
Which files work best with Make a copy for each student?
Google Docs, Sheets and Slides (and Google Vids), because students can type straight into their copy. A PDF copy is hard to fill in without an extra tool, so use a Google Docs or Slides version when there is one.
Why can't students edit their copy?
After a student turns work in, their copy is locked until you return it.
Make a copy for each student failed. What now?
Google's advice is to recreate the assignment and check that your Drive has free space; a full Drive stops copies from being made.