Copying a Google site Template

Step 1: Register a Custom Domain

Before you can customise your site, you'll need to purchase a domain to give your brand a professional edge.
👉 We recommend Namecheap.com for affordable and reliable domain registration.

Step 2: Access Your Google Sites Template

After completing your purchase or free download, you’ll receive an email with a Google Drive link to your template.

✅ Make sure:

• You entered a valid, correctly spelt email address at checkout.

• You can check your spam or promotions folder if you don’t see the email right away.

Step 3: How to Copy a Google Sites Template to Your Drive

Follow these steps to make an editable copy of the Google Sites template in your Google Drive:

1. Sign in to your Google Account on a desktop browser.

2. You can open the shared link sent to your email to view the template in Google Drive.

3. Click the three-dot menu (top right of the preview).

4. Choose “Make a copy.”

5. Your copy will be saved in "My Drive". You can also search your Drive for "Copy of [Template Name]" or look in your Recent files.

6. You now own your version of the site and can begin editing and customising it for your needs.

Where to Get Google Sites Templates

Browse Free and Premium Google Sites Templates

Explore a variety of free and premium templates in the Google Sites Template Store. You’ll find responsive designs for personal, portfolio, small business, and blog websites.

How to Choose a Template:

1. View live demos to see templates in action.

2. Read the terms of use before downloading or purchasing.

3. Click:
   
   

   • “Get your free copy →” for free templates
     
     

   • “Buy template →” for premium templates
     
     

💡 Google Sites templates require a Google account.If you don’t have one, sign up for free here.

Finding and Downloading Templates

Step 1: Choose a template

Browse the template gallery and select a design that fits your needs. Use the live demo option to preview how the site looks in action. Before downloading, review the terms of use to ensure they meet your requirements.

Step 2: Select a free or premium option

• Free templates: Click the Get your free copy button to access the download at no cost.

• Premium templates: Click the Buy template button to proceed to the purchase and download page. The listed price is the final cost.

Step 3: Make a copy to your Google Drive

Once you access the template, you’ll receive a read-only version. Right-click the file and choose Make a copy. A complete duplicate of the website—including placeholder images—will be saved to your Google Drive. The process is the same for both free and paid templates. 

How to Add a Google Site Template to Your Drive

After selecting your template:

1. Open the read-only Google Site via the shop link.

2. Right-click and select “Make a copy.”

3. The full site template, including demo images and layout, will be saved to your Google Drive.
   
   

This process works the same for both free and premium templates.

How to Duplicate an Existing Google Site

I am already working on a site and would like to copy it. Here’s how:

1. Open your site in the Google Sites editor.

2. Click the More menu (three dots) next to Publish, then select “Duplicate site.”

3. Set a new file name, select a Google Drive folder, and decide whether you want to share it with the same collaborators.

4. Depending on the site size:
   
   

   • Under 50 pages: You’ll see the new link appear in the editor.

   • Over 50 pages: Google will email you when the duplication is complete.
     
     

📌 Only site owners or editors can copy Google Sites.
Large sites must be duplicated through the editor, not directly from Google Drive.

1. Understanding Site Duplication in Google Sites

Since Google launched the redesigned version of Google Sites in 2016, building websites has become far more accessible, even for users with no technical background. The platform’s visual editor and close connection with Google Workspace make it a practical choice for personal, educational, and business projects.

One of the most valuable yet often overlooked features of Google Sites is the ability to duplicate an entire website. This option is especially helpful when you need to create multiple sites that follow the same structure or design. Instead of starting from scratch each time, you can copy an existing site and adapt it as needed.

2. Reasons to Copy a Google Site

Duplicating a Google Site allows you to reuse an existing layout and content as a foundation for new work. This is ideal when you want to maintain a consistent design across projects or create a reusable template for future use.

Another advantage is flexibility. By working on a copied version, you can test updates, redesign pages, or experiment with content without putting the original site at risk. It also supports collaboration, as different team members can work on separate versions simultaneously.

In addition, copied sites act as backups. If the original site is accidentally modified or deleted, having a duplicate ensures that your information is not permanently lost.

3. Best Practices for Managing Duplicated Sites

• Use clear naming conventions:
  Give each copied site a descriptive name so you can easily identify its purpose later.

• Create regular backups:
  Periodically duplicating important sites ensures you always have a recent version saved.

• Manage permissions carefully:
  When working with others, assign appropriate access levels to prevent accidental changes.

Archive outdated versions:

Store older copies in a separate folder to keep your Google Drive organised and focused on active projects. 

4. Advantages of Copying Google Sites

Copying a Google Site offers several practical benefits:

• Reusable templates:
  A duplicated site can serve as a master template, helping you maintain consistent branding and layout.

• Risk-free testing:
  You can explore new designs or features without affecting the published site.

• Content protection:

Duplicates provide an extra layer of security if something goes wrong with the original.

Improved collaboration:

Multiple versions allow team members to work independently without interfering with each other’s progress. 

5. Using Third-Party Google Sites Templates

What You Need

To use Google Sites templates, you must have a Google account, such as a Gmail account. Google Sites operates within Google Drive, so an account is required. If you don’t already have one, you can create a free account at:

https://accounts.google.com