Copy GradeBook
The Copy GradeBook feature creates a duplicate of your existing GradeBook, making it easy to start a new term, section, or grading period with the same structure.
Requirements
- Valid License: ✅ Required
- Premium License: ❌ Not required
- Must be using a GradeBook: ✅ Required
Accessing the Feature
- Open your GradeBook
- Click Extensions → GradeBook → Utilities → Copy GradeBook
- The Copy GradeBook sidebar will open
Sidebar Cards
Copy GradeBook (Title Card)
The header card displays the feature title and a brief description: “Create a copy of your GradeBook with customized settings.”
Copy Options
This card contains the main settings for what data to include or exclude in your copy. A feedback alert at the top indicates whether at least one option is selected.
You must select at least one option before the Copy GradeBook button becomes enabled.
Primary Options
Clear assignments
- Removes all assignment columns from the copy
- Keeps students if not cleared separately
- Cannot be combined with “Copy all”
Clear students
- Removes all student rows from the copy
- Keeps assignments if not cleared separately
- Cannot be combined with “Copy all”
Copy all (including grades)
- Creates an exact duplicate with all data preserved
- Includes all students, assignments, and grades
- Cannot be combined with clear options
These primary options are mutually exclusive: selecting “Clear assignments” or “Clear students” disables “Copy all”, and vice versa.
Optional Settings
Clear notes (checked by default)
- Removes all cell notes from the GradeBook sheet
- Automatically enabled and locked when clearing assignments or students
- Only configurable when using “Copy all”
Unlink Google Classroom
- Removes the Google Classroom connection from the copy
- The copied GradeBook will not sync with the original Classroom course
- Useful when creating a copy for a different section or term
Date Adjustments
This card only appears when assignments are being preserved (either “Copy all” is selected, or “Clear students” is selected without “Clear assignments”).
Date Handling Options
Keep existing dates
- Preserves original assignment due dates
- Default option
Clear all dates
- Removes all due dates from assignments
- Leaves date fields empty
Adjust dates
- Opens additional controls for date modification
- Allows repositioning dates for a new term or semester
Date Adjustment Controls
When “Adjust dates” is selected, the following controls appear:
Reference date (first assignment)
- Select the new date for the first assignment
- All other dates are calculated relative to this date
- Uses a calendar picker for easy selection
Adjustment type Three methods for recalculating dates:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Shift all dates by same interval | Moves all dates by the same number of days. If your first assignment moves 30 days forward, all assignments move 30 days forward. |
| True proportional scaling | Scales dates to fit a new timeframe. Assignments are repositioned proportionally between your new start and end dates. Requires an end reference date. |
| Preserve day of week | Maintains the same day of the week for each assignment. A Monday assignment stays on Monday, adjusted to the new schedule. |
End reference date (proportional scaling only)
- Sets the new date for the last assignment
- Required for proportional scaling
- Must be after the start reference date
GradeBook Size
Controls the maximum number of assignment columns in the copied GradeBook.
Maximum number of assignments
- Dropdown showing available sizes: 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150
- Only shows sizes equal to or greater than the current GradeBook size
- Cannot reduce below your current assignment count
Larger GradeBook sizes may impact spreadsheet performance. Choose the smallest size that meets your needs.
Actions
Contains the button to initiate the copy process.
Copy GradeBook
- Disabled until at least one copy option is selected
- Click to start the copy process
- Opens the copied GradeBook automatically upon completion
Copy Process
When you click “Copy GradeBook”, the system creates a new GradeBook in your GradeBook folder with your selected options applied. This process typically takes 30-60 seconds.
Do not close the sidebar or refresh the page during the copy process. Wait for the confirmation message and link to your new GradeBook.
Common Copy Scenarios
Scenario: New Term, Same Students
Configuration:
- Clear assignments: Yes
- Clear students: No
- Clear notes: Yes (default)
Result: Same student roster with blank assignments, ready for a new term.
Scenario: New Section, Same Course Structure
Configuration:
- Clear assignments: No
- Clear students: Yes
- Clear notes: Yes (default)
Result: Same assignment structure with empty roster, ready for a new section.
Scenario: Complete Backup
Configuration:
- Copy all (including grades): Yes
- Clear notes: No
Result: Exact duplicate of your GradeBook, including all data.
Scenario: New Semester with Adjusted Dates
Configuration:
- Clear students: Yes
- Date handling: Adjust dates
- Adjustment type: Shift all dates by same interval
- Reference date: First day of new semester
Result: Same assignments with dates shifted to the new semester.
Tips and Best Practices
Naming Your Copy
- The copy is automatically named “Copy of [Original Name]”
- Rename it immediately after opening to reflect the new term, section, or purpose
- Example: “Math 101 - Spring 2025” instead of “Copy of Math 101 - Fall 2024”
Before Copying
- Ensure your original GradeBook has the structure you want
- If you notice formula issues in your original, use Fix Grades first
Troubleshooting
Issue: Copy button is disabled
Cause: No copy options selected
Solution: Select at least one option (Clear assignments, Clear students, or Copy all)
Issue: Copy is missing data
Causes:
- Options not configured correctly
- Original data was missing
- Copy process interrupted
Solutions:
- Check copy options before creating
- Verify original has the expected data
- Try copying again with correct settings
Issue: Copy has broken formulas
Causes:
- Formula references not updated
- Original had formula issues
Solutions:
- Use Fix Grades on the copy
- Verify original didn’t have broken formulas
- Recreate copy if necessary
Issue: Dates not adjusted correctly
Causes:
- Wrong adjustment type selected
- Invalid reference date
- Missing end date for proportional scaling
Solutions:
- Verify the adjustment type matches your needs
- Ensure reference date is valid
- For proportional scaling, ensure end date is after start date
Copy vs. Create New
| Use Copy GradeBook When | Use Create New When |
|---|---|
| You want to preserve structure and settings | You need a fresh start |
| Starting a new term with same course setup | Changing to a different GradeBook type |
| Creating a backup of your GradeBook | You want different assignment limits |
| Setting up multiple sections with same structure | Current structure doesn’t meet your needs |
Related Features
- Create & View GradeBooks: Create entirely new GradeBooks
- Fix Grades: Repair formula issues in copies
Copying creates an independent GradeBook. Changes to the copy don’t affect the original, and vice versa.