How to Copy a Google Form Without Access

How to Copy a Google Form Without Access?

Google Forms is a powerful tool for collecting data, conducting surveys, and organizing feedback. However, you may encounter situations where you need to replicate a Google Form without having direct editing access. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to copying a Google Form by recreating it manually.

Step 1: Obtain the Google Form Link

Before you can copy a Google Form, you need its URL.

  • If the form is publicly accessible, simply copy the link from the browser’s address bar.
  • If the form was shared with you via email or messaging, locate and copy the provided URL.
  • If the form is embedded in a website, right-click on the form and select “Inspect” (or Ctrl+Shift+I on Windows, Cmd+Opt+I on Mac) to find the embedded form URL in the HTML.

Note: If the form is private and not shared with you, you will need to request access from the owner.

Step 2: Open the Google Form in Incognito Mode

To avoid any account-related restrictions, open the form in an incognito/private browsing window:

  • Open Google Chrome (or another browser).
  • Press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac) to open an incognito window.
  • Paste the Google Form URL and press Enter.

This ensures you’re viewing the form as an anonymous user, bypassing any login restrictions.

Step 3: Analyze the Form Structure

Since you can’t directly duplicate the form, you’ll need to manually recreate it by examining:

Title & Description: Note the form’s name and any introductory text.
Question Types: Identify whether questions are:

  • Multiple choice
  • Short answer
  • Checkboxes
  • Dropdown
  • Linear scale
  • File upload
  • etc.
    Options & Required Fields: Check if answers are mandatory (marked with a red asterisk *).
    Images, Videos, or Links: If the form includes media, download or note their placements.
    Section Breaks & Logic: Observe if the form has multiple sections or conditional branching (skip logic).

Pro Tip:

  • Take screenshots of each section for reference.
  • Use Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) to print the form as a PDF for offline review.

Step 4: Create a New Google Form

Now, manually rebuild the form:

  • Go to Google Forms.
  • Sign in with your Google account (if not already logged in).
  • Click Blank Form (or choose a template if applicable).
Create a New Google Form

Step 5: Reconstruct the Form

A. Set the Title & Description

  • Click “Untitled form” and enter the original form’s title.
  • Add a description (if applicable) in the subtitle section.
Reconstruct the Form

B. Recreate Each Question

  • Click the “+” (Add Question) button.
  • Select the same question type as the original (multiple-choice, short answer, etc.).
  • Enter the exact question text and answer options.
  • Toggle the “Required” switch if the original question was mandatory.
Recreate Each Question

C. Add Media (If Applicable)

  • Click the image/video icon to upload or link media files.
  • Adjust alignment and size to match the original form.
Add Media

D. Add Sections & Logic (If Applicable)

  • To add sections, click the two rectangles icon (Add Section).
  • For conditional logic (skip logic):
    • Click the three dots (⋮) → Go to section based on answer.
    • Set rules (e.g., “If ‘Yes’ is selected, go to Section 2”).
Add Sections

Step 6: Customize Form Settings

  • Click the Settings (Gear) icon to adjust:
    • General Settings: Allow/restrict responses, limit to one response per person.
    • Presentation: Show progress bar, shuffle question order.
  • Click “Customize Theme” (Palette icon) to match colors/fonts.
Customize form settings

Step 7: Test & Share the New Form

  • Click “Preview” (Eye icon) to test the form.
  • Once verified, click “Send” to distribute via:
    • Email
    • Link
    • Social media
    • Embed in a website

Also read How to Make a Copy of a Google Doc?

FAQs

Q. Can I directly duplicate a Google Form without access?

No, Google does not allow copying a form without edit permissions. However, you can manually recreate it as described above.

Q. What if the form is not public?

If the form is private, you must request access from the owner. Otherwise, you cannot view or copy it.

Q. Is it legal to copy someone else’s Google Form?

  • If the form is publicly available, recreating it for personal use is generally acceptable.
  • If the form contains copyrighted or proprietary content, seek permission before copying.

Q. Can I automate copying a Google Form?

No, there is no official tool for this. However, Google Apps Script (for users with edit access) or third-party extensions (like Form Limiter) may help in some cases.

Q. How can I ensure my copied form is identical?

  • Use screenshots for reference.
  • Double-check question types, options, and logic.
  • Test thoroughly before sharing.

Conclusion

While you can’t directly duplicate a Google Form without access, this guide provides a reliable method to manually recreate it. By carefully analyzing the original form and reconstructing it step-by-step, you can produce an identical or customized version for your needs.