Skip to main content

make a copy

To create an additional document or other item that is the same as an existing one, without removing or replacing the original.

In plain English

This action makes a separate second item from something that already exists. The new item matches the existing one, and the original remains there as it was.

In context

Here, it labels the action of creating another file that is the same as the current document while leaving the current document itself in place.

Situation
Creating, saving, sharing, versioning, and restoring files
What it communicates
labels the action for creating a separate file from the current document.

Meaning limits

By itself, this term does not say where the additional file is kept or what later happens to either item.

Examples

“She made a copy of the form, and the original stayed in the folder.”

Core meaning

“To try a different layout, make a copy of the current document first.”

In context