SharePoint Document Issues

How to Copy a SharePoint Shortcut to Another Section or Library

Phi Hung Vo Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to display the same document in multiple SharePoint sections by copying a shortcut rather than duplicating the actual file.

How to Copy a SharePoint Shortcut to Another Section or Library

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing files across multiple SharePoint sections with different permission requirements.
Observed behavior: Requires a method to link a single document across various libraries without creating redundant file copies, ensuring document permissions remain centralized.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary permissions to create shortcuts in the destination library and that the target users have access rights to the original document.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Copy a Shortcut via SharePoint Web Interface

The most reliable method to share a document across multiple libraries without duplicating it is by creating a shortcut directly in the SharePoint web interface.

By utilizing the built-in 'Add shortcut' feature, you can dynamically link to files and folders across different libraries. This ensures that updates to the original file reflect instantly for all users.

Select the Document

Navigate to the SharePoint library containing your file and click on the document you wish to share.

Open More Options

Click the three vertical dots (More options) next to the document name to open the context menu.

Add Shortcut to Other Locations

Select 'Add shortcut', then choose 'Other locations' from the resulting prompt.

Copy the Shortcut

Use the 'Copy to' function to place the newly created shortcut into your desired destination library or folder.

Create and Copy a Shortcut via SharePoint Web Interface

Permission and File Explorer Limitations: Permissions to the original document still apply. File Explorer shortcuts created locally by an individual user generally work only for that specific user and should not be used for team sharing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't other users open the shortcut I created in SharePoint?

Permissions to the original document still apply. Even if users can see the shortcut in the new library, they must have read or edit access to the source file to open it.

Can I create shortcuts for entire folders instead of individual files?

Yes, you can create a shortcut to an entire folder using the 'Add shortcut' feature. This links users to the contents of that folder rather than just an individual file.

Will File Explorer shortcuts work for other SharePoint users?

No, File Explorer shortcuts created by an individual user generally only work for that specific user's local machine and will not function for other users accessing the SharePoint site.

Document & File Issues