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Create a rule to move or copy a file from one document library to another

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Document libraries can have multiple move and copy rules to support moving and copying files to different destination libraries based on metadata criteria.

Move or copy a file

To move or copy a file from one document library to another, follow these steps.

  1. In the document library, select Automate > Rules > Create a rule.

    Screenshot of the document library showing the Automate > Rules > Create a rule option.

  2. On the Create a rule page, select a condition that triggers the rule and the action that the rule will take. In this case, select A new file is added.

    Screenshot of the Create a rule page showing the A new file is added option highlighted.

    Your selection here creates a rule statement that you'll complete in the next step.

  3. To complete the rule statement, under When a new file is added:

    1. Select Choose action, and then:

      • To copy a file, select copy file to.
      • To move a file, select move file to.

      Screenshot of the rule statement page showing the choose action option highlighted.

    2. Select Enter a site name or address, and then select the site that contains the document library you want the file moved or copied to.

      Screenshot of the rule statement page showing the choose a site option highlighted.

      When you select Enter a site name or address, you can either select from the list of recent sites or enter the name or URL of another site.

    3. Select Choose a library, and then select the document library you want the file moved or copied to.

      Screenshot of the rule statement page showing the choose a library option highlighted.

      When you select Choose a library, you can either select from the list of suggested libraries or enter the name of another library.

      Note

      If you try to set up a rule to move or copy a file to a library that already has a move or copy rule applied, you'll receive a message saying that you need to disable all move or copy rules on the destination library. To disable a rule, see Manage a rule.

      Screenshot of the rule statement page with the message stating that the library already has a rule applied.

    4. When your rule statement is complete, select Create. You can see and manage the new rule on the Manage rules page.

View the activity feed of a document library

When a file is moved or copied, you'll see an update in the source library activity feed. The updates occur in both the source library and the target library.

In the document library, in the upper-right corner of the page, select the details pane icon (Screenshot of the details pane icon.) to view the recent history, activity, and rules that have been applied to the library.

Screenshot of a document library showing the details pane highlighted.

Note

Currently, the activity feed shows only move activity. Copy activity will be available in a future release.