Move or Copy Files
Move or copy files between Client, Internal, and My Files — or copy a file to a connected client/contact — without losing track of where it ends up.
Required: Must have file access permissions toggled on in Permission Settings.
Why it matters: Files don't always end up where you need them the first time — moving and copying lets you reorganize without re-uploading, and copying to a connection keeps shared documents (like a joint return) accessible to everyone who needs them.
Table of Contents
Move Files
When to use this: You need to relocate a file permanently — it won't remain in its original location.
Click Files on the global navigation bar, then choose Client, Internal, or My Files.
You can navigate to a Client Record and select the Files tab to mange files for only one client.
Click a folder to view its files.
Click the checkbox to the left of each file you want to move.
Right-click the selected files.
Navigate to File actions > Move.
In the pop-up window, click a on a folder to access files.
To access subfolders, double-click the client folder, then double-click the subfolder to open it before moving your file.
Click Move Here.
Check Don't ask me again if you don't need this confirmation in the future.
Click Move Anyway to confirm.
A notification appears at the bottom of the screen once the move is complete.
📝 Note: Client Files can only be moved between other Client Files. Internal Files can be moved between Internal, Client, and My Files. My Files can be moved between Internal, Client, and My Files.
Copy a File
When to use this: You need the file to remain in its original location and appear somewhere else — for example, sharing a document with a connected spouse, dependent, or contact.
Navigate to the Files tab either in the navigation bar or in a client record.
Right-click the file, or click the 3-dot icon.
Go to File actions > Copy-to.
In the pop-up modal, select the client or connection to copy the file to.
Connections can include a spouse, dependent, linked contact, or another member of the same client group.
Navigate into a subfolder, or stay at the top folder level, to copy the file there.
Click Copy Here.
Review the Confirm Access and Setting Changes pop-up.
This message means the copied file will follow the destination folder's access, visibility, and retention rules — it may change who can see or manage it.
Check Don't ask me again if you don't need this confirmation in the future.
Click Move Anyway to confirm.
A notification appears at the bottom of the screen once the file has been copied to the new location.
Summary
Move relocates a file permanently, while Copy-to duplicates it to a new client, folder, or connection without removing the original. Both actions are available from the Files tab via the right-click or 3-dot menu.
Need Help?
Contact Canopy Support or ask Penny, our AI Support Bot, for assistance.