How to Upload Google Activities to Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) the Right Way

Are you creating Google Classroom activities but unsure how to upload them to Teachers Pay Teachers in a way that actually works for buyers? Many teacher authors run into tech issues, confusing upload options, or links that break after purchase. In this episode, Lindsay walks you through the simplified, reliable method she uses to upload every Google resource in her store, plus what has changed with Google Forms since summer 2025.

You’ll learn how to prep your files, how to correctly create forced copy links, and how to protect your originals so nothing gets overwritten. Whether you are brand new to digital resources or ready to streamline your process, this episode gives you a clear step-by-step system you can trust.

 

Key Discussion Points:

[00:00:41] What Counts as a Digital Resource on TPT

Lindsay clarifies the difference between digital downloads and true digital activities that integrate with Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.

 

[00:01:07] Why She Avoids Uploading Directly From Google Drive

Uploading through Google Drive inside TPT can trigger confusing access prompts for buyers, so Lindsay uses a different method to avoid tech issues.

 

[00:01:48] What Buyers Receive Inside a Digital and Printable Zip File

An overview of the printable version, answer key, terms of use, and the digital instructions template with the forced copy link.

 

[00:02:23] How to Package and Upload a Digital-Only Resource

Why a single PDF containing instructions and the forced copy link is the simplest and most reliable upload method.

 

[00:03:14] Understanding Forced Copy Links for Google Activities

How forced copy links work and why they ensure each buyer gets their own editable version without accessing your originals.

[00:04:14] Creating Forced Copy Links in Older Google Forms

A walkthrough of the pre-2025 method using Add Collaborators and replacing edit with copy in the URL.

 

[00:05:13] What Changed in Google Forms After the 2025 Update

Google’s new granular controls and how sharing settings now work when publishing brand-new forms.

[00:06:30] Protecting Your Original Files in Google Drive

Why you should always keep untouched originals and create forced copy links only from duplicates to prevent accidental edits by buyers.

[00:07:02] Building Digital Activities With Google Slides

How Lindsay designs drag-and-drop activities using background images and movable pieces before generating the forced copy link.

[00:07:56] Setting Up Google Sheets for Self-Checking Activities

How to protect sheets and ranges so students can interact without altering your formulas or templates.

[00:08:33] Where to Place Forced Copy Links in Your Download

How to embed links inside your instructions PDF and what to double-check before uploading to TPT.

[00:09:11] Final Takeaway for Digital Resource Safety

Why having a protected master copy of every digital activity prevents major headaches if a link is altered or misused.

Google Upload Template Freebie: https://learn.lindsaybowden.com/google

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