How to Duplicate A Table in SQL Server Management Studio?

Summary: SQL database users and administrators try to learn how to duplicate a table in SQL Server Management Studio quite often. We do get plenty of such queries, which we are going to address in this blog. Moreover, along with the SSMS method, it’s evident to look at the other available solutions to duplicate table SQL Server like the T-SQL query method and advanced solutions. Also, this article consists of case studies and tips to provide users with an in-depth understanding.

Duplicating a table somewhat feels like database table migration or a copy table from one database to another task. However, the only difference here is that the source & destination locations are the same. This is why many users get confused. Let’s resolve this confusion by starting with the causes of such duplication tasks.

SQL Server Management Studio Duplicate Table – Causes & User Queries

There can be numerous reasons to duplicate table SQL Server. However, some of the causes along with user queries are mentioned here. This will help with understanding how significant it is to duplicate tables in some scenarios and how to duplicate a table in SQL Server Management Studio effectively.

Data Analysis and Reporting:- Users often create duplicate tables for exploration, historical analysis, and dedicated reporting purposes. Thus, learning how to duplicate table in SSMS is crucial.

Data Integration and ETL Processes:- To facilitate data synchronization and management, a duplicate table is perfect. It helps to execute transformation & data cleansing.

Backup of the Data & Recovery:- Some users prefer emergency data recovery, whereas some prefer point-in-time recovery. However, a duplicate table can be beneficial in both situations.

Data Partitioning:- Some users try to learn how to duplicate a table in SQL so that they can further divide it & store data more strategically in partitions.

Testing and Development:- For testing new queries for large data sets, a duplicate table acts perfectly as a practice arena. This prevents any disasters in the production table and further helps improve the commands.

Required Permissions For SQL Table Duplication

To execute such a task, like MSSQL duplicate table, users must require a set of permissions as mentioned below:

1. CREATE TABLE permission in the destination database to get the desired results just as expected.
2. The SELECT permission helps in getting the original data from the source table to get schema data.
3. INSERT permission is equally important for users just like the other two to add data in the tables without any errors.

How to Duplicate A Table in SQL Server Management Studio Step by Step

Step-1. Launch the SSMS & then Connect to the SQL Server Instance.

Step-2. Go to Object Explorer > Right Click table > Click on New Table

Step-3. In the Object Explorer > Right Click table to Copy > Click Design

Step-4. Select Columns from the Table > Click Copy from the Edit menu.

Step-5. Go to the new table Select the very first row & Go to the Edit option.

Step-6. Click Paste > Go to File menu > Select Save Table Name option.

Step-7. Type New Table Name in the dialogue box & Click on the OK button to finish learning how to duplicate a table in SQL Server Management Studio.

Users must execute this method carefully to avoid any hassles that might hinder the entire duplicate table SQL Server operation. The mistakes users make here are quite silly like insufficient permissions, and false table copy or paste. etc.

#1 T-SQL Method to Duplicate Table in SQL Server

Users can also try out the command line method using the Transact SQL queries as mentioned here. However, it’s crucial to execute these commands with utmost attentiveness. This is because these commands can be disastrous if executed with mistakes or faulty codes in between.

Step-1. Always Connect to the SQL Instance first.

Step-2. Select the desired Table to duplicate > Click on SCRIPT TABLE AS > Click on CREATE TO > Select New Query Editor Window

Step-3. Change the Table Names to avoid the same name clashing error.

Step-4. Remove Any Columns that are not necessary in the table.

Step-5. Click the Execute button to Create the new Duplicate table.

#2 How to Duplicate A Table in SQL Server with Advanced Tool

If users are searching for a solution for how to duplicate a table in SQL Server Management Studio, but aren’t very technically aware or need an option with more features, the advanced automated solution is what they need. SysTools SQL Server Database Migration Tool is one of the best utilities available for users to execute MSSQL duplicate table in the same server.

Step-1. Launch the Wizard and Click on the Open button to begin.

Step-2. Select the Online or Offline Mode to duplicate the table.

Step-3. Preview Tables including deleted or damaged ones.

Step-4. Set the Destination Platform & Tables to duplicate.

Step-5. Finally, Hit the Export button or Save button.

Additional Commands & Tips to Ease Out Duplication

Here are some of the advanced commands users can simply execute to get the desired results. However, they must make sure not to make any major mistakes.

• To copy the entire structure of a table with the data set:

select *
into users_test1
from users_test0
where domain = 1;

• To copy just particular columns into new table along with particular data set, simply execute the below query:

select
  id,
  username,
  password
into users_test1
from users_test0
where domain = 1;

After learning how to duplicate a table in SQL Server Management Studio, to copy particular columns from multiple tables into one:

select
  u.username,
  s.start_date as session_start_date,
  s.end_date as session_end_date
into users_sessions_1_rpt
from sessions s
left join user_sessions us on s.id=us.session_id
left join users u on us.user_id=u.id
where u.domain = 1;

• Copy only table structure & not data within:

select *
into users_test1
from users_test0
where 1 = 0;

Cases Where Professional Solution Helped With Efficient SQL Server Table Duplication

Let’s discuss the case studies for users where the above-mentioned methods are proven useful for how to duplicate a table in SQL Server Management Studio.

“It’s almost 3 years that I’ve been alternatively using SSMS & SysTools advanced solution and both work pretty well for me. However, the T-SQL method is quite complex so I avoid them. My entire team relies on SysTools when it comes to an operation where more features are required. Whereas, the SQL Server Management Studio duplicate table works well in smaller operations.”

“I’m Danial from the USA, working as an SQL Administrator for the past 5 years. Earlier when I wanted to learn how to duplicate tables in SSMS of SQL Server, I faced various errors. My reason was to keep a testing environment so that I could practice my queries before executing them on the main table. However, my problem ended when I got SysTool’s advanced solution.”

Best Practices For Safer SQL Server Management Studio Copy Table Process

These steps will allow you to simply carry out the process to duplicate table SQL Server with complete efficiency and safety. 

• The first thing to keep in mind while carrying out the MSSQL duplicate table procedure is to plan the process and what you need. This includes carefully planning the data and structure of the table during the process.
• Next, it is important to name the new table properly to avoid any confusion and errors due to similar names of the cloned tables. 
• While duplicating SQL tables, ensure that the indexes and constraints are copied accurately to avoid risks of index issues in the new table.
• The SQL Server tables are generally linked with other constraints and keys; hence, to avoid breaking the linking, check the dependencies of the table and then proceed with the process. 
• This is also a crucial step, that is, to document the entire process. The users need to document the reason for table cloning and further the entire process for future purposes.

The Final Say

Finally, users know how to duplicate a table in SQL Server Management Studio along with various other methods. Following any of the above-mentioned solutions, users can get the desired output. However, the advanced method is a little more efficient & featureful for learning how to duplicate a table in SQL Server. Users must make their decision after comparing all methods and their requirements.