How to Copy a QField Project and Use a Central GeoPackage on Mobile Device Without QGIS?

[mahmoodi-source]

Hello everyone,
I’m working on a workflow where I want to manage multiple QField projects on mobile devices without using QField Cloud and without needing to go back to QGIS for each new project.
Here’s the setup I am aiming for:
• I have one fully configured QField project (let's call it the "template project").
• For each new assignment, I would like to copy the template project directly on the mobile device (tablet) and rename it, so it shows up separately in QField under a new title.
• Each copied project should reuse a shared, read-only GeoPackage stored centrally on the mobile device (not copied inside each project folder).
• The field workers should be able to create new project copies and start working immediately without needing a laptop or additional QGIS setup.
🔵 My questions:

1. How can I copy and rename a QField project so it appears as a new project with a different title in QField?
2. How can I configure the QField project to link to an external GeoPackage file located outside of the project folder, shared across multiple projects?
3. Are there recommended apps or workflows to copy/duplicate project folders and edit project metadata directly on Android tablets?
   Additional notes:
   • QField Cloud is not an option.
   • We are using standard GeoPackages.
   • Ideally, the solution should involve minimal technical steps for the field staff.
   Any advice, ideas, or examples would be very helpful!
   Thanks a lot in advance.

[SeqLaz]

Hi @mahmoodi-source ,

To consume the read-only file GeoPackage across projects, it is recommended to use the functionality of the shared localized dataset

Regarding copying a project folder, you can use any file manager available on Android devices. Ensure that the template doesn't have a specified project title (this way, the project title will be the same as the project file basename). If not, it will be required to edit and save it in .qgs format. To edit the XML file, you can use a text editor like the Xed Editor to edit the project title (usually the line 4), save it, and then import it to QField as a folder