How to copy and paste

2023 Author: Martin Macey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:41

This article will show you how to copy and paste text, an image, or a file on a Windows or Mac OS X computer, or an iOS or Android mobile device.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Windows

Step 1. Select the element to be copied

• text.

  To select text, hold down the left mouse button, drag the cursor over the desired text, and then release the button;

• files.

  To select a file, left-click on it. To select several files at once, hold down Ctrl and left-click on each desired file;

• image.

  To select an image, in most programs left-click on it.

Step 2. Right-click

If you are using a trackpad, either click on it with two fingers or click on its right side (depending on settings).

Step 3. Click Copy

The text will be copied to the clipboard (temporary storage) of the computer.

Or press Ctrl + C. In many programs, you can click Edit> Copy

Step 4. Move the cursor where you want to paste the copied text or image

Step 5. Click Insert

The text or image will be inserted where the cursor is.

Or press Ctrl + V. In many programs, you can click Edit> Paste

Method 2 of 4: Mac OS X

Step 1. Select the element to be copied

• text.

  To select text, hold down the left mouse button, drag the cursor over the desired text, and then release the button;

• files.

  To select a file, left-click on it. To select several files at once, hold down ⌘ and left-click on each required file;

• image.

  To select an image, in most programs left-click on it.

Step 2. Click Change on the menu bar

Step 3. Click Copy

The text will be copied to the clipboard (temporary storage) of the computer.

Or press ⌘ + C. You can also right-click your mouse or trackpad. If you can't right-click, hold down Control and left-click and choose Copy from the menu

Step 4. Move the cursor where you want to paste the copied text or image

Step 5. Click Change on the menu bar

Step 6. Click Insert

The text or image will be inserted where the cursor is.

Or press ⌘ + V. In many programs, you can click Edit> Paste. You can also right-click your mouse or trackpad. If you can't right-click, hold down Control and left-click and choose Paste from the menu

Method 3 of 4: iOS (iPhone and iPad)

Step 1. Select the element to be copied

• text.

  To select a text, click on it, and then drag the borders of the area that appears along the desired segment of text. Or click on a specific word to highlight it;

• image.

  Press and hold the image until a menu opens.

Step 2. Click Copy

The text will be copied to the clipboard (temporary storage) of the device.

Step 3. Press and hold the area of the document where you want to insert text or an image

If you want to paste the copied item in another application, open it

Step 4. Click Insert

The text or image will be inserted where the cursor is.

Method 4 of 4: Android

Step 1. Select the element to be copied

• text.

  To select a text, click on it, and then drag the borders of the area that appears along the desired segment of text. Or click on a specific word to highlight it;

• image.

  Press and hold the image until a menu opens.

Step 2. Click Copy

The text will be copied to the clipboard (temporary storage) of the device.

Step 3. Press and hold the area of the document where you want to insert text or an image

If you want to paste the copied item in another application, open it

Step 4. Click Insert

The text or image will be inserted where the cursor is.