How to Copy and Paste on Windows, Mac, iPhone, & Android (2024)

Co-authored byMitch Harris

Last Updated: March 15, 2024Fact Checked

Easy Ways to Copy and Paste

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1. 1

   Select what you want to copy:

   • Text: To select text, click and drag the cursor until the text you want to copy is highlighted, then release the click.
   • Files: Select the file on your computer that you want to copy and paste, or you can select multiple files by holding down Ctrl to select multiple files.
   • Images: In most Windows applications, you can select the picture you want to copy by clicking on it once.
2. 2

   Right-click on the mouse or trackpad.^[1] If using a trackpad, depending on your computer's settings you can perform a right-click by either using two fingers to click the trackpad or by tapping the far-right side of the trackpad with a single finger.

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3. 3

   Click Copy.^[2] The selected text, images or files will be copied to the Clipboard (a type of temporary storage) on your computer.

   • Alternatively, press Ctrl+C. In many applications, you can also click Edit in the menu bar, then click Copy.
4. 4

   Right-click in the document or field where you want to insert the text or image.

5. 5

   Click Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor.

   • Alternatively, press Ctrl+V. In many applications, you can also click Edit in the menu bar, then click Paste.

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Download Article

1. 1

   Select what you want to copy:

   • Text: To select text, click and drag the cursor until the text you want to copy and paste is highlighted, then release the click.
   • Files: Select the file on your computer that you want to copy and paste, or you can select multiple files by holding down ⌘ to select a group of files.
   • Images: In most Mac applications, you can select the picture you want to copy by clicking on it once.
2. 2

   Click Edit in the menu bar.

3. 3

   Click Copy. The selected text, images or files will be copied to the Clipboard (a type of temporary storage) on your computer.

   • Alternatively, ⌘+C.^[3] You can also right-click on the mouse or trackpad. If you don't have a right-click function, press Control+click on Mac, then click Copy in the pop-up menu.
4. 4

   Click in the document or field where you want to insert the text or image.

   See Also

   How to Copy and Paste with a Keyboard: Windows, Mac, MobileHow to Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows: Cut, Copy, and Paste | Digital TrendsHow to Copy and Paste on a Laptop

5. 5

   Click Edit in the menu bar.

6. 6

   Click Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor.

   • Alternatively, ⌘+V.^[4] You can also right-click on the mouse or trackpad. If you don't have a right-click function, press Control+click on Mac, then click Paste in the pop-up menu.

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Download Article

1. 1

   Select what you want to copy:^[5]

   • Text: To select text, tap in the text and drag a control point over the text you to copy, want until the text you want to copy and paste is highlighted, then release the click. You can also tap and release a single word to select it automatically.
   • Pictures: Long tap the picture until a menu appears.
2. 2

   Tap Copy. The text or image will be copied to the Clipboard (temporary storage) on your device.

3. 3

   Long tap on a document or field where you want to insert the text or image.

   • If it's in a different app from the one in which you're copying, open the other app.
4. 4

   Tap Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor.^[6]

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Download Article

1. 1

   Select what you want to copy:

   • Text: To select text, tap in the text and drag a control point over the text you want to copy, then wait until the text you want to copy and paste is highlighted, then release the click.^[7] You can also tap and release a single word to select it automatically.
   • Pictures: Long tap the picture until a menu appears.
2. 2

   Tap Copy. The text or image will be copied to the Clipboard (temporary storage) on your device.^[8]

3. 3

   Long tap on a document or field where you want to insert the text or image.

   • If it's in a different app from the one in which you're copying, open the other app.
4. 4

   Tap Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor.^[9]

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