Copying and pasting are fundamental skills for anyone using a computer (of any kind). I’ve figured out the easiest ways to copy and paste across multiple platforms, and I’m here to share detailed steps and insider tips to make your life easier.
Let’s start with the basics first.
What Is Copy & Paste?
Copy and paste are essential commands in computing, allowing you to duplicate and move data.
Think of it as taking a snapshot of text, images, or files from one location and placing an identical version somewhere else. This functionality is crucial for efficiency, whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user.
Copying involves selecting the desired content and storing it in the clipboard, a temporary storage area.
Pasting retrieves this data from the clipboard and inserts it into the target location.
This process is universal across operating systems, though the methods can vary slightly.
Using these universal commands can save you a lot of time.
Understanding these basics will make your computing experience much smoother, no matter which device you’re on.
Copy and Paste Master Cheat Sheet
To make the process super simple, here is a quick starter cheat sheet:
Platform | Type | Instructions |
---|---|---|
Windows | Text | Select text, right-click, choose “Copy,” then “Paste.” |
Files | Select files, right-click, choose “Copy,” then “Paste.” | |
Images | Copy images from websites or documents using right-click or keyboard shortcuts. | |
MacBook | Text | Use Command+C to copy and Command+V to paste. |
Files | Select files, use Command+C, then Command+V. | |
Images | Right-click on images, select “Copy Image,” then paste. | |
Chromebook | Text | Use Ctrl+C to copy and Ctrl+V to paste. |
Files | Select files, use Ctrl+C, then Ctrl+V. | |
Images | Right-click, choose “Copy Image,” then paste. | |
Excel | Cells | Select cells, use Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac), then Ctrl+V or Command+V. |
Formulas | Copy and paste formulas while maintaining cell references. | |
iPhone | Text | Tap and hold to select text, choose “Copy,” then “Paste.” |
Images | Tap and hold on images, select “Copy,” then paste. | |
Android | Text | Tap and hold to select text, choose “Copy,” then “Paste.” |
Images | Tap and hold on images, select “Copy,” then paste. | |
From a PDF | Text | Use a PDF reader, select text, use the copy function, then paste. |
Images | Use a screenshot tool or select and copy images if allowed. | |
Web Browsers | Text | Highlight text, right-click, choose “Copy,” then “Paste.” |
URLs | Copy URLs from the address bar, paste them into documents or emails. | |
Google Docs | Text | Use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V or Command+C and Command+V. |
Images | Right-click on images, choose “Copy,” then paste. | |
Emails | Text | Select text within emails, use copy and paste functions. |
Attachments | Copy and paste email attachments into folders or new emails. | |
Social Media | Posts | Copy text from posts, comments, or messages, then paste. |
Images | Use the platform’s copy function for images or URLs. | |
Terminal/Command Line | Commands | Copy commands from a document and paste them into the terminal. |
Output | Copy output from the terminal for documentation or troubleshooting. |
How to Copy and Paste on Windows
Copying and pasting on Windows is simple, but let’s break it down step-by-step.
Whether you’re dealing with text, files, or images, I’ll guide you through.
Text
- Select the Text – Click and drag your mouse over the text you want to copy. The text should be highlighted.
- Copy the Text – Right-click the highlighted text and select “Copy,” or press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
- Paste the Text – Go to the location where you want to paste the text. Right-click and select “Paste,” or press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
Troubleshooting – If right-click isn’t working, try the keyboard shortcuts. Ensure the text is properly highlighted.
Files
- Select the Files – Click on the file(s) you want to copy. To select multiple files, hold Ctrl while clicking each file.
- Copy the Files – Right-click the selected file(s) and choose “Copy,” or press Ctrl+C.
- Paste the Files – Navigate to the folder where you want to paste the files. Right-click and select “Paste,” or press Ctrl+V.
Troubleshooting – If nothing happens, check if the destination folder has the necessary permissions.
Images
- Select the Image – Right-click on the image you want to copy.
- Copy the Image – Choose “Copy Image” from the context menu.
- Paste the Image – Go to the document or location where you want to paste the image. Right-click and select “Paste,” or press Ctrl+V.
Troubleshooting – Ensure the application you’re pasting into supports images. Try pasting into a different program, like Word or Paint.
Here’s a quick YouTube short that shows you visually exactly what to do:
Copy and Paste on MacBook
Copying and pasting on a MacBook is straightforward but can be a bit different if you’re new to Mac.
Here’s how to copy and paste on a Mac.
Text
- Select the Text – Click and drag your mouse over the text to highlight it.
- Copy the Text – Press Command+C on your keyboard or right-click the highlighted text and select “Copy.”
- Paste the Text – Place the cursor where you want to paste the text, then press Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If Command+C/V isn’t working, ensure your keyboard is functioning correctly. Restart your application if needed.
Files
- Select the Files – Click on the file(s). For multiple files, hold Command while clicking each one.
- Copy the Files – Press Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Files – Navigate to your desired location, press Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Verify you have permission to copy files into the target directory.
Images
- Select the Image – Right-click on the image.
- Copy the Image – Choose “Copy Image” from the menu.
- Paste the Image – Place the cursor where you want to paste the image, then press Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Confirm the application supports pasting images. If issues persist, try pasting into a different app like Pages or Notes.
Copy and Paste on Chromebook
Chromebooks offer a seamless copy and paste experience, especially with Google integration.
Keep reading to learn how to copy and paste on Chromebook.
Text
- Select the Text – Click and drag over the text.
- Copy the Text – Press Ctrl+C or right-click and select “Copy.”
- Paste the Text – Click where you want the text, then press Ctrl+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If Ctrl+C/V doesn’t work, try refreshing your browser or restarting your Chromebook.
Files
- Select the Files – Click on the file(s). Use Ctrl for multiple selections.
- Copy the Files – Press Ctrl+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Files – Go to the target folder, press Ctrl+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Ensure your files are not restricted or locked. Check your file permissions.
Images
- Select the Image – Right-click on the image.
- Copy the Image – Choose “Copy Image.”
- Paste the Image – Click where you want to paste, then press Ctrl+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Verify the destination supports image pasting. Try pasting into Google Docs or Slides if issues occur.
Copy and Paste in Excel
Excel has unique copy and paste functions for cells and formulas.
I’ve done the work of simplifying the process below.
Cells
- Select the Cells – Click and drag to highlight the cells.
- Copy the Cells – Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac) or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Cells – Click where you want to paste, then press Ctrl+V or Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If formulas aren’t pasting correctly, check your cell references and ensure you’re using the correct paste option (values, formulas, formats).
Formulas
- Select the Formula Cells – Highlight the cells containing formulas.
- Copy the Formulas – Use Ctrl+C or Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Formulas – Click the target cells, press Ctrl+V or Command+V or right-click and select “Paste Special,” then choose “Formulas.”
Troubleshooting – Ensure cell references are accurate post-paste. Use absolute references ($A$1) to maintain consistency.
Copy and Paste on iPhone
Copying and pasting on an iPhone involves touch gestures.
Don’t worry — it’s not as hard as you might think. Here’s how to copy and paste on your iPhone.
Text
- Select the Text – Tap and hold on the text, then drag the selection handles.
- Copy the Text – Tap “Copy” from the contextual menu.
- Paste the Text – Tap where you want to paste, then select “Paste” from the menu.
Troubleshooting – If the selection handles are unresponsive, try restarting your iPhone or updating iOS.
Images
- Select the Image – Tap and hold on the image.
- Copy the Image – Choose “Copy” from the menu.
- Paste the Image – Tap where you want to paste, then select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If “Paste” doesn’t appear, ensure the destination app supports images.
Copy and Paste on Android
How to copy and paste on Android? I’ve got you. Android devices also use touch for copying and pasting.
Text
- Select the Text – Tap and hold, then drag the handles.
- Copy the Text – Tap “Copy” from the menu.
- Paste the Text – Tap where you want to paste, then choose “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Restart your device if the copy function fails.
Images
- Select the Image – Tap and hold on the image.
- Copy the Image – Select “Copy” from the menu.
- Paste the Image – Tap where you want to paste, then choose “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Confirm the app supports pasting images. Try a different app if needed.
Copy and Paste From a PDF
PDFs can be tricky, but it’s doable with the right tools.
Learn how to copy and paste on a PDF below:
Text
- Select the Text – Use a PDF reader to highlight the text.
- Copy the Text – Right-click and choose “Copy,” or use Ctrl+C/Command+C.
- Paste the Text – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If text isn’t selectable, the PDF might be protected. Use OCR tools or convert the PDF to a Word document.
Images
- Select the Image – Right-click the image in the PDF.
- Copy the Image – Choose “Copy Image.”
- Paste the Image – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If images aren’t copying, use screenshot tools or PDF editors.
Copy and Paste in Web Browsers
Browsers support copying various elements. You just need to know the “secrets” built into the browsers.
Text
- Select the Text – Click and drag to highlight text.
- Copy the Text – Right-click and choose “Copy,” or use Ctrl+C/Command+C.
- Paste the Text – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Ensure your browser is up-to-date if issues persist.
URLs
- Select the URL – Click on the address bar.
- Copy the URL – Right-click and choose “Copy,” or use Ctrl+C/Command+C.
- Paste the URL – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If the URL isn’t copying, check for browser extensions that might interfere.
Copy and Paste in Google Docs
Google Docs makes copying and pasting easy and versatile.
Honestly, it’s a breeze — here’s how to copy and paste in Google Docs:
Text
- Select the Text – Click and drag to highlight text.
- Copy the Text – Use Ctrl+C/Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Text – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Refresh your browser or check internet connectivity if issues occur.
Images
- Select the Image – Right-click on the image.
- Copy the Image – Choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Image – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Ensure the image source allows copying. Try a different browser if needed.
Copy and Paste in Emails
Emails often require copying various elements (and then pasting them elsewhere).
I’ve explained everything you need to know about how to copy and paste in emails right here:
Text
- Select the Text – Click and drag to highlight text within the email.
- Copy the Text – Use Ctrl+C/Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Text – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If the email client isn’t responsive, restart the application.
Attachments
- Select the Attachment – Click on the attachment.
- Copy the Attachment – Use Ctrl+C/Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Attachment – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Ensure your email client supports attachment copy and paste. Drag and drop as an alternative.
Copy and Paste on Social Media
Need to share or save that viral post on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, or TiK Tok?
Social media platforms support various copy functions.
Here’s how to copy and paste on social media.
Posts
- Select the Text – Click and drag to highlight the post text.
- Copy the Text – Use Ctrl+C/Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Text – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – If the platform restricts copying, take a screenshot instead.
Images
- Select the Image – Right-click on the image.
- Copy the Image – Choose “Copy Image.”
- Paste the Image – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Verify the platform supports image pasting. Use image download and upload if necessary.
Copy and Paste in Terminal/Command Line
Copying and pasting in the terminal can be different depending on the OS.
OS stands for operating system, by the way.
I’ve broken down exactly how to copy and paste in terminal/command line:
Commands
- Select the Command – Highlight the command text.
- Copy the Command – Use Ctrl+C/Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Command – Right-click in the terminal and select “Paste,” or use Shift+Insert (Linux) or Command+V (Mac).
Troubleshooting – If pasting isn’t working, ensure the terminal settings allow it. Try enabling clipboard access.
Output
- Select the Output – Highlight the terminal output text.
- Copy the Output – Use Ctrl+C/Command+C or right-click and choose “Copy.”
- Paste the Output – Click where you want to paste, then use Ctrl+V/Command+V or right-click and select “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Adjust your terminal preferences if the copy function is disabled. Use a text editor as an intermediary if needed.
Copy and Paste in Procreate
Procreate, a powerful digital art app for iPad, offers unique ways to copy and paste elements within your artwork.
Here’s how to master this feature step-by-step.
Copying Layers
- Select the Layer – Tap the Layers icon in the top-right corner. Choose the layer you want to copy.
- Open the Layer Menu – Tap the layer again to open its options.
- Copy the Layer – Select “Copy” from the menu.
Pasting Layers
- Open the Actions Menu – Tap the wrench icon in the top-left corner.
- Paste the Layer – In the Actions menu, tap “Add,” then “Paste.” The copied layer will appear as a new layer in your project.
Troubleshooting – If the layer doesn’t paste, ensure you have enough memory and your iPad is not running too many applications simultaneously.
Copying Selections
- Make a Selection – Use the Selection tool (S icon) to draw around the area you want to copy.
- Copy the Selection – Tap the wrench icon, go to the Actions menu, select “Add,” then “Copy.”
Pasting Selections
- Paste the Selection – Tap the wrench icon again, go to “Add,” and then “Paste.” The selection will appear as a new layer.
Troubleshooting – If your selection isn’t copying correctly, check that you’ve fully enclosed the area you want to copy and that you’ve selected the right layer.
Procreate offers a flexible and intuitive way to manage your artwork. With these steps, you can efficiently duplicate and move elements within your projects.
Copy and Paste with Voice Commands
Voice commands can significantly enhance accessibility and ease of use, allowing you to perform copy and paste actions hands-free.
Here’s how to do it across different devices.
Using Voice Commands on iPhone
- Enable Voice Control – Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control, then toggle Voice Control on.
- Copy Text – Say “Select text” to highlight text, then say “Copy.”
- Paste Text – Navigate to where you want to paste and say “Paste.”
Troubleshooting – Ensure Voice Control is fully enabled and your microphone is working. Speak clearly and in a quiet environment.
Using Voice Commands on Android
- Enable Google Assistant – Ensure Google Assistant is activated. Go to Settings > Google > Search, Assistant & Voice > Voice.
- Copy Text – Say “Hey Google, copy this” while the text is selected.
- Paste Text – Say “Hey Google, paste” where you want the text to appear.
Troubleshooting – Ensure Google Assistant has necessary permissions. Adjust the sensitivity and clarity of your voice commands in a quiet setting.
Using Voice Commands on Windows
- Enable Speech Recognition – Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Speech, then toggle Speech Recognition on.
- Copy Text – Say “Select [text]” to highlight, then say “Copy that.”
- Paste Text – Move to the destination and say “Paste that.”
Troubleshooting – Calibrate your microphone and ensure Speech Recognition is set up correctly. Practice clear and concise commands.
Using Voice Commands on Mac
- Enable Dictation – Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Dictation, then toggle Dictation on.
- Copy Text – Highlight text by saying “Select [text],” then “Copy.”
- Paste Text – Say “Paste” where you need the text.
Troubleshooting – Check your Mac’s microphone settings and ensure Dictation is enabled. Use specific commands for better accuracy.
Using voice commands for copy and paste can streamline tasks and improve accessibility, especially if you’re multitasking or have physical limitations.
How to Fix Copy and Paste Not Working
Copy and paste not working can be frustrating.
Here are some detailed troubleshooting steps to get it back on track.
General Fixes
- Restart Your Device – Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
- Check for Updates – Ensure your operating system and apps are up-to-date.
- Clear Clipboard – The clipboard might be full or corrupted. Use clipboard management tools to clear it.
Windows
- Restart Windows Explorer – Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Find Windows Explorer, right-click, and select “Restart.”
- Check Keyboard Shortcuts – Ensure Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V aren’t reassigned. Go to Settings > Devices > Typing.
- Run System File Checker – Open Command Prompt as admin and type
sfc /scannow
to repair system files.
Mac
- Restart Finder – Press Command+Option+Esc, select Finder, then click “Relaunch.”
- Check Keyboard Settings – Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts and ensure defaults are set.
- Reset Clipboard – Use Terminal to reset:
pbcopy < /dev/null
.
Chromebook
- Restart Your Chromebook – Go to Settings > Power > Restart.
- Check Extensions – Disable any clipboard-related extensions that might interfere.
- Clear Cache – Clear your browser cache: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.
Mobile Devices
- Restart the Device – Power off and on your device.
- Check App Permissions – Ensure the app has permission to access the clipboard.
- Clear Clipboard Data – Use a clipboard manager app to clear clipboard history.
Advanced Fixes
- Scan for Malware – Malware can interfere with system functions. Run a full system scan using reputable antivirus software.
- Check System Logs – Look for error messages in Event Viewer (Windows) or Console (Mac).
- Reinstall OS – As a last resort, consider reinstalling your operating system to fix deep-seated issues.
Final Tips – Regular maintenance and updates can prevent most copy-paste issues. Keep your device clean, both physically and digitally, to ensure smooth operation. If problems persist, seek professional tech support.
How to See Copy and Paste History
Knowing how to access your copy and paste history can save time and enhance productivity.
Different operating systems and applications offer ways to view and manage this history. Here’s how you can do it on various platforms.
Windows
Windows doesn’t natively support clipboard history in older versions, but Windows 10 and later have built-in functionality.
- Enable Clipboard History – Go to Settings > System > Clipboard. Toggle on Clipboard history.
- Access Clipboard History – Press Win+V. A clipboard history panel will appear, showing recent copied items.
- Manage History – You can click on any item in the history panel to paste it. Use the “Clear All” button to delete all history entries.
Troubleshooting – If Win+V doesn’t bring up the clipboard history, ensure it’s enabled in settings. Restart your computer if issues persist.
Mac
MacOS doesn’t provide a built-in clipboard manager, but you can use third-party applications.
- Install a Clipboard Manager – Applications like “Paste” or “Clipboard Manager” from the App Store can manage clipboard history.
- Configure the App – Follow the setup instructions provided by the application.
- View Clipboard History – Use the app’s interface to see and manage your clipboard history.
Troubleshooting – Ensure the clipboard manager app has necessary permissions. Restart the app or your Mac if it doesn’t display history.
Chromebook
Chromebooks also require third-party extensions for clipboard history.
- Install a Clipboard Extension – Go to the Chrome Web Store and install an extension like “Clipboard History Pro.”
- Configure the Extension – Follow the setup instructions to enable clipboard history tracking.
- Access Clipboard History – Click on the extension icon in your browser to view and manage clipboard entries.
Troubleshooting – If the extension isn’t working, check if it’s enabled and has the required permissions. Try reinstalling the extension.
Android
Android devices have several apps available for clipboard history.
- Install a Clipboard Manager App – Apps like “Clipper” or “Clipboard Manager” are available on the Google Play Store.
- Configure the App – Follow the setup instructions to enable clipboard tracking.
- Access Clipboard History – Open the app to view and manage clipboard history.
Troubleshooting – Ensure the app has the necessary permissions. Restart your device if the clipboard history isn’t showing.
iPhone
iPhones do not have a native clipboard history feature, but third-party apps can help.
- Install a Clipboard Manager App – Apps like “Clipboard++” or “Paste” are available on the App Store.
- Configure the App – Follow the setup instructions to enable clipboard tracking.
- Access Clipboard History – Open the app to view and manage clipboard history.
Troubleshooting – Ensure the app has the necessary permissions. Restart your iPhone if the clipboard history isn’t displaying.
Using Clipboard History in Google Docs
- Enable Clipboard History – In Google Docs, go to Edit > Web Clipboard.
- View Clipboard History – Click on “Web Clipboard” to see the history of items you’ve copied within Google Docs.
- Manage History – Select any item from the history to paste it into your document.
Troubleshooting – If clipboard history isn’t showing, ensure you’re signed into your Google account and have copied items recently.
Using Third-Party Clipboard Managers
Various third-party applications work across multiple platforms to provide clipboard history features.
- Choose a Clipboard Manager – Popular options include “Ditto” (Windows), “Alfred” (Mac), and “Clipy” (Mac).
- Install and Configure – Follow the installation instructions and configure the settings to start tracking clipboard history.
- Access and Manage History – Use the application’s interface to view and manage your clipboard entries.
Troubleshooting – Ensure the application is running and has the necessary permissions. Check for software updates if problems persist.
Final Thoughts: How to Copy and Paste
Learning how to copy and paste on different devices is a wonderful way to level up your digital productivity.
But “there are other treasures in them there hills.”
I’ve taken the liberty to hand-select some blog posts below that I think will 10X your life. Enjoy!