How to Copy and Paste in Windows or Mac

We all know the importance of the simple Copy + Paste command. It allows you to copy text, images, and files to one location to another using a few easy steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to Copy and Paste any content whether you’re a Windows or Mac user. Let’s dive in, shall we?

How to Copy and Paste in Windows

There are three ways you can do this in Windows, using your mouse, keyboard commands, or Menu bars, which requires a combination of both.

Using the Mouse

This way can be the easiest of the three.
All you have to do is use the cursor to highlight the text that you want to copy. Then, hover over any portion of the highlighted text and right-click. From the drop-down menu that appears, choose Copy.
Of course, you can do the same thing with images and files. Simply press the left button on your mouse and pull the cursor over the files that you want to copy to highlight them. Following the previous steps, select Copy.
After that, go to the location where you’d like to paste this content. Right-click in an empty area of the destination, then pick Paste.

Using Keyboard Commands

If your mouse isn’t working properly at the moment, you can use your keyboard alone to Copy and Paste.
Use the arrows to navigate the text that you’d like to copy. When you’re ready to start highlighting it, press Shift and move with the arrows until you’ve selected all the needed text.
After that, press Ctrl+C to copy it.
Go to the document where you need to paste this text, then press Ctrl+V.
When copying files or images using this method, use the Tab button to go from one file to another instead of arrows. You can follow the same steps that we’ve mentioned above to Copy and Paste those files.

Using the Menu Bar

In some programs like Microsoft Word, you’ll find Copy and Paste commands within their Menu bars. Of course, you’ll still need to use the mouse or keyboard to select the text that you want to copy.
When you’re done selecting the text, go to the Edit or Home menus on the application’s Menu Bar. From the drop-down menu, choose Copy.
Ready to paste this text? Simply go to the same bar that you’ve used moments ago and select Paste.

How to Copy and Paste in MacOS

Same as in Windows, you can do this using your mouse, keyboard, or an application’s Menu bar.

Using the Mouse

Select the text you need to copy by left-clicking your mouse then dragging it over it. Do the same when selecting files, pulling the selection box over those that you want to copy.
After that, right-click on any part of the highlighted text or files and choose Copy from the resulting menu.
If you want to select an image on a website to copy, you’ll need to use the keyboard in this case. All you have to do is hold the Control key while you select the image. After that, press Copy Image to save it to the clipboard.
When it’s time to paste your copied content, right-click anywhere in your destination and choose Paste from the drop-down menu.

Using Keyboard Commands

Use the same ways we’ve mentioned in the previous section to select text or files using your keyboard. After that, hold Command key then press C.
Go to the document or location that you wish to paste this content to, click your mouse on an empty area, then hold Command+V.

Using the Menu Bar

After selecting the text that you want to copy using your mouse or keyboard, click on the Edit menu in the app that you’re using. If you don’t find the Copy and Paste options there, they might exist in another menu with the gear icon.
Then, it’s quite easy to do the rest.

To Wrap It Up

Whether you’re a student, businessman, or programmer, chances are you’ll need to Copy and Paste a lot of things on your computer.
By understanding how to Copy and Paste in Windows or Mac, you can do your work more quickly and easily.
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