This article shows you how to copy text, images and files from one place to paste them to a different destination using a Mac or Windows computer, and how to do the same on iOS and Android devices as well.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Windows systems
Step 1. Select the item to copy
- Text: to select the desired portion of text, position the cursor at the starting point and drag it until all the characters present are highlighted. At that point it will be possible to release the mouse button.
- File: to select a file on your computer, click its icon with the left mouse button. Alternatively, you can make a multiple selection of items by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking the files or folders to include in the selection.
- Images: Using most Windows applications, you can select the image to copy with a single mouse click.
Step 2. Press the right mouse or trackpad button
If you are using the latter pointing device, you will need to use two fingers to press the trackpad at the same time or simply click the right end with a single finger to right click, depending on your computer configuration settings.
Step 3. Choose the Copy option
The selected text, image or file will be automatically copied to the "System Clipboard" (a temporary storage area used by the operating system).
Alternatively, you can press the hotkey combination Ctrl + C. Using most Windows applications and programs, you can also access the menu Edit to then select the option Copy.
Step 4. Right-click the place in the document or text field where you want to insert the copied image or text
Step 5. Choose the Paste option
The copied item will automatically be pasted where the text cursor is.
Alternatively, you can use the key combination Ctrl + V. Using most Windows applications and programs, you can also access the menu Edit to then select the option Paste.
Method 2 of 4: Mac
Step 1. Select the item to copy
- Text: to select the desired portion of text, position the cursor at the starting point and drag it until all the characters present are highlighted. At that point it will be possible to release the mouse button.
- File: to select a file on your computer, click its icon with the left mouse button. Alternatively, you can make a multiple selection of items by holding down the ⌘ key while clicking the files or folders to include in the selection.
- Images: Using most Mac applications, you can select the image to copy with a single mouse click.
Step 2. Access the Edit menu using the menu bar
Step 3. Choose the Copy option
The selected text, image or file will be automatically copied to the "System Clipboard" (a temporary memory area used by the operating system).
Alternatively, you can press the hotkey combination ⌘ + C or press the right mouse or trackpad button. If your mouse doesn't have two buttons, hold down the Control key as you click the item in question, then choose the option Copy from the context menu that appeared.
Step 4. Select the place in the document or text field where you want to insert the copied image or text with a mouse click
Step 5. Access the Edit menu using the menu bar
Step 6. Choose the Paste option
The copied item will automatically be pasted where the text cursor is.
Alternatively, you can use the key combination ⌘ + V or you can press the right mouse or trackpad button. If your mouse doesn't have two buttons, hold down the Control key as you click the item in question, then choose the option Paste from the context menu that appeared.
Method 3 of 4: iOS devices
Step 1. Select the item to copy
- Text: To select text, tap it with your finger then drag the control sliders until the entire desired portion is highlighted. You can then release the selection controls. If you want, you can tap on a single word so that it is automatically highlighted.
- Images: keep your finger pressed on the desired image until its contextual menu appears.
Step 2. Choose the Copy option
The selected text or image will be copied to a temporary memory area of the device.
Step 3. Keep your finger pressed at the point in the document or text field where you want to paste the copied item
If you want to paste it into an application other than the source one, now is the time to open the target app
Step 4. Choose the Paste option
The copied item will automatically be pasted where the text cursor is.
Method 4 of 4: Android devices
Step 1. Select the item to copy
- Text: To select text, tap it with your finger then drag the control sliders until the entire desired portion is highlighted. You can then release the selection controls. If you want, you can tap on a single word so that it is automatically highlighted.
- Images: keep your finger pressed on the desired image until its contextual menu appears.
Step 2. Choose the Copy option
The selected text or image will be copied to a temporary memory area of the device.
Step 3. Keep your finger pressed at the point in the document or text field where you want to paste the copied item
If you want to paste it into an application other than the source one, now is the time to open the target app
Step 4. Choose the Paste option
The copied item will automatically be pasted where the text cursor is.
