TL;DR
To copy and paste on a Mac:
Copy:
- Highlight the text, image, or file.
- Press Command + C to copy.
Paste:
- Go to the location where you want to paste.
- Press Command + V to paste.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Sometimes, it’s the simplest tasks that throw us off. When I began using a Mac, I assumed copy and paste would be straightforward, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the same as on a PC. Here’s what I learned after some experimenting.
5 Best Methods to Copy and Paste on a Mac
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Here, I am going to share 5 best methods to copy and paste on Mac:
1. Keyboard Shortcuts
The fastest and most efficient method for copy-pasting, ideal for users who prioritize speed and keyboard use. Here is how:
Copy:
- Highlight the text, image, or file you want to copy by clicking and dragging or using your keyboard’s arrow keys.
- Once highlighted, press
Command + Con your keyboard. This stores the content in your Mac’s clipboard.
Paste:
- Go to the location where you want to paste the copied content (for example, in a document or folder).
- Press
Command + Von your keyboard to paste the copied content into the new location.
macOS stores only the last copied item in the clipboard by default. If you need to store multiple items or retrieve past clippings, you’ll need to use a third-party app like Paste or Alfred.
2. Right-Click Method (Context Menu)
A visual, mouse-driven method that’s perfect for users who prefer using the trackpad or mouse to copy and paste. Here is the step-by-step guide to do it:
Copy:
- Select the item (text, file, or image) you want to copy by clicking and dragging over the content or selecting the file with a single click.
- Right-click on the highlighted content (or use a two-finger tap on a trackpad for MacBook users).
- From the menu that appears, choose the option Copy.
Paste:
- Go to the place where you want to paste the copied content.
- Right-click in the new location (or two-finger tap on the trackpad), and from the context menu, select Paste.
If Command + V pastes something other than what you expected, try using Command + Option + Shift + V to paste without formatting. This works great when copying from websites!
3. Using the Edit Menu in macOS
A beginner-friendly option that utilizes the top menu bar for a clear and visual copy-paste process. Follow these steps:
Copy:
- Highlight the text, image, or file that you want to copy by clicking and dragging your cursor.
- From the macOS menu bar at the top of the screen, click on Edit.
- In the drop-down menu, select Copy. This will store your selected item in the clipboard.
Paste:
- Navigate to where you want to paste the copied content.
- Again, go to the menu bar and click on Edit, then select Paste from the drop-down menu.
4. Drag and Drop Method
An intuitive, visual method for copying and pasting files or text, perfect for organizing or moving items across your desktop. Here is the step-by-step guide:
Copy:
- Click and hold the file or text that you want to copy. Make sure it is highlighted.
- While holding down the
Optionkey (to duplicate the item rather than just move it), drag the selected item to the new location.
Paste:
- Once you’ve dragged the item to the desired location (such as a folder or a different area in the same document), release the mouse or trackpad button. The content will now appear in the new spot.
5. Using the Universal Clipboard (Copying Between Apple Devices)
Seamlessly copy and paste between multiple Apple devices, making it easy to transfer content across the Apple ecosystem. Here is how to do it:
How to Copy and Paste Using the Universal Clipboard:
Copy (on one device):
- Copy any text, image, or file on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the usual method (e.g.,
Command + Con a Mac, or long-press and select Copy on an iPhone/iPad).
Paste (on another Apple device):
- On your Mac (or another device signed into the same iCloud account), place your cursor in the spot where you want to paste the content.
- Use the standard paste method (
Command + Von Mac or long-press to paste on iPhone/iPad). The content you copied on the first device will now appear in the second.
Did You Know? The average office worker performs 121 copy-paste actions per day! Mastering the shortcuts on your Mac can save you hours of time every week.
Copy and Paste Like a Pro on a Mac
This guide provides an extensive look into the copy and paste functions on a Mac. Whether new to macOS or a seasoned user, these tips and techniques can significantly enhance your efficiency.
Here are a few more tips to improve your overall Mac experience:
- For new users, getting familiar with macOS can be helpful in navigating your Mac smoothly.
- Keyboard shortcuts are a quick way to capture screenshots on a Mac.
- If the time or date seems off on your MacBook, adjusting the settings is straightforward.
