This wikiHow teaches you how to copy text, photos, and files from one location and paste them to a different location on your Windows or Mac computer, as well as your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Step
Method 1 of 4: On Windows
Step 1. Select the content you want to copy:
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Text:
To select text, click and drag the cursor until the text you want to copy is highlighted, then release the click.
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File:
Select the files you want to copy and paste from your computer, or select multiple files by pressing and holding down the Ctrl key while selecting the files.
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Picture:
In most Windows applications, you can select the image you want to copy by clicking on it once.
Step 2. Right-click the content using the mouse or trackpad
If you're using a trackpad, you can right-click content by clicking on the trackpad with two fingers or tapping the right side of the trackpad with one finger, according to your computer settings.
Step 3. Click Copy
After that, the selected text, image, or file will be copied to the computer's clipboard or "clipboard" (a kind of temporary storage space).
Alternatively, press the Ctrl+C key combination. Usually, in some applications, you can click the option “ Edit ” in the menu bar, and clicking “ Copy ”.
Step 4. Right-click the document or space where you want to add text or images
Step 5. Click Paste
The copied text or image is added to the document or column, right at the point where the cursor is placed.
Alternatively, press the Ctrl+V key combination. In many applications, you can also click the “ Edit ” in the menu bar, and clicking “ Paste ”.
Method 2 of 4: On Mac Computer
Step 1. Select the content 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.
-
File:
Select the files you want to copy and paste from your computer, or select multiple files by pressing and holding the “⌘” key while selecting files.
-
Picture:
In most Mac applications, you can select the image you want to copy by clicking on it once.
Step 2. Click the Edit button present in the menu bar
Step 3. Click Copy
The selected text, image, or file is copied to the computer's clipboard or “clipboard” (a kind of temporary storage space).
Alternatively, press the key combination ⌘+C. You can also right-click content with your mouse or trackpad. If the right-click function is not available, press the Control key while clicking content on a Mac, then select “ Copy ” from the pop-up menu.
Step 4. Click the document or column to which you want to add text or images
Step 5. Click the Edit button on the menu bar
Step 6. Click Paste
The copied text or image will be pasted into the document or column where the cursor was placed.
Alternatively, press the key combination ⌘+C. You can also right-click content with your mouse or trackpad. If the right-click function is not available, press the Control key while clicking content on a Mac, then select “ Paste ” from the pop-up menu
Method 3 of 4: On iPhone or iPad
Step 1. Select the content you want to copy:
-
Text:
To select text, touch the text and drag the control point over the text you want to copy until it is marked, then release the touch from the screen. You can also tap a word and release the touch to select the word automatically.
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Picture:
Touch and hold the image for a few moments until a menu appears on the screen.
Step 2. Touch the Copy button
The selected text or image will be copied to the device's clipboard or “clipboard” (temporary storage space).
Step 3. Touch and hold (for a few moments) the document or field to which you want to add text or images
If the document or column is in a different app from the app that contains the source content, open the app where the content is pasted first
Step 4. Touch Paste
The copied text or image will be pasted into the document or column at the point where the cursor is placed.
Method 4 of 4: On Android
Step 1. Select the content you want to copy:
-
Text:
To select text, touch the text and drag the control point over the text you want to copy until it is marked, then release the touch from the screen. You can also tap a word and release the touch to select the word automatically.
-
Picture:
Touch and hold the image for a few moments until a menu appears on the screen.
Step 2. Touch the Copy button
The selected text or image will be copied to the device's clipboard or “clipboard” (temporary storage space).
Step 3. Touch and hold the document or column to which you want to add text or images for a few moments
If the document or column is in a different app from the app that contains the source content, open the app where the content is pasted first
Step 4. Touch Paste
The copied text or image will be pasted into the document or column at the point where the cursor is placed.
