logo
Advertisement

Sometimes you need to copy something in a window to save it in a file, such as something you might want to quote. If you're new to Macs, you may not know how easy it is to copy and paste text from one window to another, or from one file to another. There are two ways you can copy and paste; both are perfectly acceptable. The first way is with using the keyboard and the second is using the mouse pointer.

Copying and Pasting with the Mouse Method

Using this method, you'll be able to copy text that you highlight with your mouse and use what is called the "right-clicking" with the mouse. The mouse usually has only one button, but to "right click" you press the command key and the mouse simultaneously to create a right click, similar to the right click on a Windows computer.

970050988

OnstOn / Getty Images

Advertisement

Open the Window You Want to Copy From

First, you must have something to copy. Open a window and find some text you wish to copy. If you open up a word processing program with some text in it, that's all right too. Just so that you have something to copy. Place your mouse pointer at the beginning of the text.

181151910

4X-image / Getty Images

Advertisement

Highlight the Text

Now that you have the text you want to copy be sure that your mouse pointer is at the beginning of the text. Press and hold down the mouse button and drag it down until you highlight the portion of text you wish to copy. If you don't get the entire text, click outside the text and then try again. You should see a blue highlight where your text is.

892748228

Motortion / Getty Images

Advertisement

Right Click the Button

You will then need to right-click the button by simultaneously clicking down and pressing the command button. That should bring up a menu screen with selections for you to choose from. One of them should be Copy. Select that with your mouse. Your highlighted text will be in the computer's memory now, and you can now go to paste your text.

518781799

PashaIgnatov / Getty Images

Advertisement

Paste Your Text

Open up a file or window to paste your text into. A word processing program or a post on a social media site is a good choice, depending on what you intend to do with it. Right-click again by simultaneously clicking down and pressing the command button. That should bring up a menu screen with selections for you to choose from. One of them should be Paste. Select that with your mouse. The text that you just copied from the other window should appear.

912936272-1

Maica / Getty Images

Advertisement

Copying and Pasting with the Keyboard Method

Using this method, you'll be able to copy text that you highlight with your mouse and use the keyboard to copy and paste. Macs use command and the letter C for copying and command and the letter V for pasting. This is usually a faster way to copy and paste than the mouse method.

941843924-1

jurgenfr / Getty Images

Advertisement

Open the Window You Want to Copy From

First, you must have something to copy. Open a window and find some text you wish to copy. If you open up a word processing program with some text in it, that's all right too. Just so that you have something to copy. Place your mouse pointer at the beginning of the text.

946118176-1

bymuratdeniz / Getty Images

Advertisement

Highlight the Text

Now that you have the text you want to copy be sure that your mouse pointer is at the beginning of the text. Press and hold down the mouse button and drag it down until you highlight the portion of text you wish to copy. If you don't get the entire text, click outside the text and then try again. You should see a blue highlight where your text is.

892748228

Motortion / Getty Images

Advertisement

Press Command and C

You will then need to press the C key and the command key. That should cause the Mac to copy the text. Your highlighted text will be in the computer's memory now, and you can now go to paste your text. Close the window and go to the other window to paste your text.

81745975-1

Tim Graham / Getty Images

Advertisement

Paste Your Text

Open up a file or window to paste your text into. A word processing program or a post on a social media site is a good choice, depending on what you intend to do with it. Click into the file you wish to put your text and press the command key and the C key at the same time. The text that you just copied from the other window should appear.

471105991-1

Sielan / Getty Images

Scroll Down

for the Next Article

Advertisement

Popular Now on Facty


Disclaimer

This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. The information on this Website is not intended to be comprehensive, nor does it constitute advice or our recommendation in any way. We attempt to ensure that the content is current and accurate but we do not guarantee its currency and accuracy. You should carry out your own research and/or seek your own advice before acting or relying on any of the information on this Website.

logo

Do you want to advertise on Facty.com?
Let’s talk about this! Contact us!
advertise@facty.com

© 2024 Assembly Digital Ltd. All rights reserved.