How to Copy and Paste on Mac: Quick and Easy Guide

Copying and pasting on a Mac is simple once you know the right keyboard shortcuts and menu options. Here’s how to do it quickly.

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Copy: Command (⌘) + C
• Paste: Command (⌘) + V
• Cut (in text apps): Command (⌘) + X

These shortcuts work in most Mac apps including Safari, Notes, Pages, and Word.

Using Right-Click Menu

1. Highlight the text, image, or file.
2. Right-click and select Copy.
3. Go to the desired location, right-click, and choose Paste.

Using the Edit Menu

1. Select your content.
2. In the top menu bar, click Edit > Copy.
3. Navigate where you want to paste and click Edit > Paste.

Copy and Paste Files in Finder

1. Right-click the file → Copy
2. Go to the destination folder → Right-click → Paste Item

Or use:

• Command (⌘) + C to copy the file
• Command (⌘) + Option + V to move (cut-paste) the file

Universal Clipboard (Between Apple Devices)

If Handoff is enabled:

1. Copy on one Apple device (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
2. Paste on another Apple device logged in to the same iCloud account

Make sure Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff are turned on for all devices.

Final Tip

Always use Command (not Control) on a Mac for copy-paste shortcuts. Practice these once, and they’ll save you tons of time daily.