The basic Mac keyboard shortcuts for copy and paste
On a Mac, you copy text or files using Command+C and paste them using Command+V. Command is the key with the ⌘ symbol, usually located next to the spacebar. These two shortcuts work the same way across nearly every Mac application — web browsers, email, word processors, file managers, and most others.
The process is straightforward: highlight the text or file you want to copy by clicking and dragging your mouse or trackpad across it, then press Command+C. Move your cursor to where you want to paste it and press Command+V. The copied content appears at that location.
If you want to remove the original text or file after copying it (rather than just duplicating it), use Command+X to cut instead of Command+C. Cut removes the content from its original location and holds it ready to paste elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Command+C copies text or files, Command+V pastes them, and Command+X cuts them — these shortcuts work in nearly all Mac applications.
- You must first select the content you want to copy by clicking and dragging, or by triple-clicking to select a paragraph or double-clicking to select a word.
- Pasting works only with content you have copied or cut in the current session — restarting your Mac clears the clipboard.
- You can copy and paste between different applications: copy text from a web browser and paste it into an email or document without any extra steps.
How to select text before copying
Before you can copy anything, you need to select it. The most common way is to click at the start of the text you want, hold down your mouse button or trackpad, and drag to the end. Release when you reach the last character you want to include.
For faster selection, use keyboard shortcuts. Double-click a word to select just that word. Triple-click a paragraph to select the entire paragraph. In many text editors and browsers, you can also click at the start of text, then hold Shift and click at the end to select everything between those two points.
To select all content in a document or window at once, press Command+A. This selects every word, image, or file visible in that application, which you can then copy with Command+C.
Copying and pasting files and folders
The same Command+C and Command+V shortcuts work for files and folders in Finder, the Mac file manager. Click a file or folder once to select it, then press Command+C. Navigate to the destination folder and press Command+V to paste a copy there.
When you paste a file this way, the original stays in place — you end up with two copies. If you want to move the file instead of copying it, use Command+X (cut) rather than Command+C. The file disappears from the original location and reappears where you paste it.
You can select multiple files at once by clicking the first one, then holding Command and clicking each additional file you want. All selected files will copy together when you press Command+C.
What happens to your clipboard
When you copy or cut something, it goes into your Mac's clipboard — a temporary holding area. Only the most recent copy or cut stays there. If you copy text, then copy a file, the file replaces the text in the clipboard, and you can no longer paste the original text.
The clipboard clears when you restart your Mac or shut it down. If you copy something important and want to keep it permanently, paste it somewhere you can find it later — a document, email draft, or note-taking app.
Some applications offer a clipboard history feature that lets you see and paste older items you have copied. This is not built into macOS by default, but third-party apps like Paste and Copied add this ability if you find yourself frequently needing to access multiple copied items.
Pasting without formatting
When you paste text from a website or formatted document, the Mac usually pastes the formatting along with the text — colors, fonts, bold, italics, and so on. Sometimes you want only the plain text without any of that styling.
To paste as plain text, use Command+Option+Shift+V instead of Command+V. This removes all formatting and pastes only the words themselves. This shortcut works in most Mac applications, though a few older or specialized programs may not support it.
If the plain-text paste shortcut does not work in a particular application, try pasting normally with Command+V, then using Command+Z to undo and try again. Some apps have their own paste options in the Edit menu that let you choose whether to include formatting.
Troubleshooting copy and paste problems
If Command+C or Command+V is not working, first check that you have actually selected something before copying. Click and drag to highlight text, or click a file once in Finder. If nothing is selected, the copy command has nothing to work with.
If an application seems to ignore your paste command, try clicking in the exact spot where you want the content to appear, then pressing Command+V again. Some programs require you to place your cursor in a specific field or text box before pasting will work.
Restarting the problematic application often fixes copy-and-paste issues. Close it completely (not just minimizing the window), then open it again. If the problem persists across multiple applications, restart your Mac itself — this clears the clipboard and resets many system functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I copy and paste between my Mac and iPhone or iPad?
Yes, if your devices are signed into the same iCloud account and have Handoff enabled. Copy text on your Mac and paste it on your iPhone, or vice versa. This works automatically in the background — you do not need to do anything special beyond using Command+C and Command+V normally.
What is the difference between copy and cut?
Copy (Command+C) leaves the original text or file in place and creates a duplicate when you paste. Cut (Command+X) removes the original and moves it to the new location. Use cut when you want to relocate something; use copy when you want to keep the original and create a second version.
Why does my pasted text look different from the original?
The application you are pasting into may have different default formatting — different fonts, sizes, or colors. Use Command+Option+Shift+V to paste as plain text without any formatting, or manually adjust the text after pasting to match what you want.
Can I paste something I copied an hour ago?
Only if your Mac has not restarted since you copied it. The clipboard holds only the most recent copy or cut until you shut down or restart. If you need to save something long-term, paste it into a document or note-taking app where you can find it later.