Copy and paste is one of the handiest tricks on any device. Here’s how to copy and paste on Windows, on a Mac, and on your phone: select the text, copy it, then paste it somewhere else.
Why copy and paste?
- No retyping — Confirmation numbers, addresses, long passwords – copy them exactly
- Move text between apps — From an email into a form, a note, or a text message
- It works almost everywhere — Windows, Mac, phones, even between them
How to copy and paste, step by step
1Windows: copy and paste
Select the text, then press Control C to copy.
2Mac: copy and paste
Select the text, then press Command C to copy.
On your phone
- Touch and hold the text — Drag the blue handles if you need to adjust exactly what’s selected
- Tap Copy — It appears right above the selected text
- Touch and hold where you want it — Then tap Paste
Recap: how to copy and paste
- Windows: Control+C to copy, Control+V to paste
- Mac: Command+C to copy, Command+V to paste
- Phone: touch and hold, then tap Copy or Paste
- It works between almost any two apps
Printable quick guide
Frequently asked questions
How do I copy and paste on Windows?
Select the text, then press Control+C to copy. Click where you want it, then press Control+V to paste. You can also right-click selected text and choose Copy, then right-click the destination and choose Paste.
How do I copy and paste on a Mac?
Select the text, then press Command+C to copy. Click where you want it, then press Command+V to paste.
How do I copy and paste on my phone?
Touch and hold the text to select it, drag the blue handles if needed, then tap Copy. Touch and hold where you want it, then tap Paste.
Can I copy and paste between different apps?
Yes. Copy and paste works between almost any two apps, and often between your phone and computer if they’re signed in to the same account.
Related guides
Source: Using the clipboard (Microsoft Support)