Macbook Air

  • There are multiple ways on a Mac computer to quickly transfer text, images, links, and more from one document to another, or from an email, website, or between other types of media.
  • Mac users can copy and paste using the mouse, using keyboard shortcuts, or using a combination of methods.
  • If your Apple hardware uses some of the latest operating systems, you can even copy text or other media from one device and instantly paste it onto another.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.


Whether you're copying and pasting a quote or a statistic while writing an essay for class, or adding a link to an email you're sending a friend or colleague, copying and pasting text saves time and ensures a proper transcription.


And if you're using a Mac, you can copy and paste in multiple ways.

How to copy and paste on a Mac a mouse or trackpad


2. Click the word "Copy" from the popup menu that appears.


4. Click the word "Paste" from the popup menu.

How to copy and paste with Mac shortcut keys

1. Highlight the text to be copied.

2. Hold the "command" key (by the space button) and then hit the "C" key.

IMG_3837Steven John/Business Insider

3. Click on to the space where the text is to be pasted, then hold command and hit the "V" key.

IMG_3838Steven John/Business Insider

How to copy and paste to match formatting on a Mac


1. Highlight the text to be copied and pasted, then right click and hit "Copy" or hit Command + C.

2. Navigate to the spot where the text is to be placed, then hit the word "Edit" from the task bar at the top of the screen.

3. Click "Paste and Match Formatting."

paste and match formattingSteven John/Business Insider


1. Highlight and copy your selected text.


How to copy and paste between Apple devices


1. Go to your MacBook's system preferences, and under the General tab, enable the "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" setting.


HandoffSteven John/Business Insider

3. Highlight and then tap "Copy" on your mobile device.


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