Copying and pasting is how you duplicate or move text, images, or files from one place to another on a computer or phone.

Basic idea

  • Copy stores what you select (text, image, file) in a temporary “clipboard” in your device’s memory.
  • Paste inserts that stored content wherever your cursor is or wherever you tap.

On Windows (PC)

  1. Select what you want (drag over text, or click a file/image).
  1. Copy with:
    • Ctrl + C on the keyboard, or
    • Right‑click → Copy.
  1. Click where you want it, then Paste with:
    • Ctrl + V, or
    • Right‑click → Paste.

On Mac

  1. Select text or item.
  1. Copy with:
    • ⌘ Command + C, or
    • Menu bar → Edit → Copy.
  1. Click where you want it, then Paste with:
    • ⌘ Command + V, or
    • Menu bar → Edit → Paste.

On iPhone / iPad

  1. Select text :
    • Double‑tap a word or triple‑tap a paragraph, then drag the grab points to adjust.
  1. Tap Copy in the pop‑up menu.
  1. Tap where you want to paste, then tap Paste.

For images: touch‑and‑hold the image → Copy , then tap where you want it → Paste.

On Android

  1. Select text : long‑press until handles appear, then drag them.
  1. Tap Copy in the bar that appears.
  1. Tap where you want it and choose Paste.

Quick comparison table

Device / OS| Select| Copy shortcut| Paste shortcut
---|---|---|---
Windows PC| Drag over text or click file| Ctrl + C or right‑click → Copy 26| Ctrl + V or right‑click → Paste 26
Mac| Drag over text or click item| ⌘ Command + C or Edit → Copy 36| ⌘ Command + V or Edit → Paste 36
iPhone / iPad| Double‑tap word or triple‑tap paragraph, then adjust| Tap Copy in menu 37| Tap → Paste 37
Android| Long‑press text, adjust handles| Tap Copy 6| Tap → Paste 6

If you tell me which device you’re on (Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Chromebook, etc.), I can walk you through it step‑by‑step for that exact setup.