On a Mac, the main way to copy and paste is with the Command key: use Command+C to copy and Command+V to paste after selecting what you want.

Basic keyboard shortcuts

  • Select the text, file, or image you want.
  • Press Command + C to copy it.
  • Click where you want it to go (or open the folder/app).
  • Press Command + V to paste it.

You can also cut instead of copy with Command + X in apps that support cutting (like text editors).

Using the mouse or trackpad

  • Right‑click (or Control‑click) the selected text/file and choose Copy.
  • Go to the new location, right‑click again, and choose Paste.
  • On a trackpad, you can usually right‑click by tapping with two fingers and then choosing Copy or Paste from the menu.

Menu bar method

  • After selecting something, go to the top menu bar.
  • Click Edit → Copy (or Cut).
  • Move to where you want it, then click Edit → Paste.

This works in most apps on macOS, including browsers, document editors, and Finder.

Paste without formatting (text)

If you want to paste text so it matches the style of the document you’re in (no weird fonts or colors), many Mac apps support “Paste and Match Style” or “Paste Without Formatting.”

  • Copy text as usual with Command+C.
  • Put your cursor where you want to paste.
  • In many apps, use Shift + Command + V (or choose Edit → Paste and Match Style).

Extra tip: selecting faster

  • Press Command + A to select all text or all files in a folder, then copy with Command+C and paste with Command+V.

Meta description: Learn how to copy and paste on a Mac using keyboard shortcuts, mouse/trackpad menus, and “paste without formatting,” with quick tips that work on most Mac apps.