There are three main methods for copying and pasting on Mac: First, use shortcut keys, including Command C (copy), Command V (paste), Command X (cut), which is suitable for text, files, pictures and other scenarios; second, select "Copy" or "Paste" through the right-click menu of the mouse or trackpad, which is suitable for users who are not used to shortcut keys; third, macOS Ventura and above support the clipboard history function. After opening, you can view and select the recently copied content through Command Shift V, which facilitates the switching between multiple contents.

Copying and pasting on Mac is actually similar to Windows, but some details may make new users less comfortable. As long as you are familiar with the basic logic of macOS, it is easy to use.

Copy and paste using shortcut keys is the most common method

The shortcut keys on Mac are slightly different from Windows, mainly because the Command key replaces the Ctrl key.
Common combinations are as follows:

• Command C : Copy the selected content
• Command V : Paste the contents in the clipboard
• Command X : Cut content (removing the content from its original position and putting it into the clipboard)

This method is suitable for almost all scenarios such as text, files, pictures, etc. For example, if you see a text in the Safari browser and want to copy it, just select the text and press Command C, and then press Command V in the memo or Word to paste it.

Tip: Sometimes when you press it, it doesn’t respond, it may be because the content is not selected correctly. Especially when copying a file, you must first click the selected file and then press the shortcut key.

The right mouse button menu can also complete the copy and paste operation

If you are not used to memorizing shortcut keys, you can also right-click with your mouse or trackpad (or tap with both fingers), and then select "Copy" or "Paste" after the context menu pops up.

This method is especially suitable for novices or temporarily using other people's computers. For example, if you receive an image on WeChat and want to save it, but don’t know how to operate it, right-clicking will usually directly appear the option of “Save As” or “Copy Image”.

It should be noted that not all applications support all functions of the right-click menu. For example, the right-click menu may restrict the copy function for content on some web pages.

Use the "Clipboard" to view recently copied content (macOS Ventura and above)

Starting with macOS Ventura, Apple has added the "Clipboard History" feature, where you can open the paste menu by pressing Command Shift V , view the content you copied last few times, and choose which one to paste.

This feature is especially useful when you frequently copy multiple content. For example:

• Copy a URL first
• Then copy a paragraph of text
• When pasting, I don't want to use the last copied content, but I want to use the previous URL

At this time, you can use this multi-clipboard function to switch content. However, be aware that the clipboard content will be cleared after restarting.

This feature is turned off by default. You need to go to "System Settings → General → Clipboard" and then turn on "Enable Clipboard History".

Basically that's it. By mastering these methods, whether it is writing documents, organizing materials or chatting daily, you can easily cope with the needs of copying and pasting. It is not complicated, but it is indeed easy to ignore some small details, such as shortcut keys, the right-click menu cannot be found, etc.

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