How to Cut, Copy and Paste on a Mac

Apple command key

If you're new to a Mac, you'll have to get used to the fact that you no longer use the "Control" key to bring up menus or to execute simple keyboard shortcuts, such as cut, copy or paste text. Instead, you use the "Command" -- formerly the "Apple" -- key. The Command key and is located to the left of the space bar.

Things You'll Need

• mac keyboard
• mac

Instructions

1. Highlight the text you want to copy by clicking and dragging across it with your mouse cursor. Press and hold the "Command" key and depress the "C" key simultaneously on the keyboard. This shortcut copies the selected text to your clipboard.

2. Highlight the text you want to cut. Press and hold the "Command" key and depress the "X" key simultaneously on the keyboard to delete the selected text.

3. Position the mouse cursor where you want to paste the text you previously copied to the clipboard. Press the "Command" key and the "V" key simultaneously to paste the text.

4. To copy and paste an image, click on it to highlight it and then use the same copy and paste keyboard shortcuts as you used with text selections.

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer, complete these functions by clicking "Edit" in the menu at the top of the screen and then selecting "Cut," "Copy" or "Paste" from the drop-down menu.

References

• Apple; Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcuts; August 2011

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish