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How to Cut, Copy, and Paste Without a Mouse

Member
By hdubs
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)

Need to cut, copy, or paste an object but are having trouble with your mouse or the touch pad on your laptop or PC? Unless you know the keystrokes necessary, the task can seem impossible. In fact, it's so easy to cut, copy, and paste without a mouse that you might find you'll only be doing it via the keyboard from now on!

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    If it's text that you're trying to edit without a mouse, you'll need to first highlight the word(s) you want to cut or copy and paste. You can do this by using the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the cursor to right before the first letter you'd like to highlight. Then hold down the "Shift" key as you continue to move the cursor over the word(s) you wish to highlight using the arrow keys. When you've highlighted the text you need, continue to step 2.

    If it's an icon you're trying to cut or copy, use the arrow keys in the open window to move over and highlight the specific icon you're looking for. You can also hold down the "Shift" key while using the arrow keys to highlight multiple icons.

  2. Step 2

    Once you have the text or icon highlighted, hold down the "Ctrl" key. Then press the letter "X" key on the keyboard to cut the item, or the letter "C" to copy the item. The text or icon will be temporarily stored on the virtual clipboard on your computer until you paste it.

  3. Step 3

    Navigate to the document or window where you want to paste the item you cut or copied.

  4. Step 4

    Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to place the cursor in the appropriate position (where you want to paste the text or object), if necessary. Hold down the "Ctrl" key again, and press the letter "V" key to paste the item. The text or icon should show up immediately.

  5. Step 5

    Repeat the process as necessary for each item or grouping of items you need to cut, copy, and paste without a mouse.

Tips & Warnings
  • Ctrl + X = Cut
  • Ctrl + C = Copy
  • Ctrl + V = Paste

Comments  

missnye said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2009 *****

jamiellee said

Flag This Comment

on 10/8/2009 You're sharing the keyboard shortcuts..Thanks!

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