One of the most fundamental and practical computer shortcuts is copying and pasting. Because you can copy and paste material from a webpage into an email or document, you may save time and ensure that the text and graphics are kept in their original format.

Knowing all of the numerous ways to copy and paste on a Mac will help you use this feature effectively regardless of what you’re copying and pasting. Even content can be copied and pasted between Apple devices.

Here’s the complete process.

How to copy and paste on Mac with keyboard shortcuts

• Highlight the text you want to copy using your mouse or trackpad.
• Hold the Command key, then press the “C” key to copy the highlighted text.
• Click to place the cursor where you want to paste the copied text.
• Hold the Command key, then press the “V” key to paste.

How to copy and paste on Mac with a mouse or trackpad

• Highlight the text you want to copy using your mouse or trackpad, then right-click. If you’re copying an image, GIF, or another file type, simply hover the cursor over it before clicking.
• In the pop-up menu, click Copy.
• Click to place the cursor where you want to paste the copied text or file.
• Right-click, then select Paste in the pop-up. If you’re simply copying and pasting, the pasted text will maintain the same formatting as its original context.

How to copy and paste on Mac using the toolbar

• Highlight the text you want to copy using your mouse or trackpad.
• In the toolbar at the very top of your screen, click Edit, then select Copy in the drop-down.
• Click to place the cursor where you want to paste the copied text.
• In the toolbar at the very top of your screen, click Edit, then select Paste in the drop-down.

How to copy and paste on Mac to match formatting

The methods described above will transmit highlighted text in its original format, including font, size, color, and other attributes. Although not always ideal, there is a simple solution that may be used to help maintain consistency in the email or document you are pasting content into.

The steps listed below can be used to modify the copied text to match the style of its new location:

•  Highlight the text you want to copy using your mouse or trackpad.
• Copy the text using either of the methods discussed above: right-click, toolbar, or Command + C.
• Click to place the cursor where you want to paste the copied text.
• In the toolbar located at the top of the screen, click Edit, then click Paste without formatting. It can also be phrased as Paste and Match Style or something similar. When pasting without formatting, the copied text is set to match the style of the document or email you’re pasting into.

How to copy and paste between Apple devices

You can quickly copy and paste text and images between devices if your iPhone or iPad is linked to the same iCloud account as your Mac. Here is how to accomplish it:

• On your Mac, open System Preferences, and click General.
• Toward the bottom of the General page, check the box next to Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices.
• On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app and tap General.
• On the General page, select AirPlay & Handoff.
• Ensure the Handoff feature is on by tapping the switch, turning it from grey to green.
• On your mobile device, tap to highlight the text or image you want to copy, then tap Copy.
• On your computer, paste the content using any of the methods described above. This method also works for copying content on your computer and pasting it on your mobile device.