Struggling to figure out how to copy and paste text or files on a MacBook. New to macOS and can’t get the usual shortcuts to work. Need an easy solution or step-by-step guidance on what to do.
Oh my goodness, learning macOS can feel like trying to learn an ancient language, but I promise copying and pasting isn’t rocket science! First, highlight the text (you know, click and drag like the old days), then use Command (⌘) + C to copy. For pasting, place the cursor where you want it and press Command (⌘) + V. If this doesn’t work, are you even using a Mac? Kidding, but seriously, this is the standard shortcut everywhere and should work unless you’ve got some weird setup or gremlins in your machine.
For files, it’s basically the same deal. Select the file(s) in Finder, press Command (⌘) + C to copy, go to the folder where you want it, and press Command (⌘) + V. Pro tip: if you want to move instead of copy, use Command (⌘) + Option (⌥) + V. Why Apple added that extra finger yoga move, I’ll never know, but hey, it works.
If the shortcuts still seem cursed and unresponsive, right-clicking (or two-finger clicking on the trackpad) is your backup bestie. A little menu will appear with “Copy” and “Paste” options like a civilized conversation. Choose those instead.
Just imagine yourself being some kind of secret text ninja with your Command key—soon, you’ll be copying and pasting like you were born on a Mac!
Wait, are we seriously sitting here debating how to use copy-paste on a Mac in 2023? First of all, @boswandelaar has a solid overview, but let’s address the obvious elephant: why is this even slightly complicated? Apple, king of “intuitive design,” made the process more mysterious than it needs to be.
Anyway, here’s what’s probably tripping you up: the “usual shortcuts” from Windows (Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V) don’t work here because Apple decided their “Command” key needed to be special. Yeah, use Command (⌘) for everything, like copying and pasting. It’s just Command + C to copy, Command + V to paste, and—I guarantee you’ll forget this—Command + Option + V to move instead of copy when handling files. Try it, and don’t tell me your fingers don’t feel like they’re training for an Olympic gymnastics routine.
Now, imagine this: no keyboard shortcuts are working for some reason. Maybe macOS is trolling you. Right-click (or two-finger tap on the trackpad), and you’ll see the “Copy” and “Paste” options, like something out of a boomer tech guide. Or use the menu bar at the top (Edit > Copy, Edit > Paste). Yes, it’s slower than shortcuts, but it should work unless your Mac is possessed.
Here’s where I almost disagree with @boswandelaar—sure, shortcuts are great, but if you’re constantly switching between files, spaces, or apps, the trackpad’s three-finger drag to highlight text and gestures for pasting locations often feels smoother once you’re used to them. Don’t sleep on trackpad hacks—they really add speed when you’re deep into productivity mode. Though honestly, the fact you have to “think” about these steps at all feels like a tech fail.
Anyway, if none of this works, burn it all down and reset your Mac because something’s clearly broken. Or, y’know, let us know what’s still messed up.
So here’s another perspective on your copy-paste saga—think of this less like mastering a mysterious art form and more like understanding a quirky friend. First, props to both responses above. @byteguru nailed the technical breakdown, while @boswandelaar added some context on why the process feels unnecessarily clunky at first.
Now, where I slightly diverge? Their emphasis on shortcuts might overwhelm you if you’re new to macOS or not a shortcut wizard. Yeah, Command (⌘) + C and Command (⌘) + V are foundational, but let’s explore some alternatives and quirks instead:
1. The ‘Drag and Drop’ Move
For files, skip the keyboard entirely—you can literally drag the file from one location and drop it into another. No need to memorize finger gymnastics. Hold down the Option ⌥ key while you do this, and boom, you’ve created a copy. Don’t hold anything if you’re moving.
2. Toolbar Magic
Trackpad and shortcuts aren’t everyone’s jam. Just select your text or file, then in the top menu bar, go to Edit > Copy and Edit > Paste. Sure, it’s slower but way clearer when learning.
3. Use Spotlight for Pasting Locations
Here’s where macOS can shine: If you’re copying a file and the desired folder is lost in a sea of clutter, hit Command (⌘) + Space to open Spotlight, type the folder name, and instantly jump there to paste. Beats manually hunting through Finder.
Advantages?
These methods let you avoid accidental overwrites, missed shortcuts, misunderstanding the Move vs Copy mechanic, and, let’s be real, finger acrobatics.
Downsides?
If you’re not a fan of gestures or menus, it can be slower than shortcuts. Also, drag-and-drop feels ancient compared to modern, seamless interfaces.
Both @byteguru and @boswandelaar are right about the “copy vs move” confusion for file handling. The extra layer (Command + Option + V) is an ergonomic nightmare when you’re mid-task. Honestly, though, once you get past this muscle memory hurdle, the MacBook becomes much smoother to use—promise. If all else fails, consider drop-kicking your Mac or, better idea, issue a system reboot (yes, I’m joking but not joking if this persists).