How do I select content?

Click and drag to highlight text, or click a file to select it. Cmd+A selects all.

Press Cmd+X to cut text. For files, copy (Cmd+C) then move (Cmd+Option+V) instead of paste.

How do I paste without formatting?

Press Cmd+Shift+V or Cmd+Option+Shift+V to paste text without carrying over the original formatting.

Mac Guides

Beginner

1 min read 5 stepsJanuary 9, 2026Verified January 2026

How to Copy and Paste on Mac

Master the essential copy, cut, and paste commands on your Mac.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Select content
2.Copy
3.Paste
4.Cut
5.Paste without formatting

Select content

~15s

Click and drag to highlight text, or click a file to select it. ⌘+A selects all.

Copy

~15s

Press ⌘+C to copy the selection to the clipboard. Right-click → Copy also works.

Paste

~15s

Press ⌘+V to paste the clipboard contents. Right-click → Paste also works.

Cut

~15s

Press ⌘+X to cut text. For files, copy (⌘+C) then move (⌘+⌥+V) instead of paste.

Paste without formatting

~15s

Press ⌘+Shift+V or ⌘+⌥+Shift+V to paste text without carrying over the original formatting.

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Official Resources

Apple Support How-To Geek — Mac Apple Support YouTube

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