How to Copy, Paste, or Cut Text When You Can't Right Click

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on February 8, 2021

What to Know

  • Copy text: Highlight the text. Press Ctrl+C on Windows and Linux or Command+C on Mac.
  • Paste text: Position the cursor where you want to paste the text. Press Ctrl+V on Windows and Linux or Command+V on Mac.
  • Cut text: Highlight the text. Press Ctrl+X on Windows and Linux or Command+X on Mac.

This article explains how to copy, paste, or cut text without a context menu using keyboard shortcuts on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers.

Copy, Paste, or Cut Text Without a Context Menu

In an ideal world, every text field would have a right-click context menu to copy, paste and cut text or images. Unfortunately, however, not all text fields are equipped with these handy context menus, but the good news is that doesn't mean you can't copy, cut or paste text without a huge hassle.

For example, if you find yourself in Windows Live Hotmail without the context you're used to, you can either employ the toolbar buttons (Cut Text, Copy Text, and Paste Text at the toolbar's beginning) or use universal keyboard shortcuts. Read on for some quick how-tos.

To copy text:

  • Highlight the content you want to copy with the mouse.
  • Press Ctrl+C (Windows and Linux) or Command+C (Mac).

To paste text:

  • Position the text cursor where you want to paste.
  • Press Ctrl+V (Windows and Linux) or Command+V (Mac).

To cut text:

  • Highlight the desired content with the mouse.
  • Press Ctrl+X (Windows and Linux) or Command+X (Mac).

To undo the last action or text input:

  • Press Ctrl+Z (Windows and Linux) or Command+Z (Mac).
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