Email, Messaging, & Video Calls > Texting & Messaging How to Copy & Paste Without a Mouse Stop right-clicking and use your keyboard instead By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 10, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Texting & Messaging Email Texting & Messaging Video Calls What to Know Shortcut to copy text: Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (macOS).Shortcut to paste text: Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (macOS).Shortcut to cut text: Ctrl+X (Windows) or Command+X (macOS). This article explains how to use keyboard shortcuts to copy, paste, and cut content on Windows or Mac computers. Most programs support the shortcuts included in this article, so you don't need to worry about learning other shortcuts for copying and pasting. How to Copy and Paste With the Ctrl/Command Key Follow these steps to copy and paste text or images in Windows and macOS. Highlight whatever you plan to copy. If the program doesn't let you use your mouse to highlight, select Ctrl+A on your keyboard to select all text, or Command+A if you're using a Mac. Long-press the Ctrl or Command key, and select the C key once. You've just copied the contents to the clipboard. Place the cursor where you want to paste the copied content. Long-press the Ctrl or Command key, and select the V key once to paste the content. Michael Smith / Getty Images New How to Cut Content With the Ctrl/Command Key The above steps are useful if you want to keep the original content and just make a copy elsewhere. For example, if you want to copy an email address from a website and paste it into your email program. There's a different shortcut you can use to copy and paste and then automatically delete the original content, called cut. This is useful when you're re-arranging paragraphs in an email and you want to remove the text or image and insert it elsewhere. To cut text or images, use the Ctrl+X shortcut in Windows or Command+X in macOS. The moment you select Ctrl/Command+X, the information disappears and is saved in the clipboard. To paste the contents, use the Ctrl/Command+V shortcut. How to Screenshot on a Logitech Keyboard Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit