Shortcut: Copy and Paste

The key combination that you can use to copy and paste texts and words and then paste them back in is essential for text editing. In this practical tip we show you which shortcut works on Windows PC, Mac or mobile phone.

Copy & Paste keyboard shortcut on Windows

Highlight the text you want before doing the following:

• Copy: [Ctrl] + [C]
• Paste: [Ctrl] + [V]

Copy and paste on Mac

What is the "Ctrl" key in Windows is the "cmd" key, which is often also called the "Apple key". This key, which has a symbol printed like a windmill, is located on the bottom left of your keyboard and is also labeled with "cmd" or "Command".

• Copy: [⌘] + [C]
• Paste: [⌘] + [V]

Smartphones and tablet computers - "touch" combination

In the case of touch-sensitive devices with a display, the use of a physical keyboard is usually eliminated. Here, copying and pasting works a little differently:

• To copy, select the word or section you want. All you have to do is hold your finger on the word for about a second. This word is now colored and you can save it to the clipboard with "Copy".
• To insert the copied sections at any point, you just have to hold your finger again at the point you want. A small window now appears with "Insert".

If you don't have enough key combinations yet, this practical tip will show you how to enter the most useful symbols with the "Alt" key.