Copy Shortcut (⌘C / Ctrl+C)
Copy is ⌘C on Mac and Ctrl+C on Windows — it puts the selection on the clipboard without removing it. Paste it anywhere with ⌘V / Ctrl+V.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy | ⌘C | Ctrl+C | |
| Cut | ⌘X | Ctrl+X | |
| Paste | ⌘V | Ctrl+V | |
| Paste without formatting | ⌘⇧V | Ctrl+Shift+V | |
| Copy formatting | ⌘⌥C | Ctrl+Shift+C | |
| Undo | ⌘Z | Ctrl+Z |
Copy leaves the original in place
⌘C (Mac) or Ctrl+C (Windows) copies the selected text, file or object to the clipboard without deleting it. Paste it elsewhere with ⌘V / Ctrl+V. Unlike cut (⌘X / Ctrl+X), the original stays where it is.
Copy a file vs copy text
The same shortcut works in Finder/Explorer to copy files and folders, and in any text field to copy selected text. In most apps the clipboard holds one item at a time — use clipboard history (⌘⇧V paste-plain or Windows Win+V) to keep several.
FAQ
What is the copy shortcut?
Press ⌘C on the Mac or Ctrl+C on Windows to copy the selected text, file or object to the clipboard.
What is the difference between copy and cut?
Copy (⌘C / Ctrl+C) leaves the original in place; cut (⌘X / Ctrl+X) removes the original and puts it on the clipboard.
How do I copy without formatting?
Copy as normal with ⌘C / Ctrl+C, then paste plain with ⌘⇧V / Ctrl+Shift+V to strip the formatting.