shortcutsguide

Duplicate file shortcut (Mac & Windows)

On Mac, select a file in Finder and press Cmd+D to instantly create a copy named “… copy” in the same folder. Windows has no one-key duplicate — press Ctrl+C then Ctrl+V to paste a copy in place.

ActionMacWindows
Duplicate in place (Finder) ⌘D —
Duplicate (Windows: copy then paste) — Ctrl+C then Ctrl+V
Copy file ⌘C Ctrl+C
Paste file ⌘V Ctrl+V
Paste a copy into same folder ⌘D Ctrl+V (auto-renames)
Make alias / shortcut instead ⌃⌘ drag, or ⌘L Ctrl+Shift drag

Duplicate a file on Mac

Select the file in Finder and press ⌘D — macOS instantly creates a copy in the same folder with “ copy” appended to the name (e.g. report copy.pdf). It works on multiple selected files at once and on folders too. You can also hold ⌥ (Option) and drag the file within a folder to duplicate it.

Duplicate a file on Windows

Windows has no single-key duplicate. Select the file, press Ctrl+C to copy, then Ctrl+V to paste — pasting into the same folder automatically creates filename - Copy. You can also hold Ctrl and drag the file to a new spot to copy it. (The Ctrl+D key in Explorer deletes to the Recycle Bin, so don’t use it to duplicate.)

Duplicate vs alias/shortcut

Duplicating makes a real second copy that takes the same disk space. If you just want a pointer to the original, make an alias on Mac (⌘L) or a shortcut on Windows (right-click → Create shortcut).

FAQ

What is the duplicate file shortcut on Mac?

Select the file in Finder and press Cmd+D. macOS creates a copy named “… copy” in the same folder, and it works on multiple files at once.

Is there a duplicate shortcut in Windows?

There is no single key. Press Ctrl+C then Ctrl+V — pasting into the same folder makes “filename - Copy”. Note Ctrl+D in Explorer deletes to the Recycle Bin.

How is duplicating different from making a shortcut?

Duplicating creates a full second copy using the same disk space. A Mac alias (Cmd+L) or a Windows shortcut just points to the original.