How To Remember "Cut | Copy (2024)

× 12/22: This website is no longer being updated. Thank you for your support over the past 25 years!

How to Remember Cut, Copy & Paste Keyboard Shortcuts

Your computer experience will much easier if you can remember the keyboard shortcuts for often used commands to perform "cut", "copy" and/or "paste" of text or images. These commands are often available to you via these keyboard shortcuts, even if they are not an option in the program or window in which you are working.

These keyboard shortcuts require you to hold down two keys at one time.

1. First, select the text or image you wish to cut or copy (it will look similar to this: selected text.)
   • or, using your mouse, place your cursor in the location you wish to paste information. (It will look similar to this: I_____________.)
2. Press the "Control" key. This may be abbreviated as "Ctrl" on your keyboard. (Command key on a Mac)
3. While continuing to hold down the Control key, press either X, C, or V at the same time to perform the following:

CUT

Keyboard Command: Control (Ctrl) + X

Remember "X" as
The Cut command is used to remove text or images from the screen you are currently working on. "CUT" moves the information to your virtual clipboard, where it is stored until it is overwritten by the next "cut" or "copy" command.

COPY

Keyboard Command: Control (Ctrl) + C
Remember "C" as
The COPY command is used for just that - it copies the text or image you have selected and stores is on your virtual clipboard, until it is overwritten by the next "cut" or "copy" command.

PASTE

Keyboard Command: Control (Ctrl) + V

See Also

xcopy

Remember "V" as
The PASTE command is used to place the information that you have stored on your virtual clipboard in the location that you have placed your mouse cursor.

Test Yourself!

Try copying the information from the first box and paste it into the second box.

Did you learn something? Awesome!

Please help us support our organization by clicking on the ad below to show your appreciation!

Article submitted by:
Jane Holman
WayNet.org
50 North Fifth Street
Richmond, IN 47374

Email:[email protected]
Phone: 765.939.0857

WayNet Member: WayNet.org
Member Website: http://www.waynet.org

This article has a Creative Commons License.

Disclaimer:

The WayNet How To Center is a collaborative project of members of WayNet.org volunteering to develop a how-to manual. The WayNet How To Center has not been reviewed by trained professionals for it's accuracy, reliability, legality or safety of its instructions. We make no guarantee or warranty that the information in the WayNet How To Center is accurate, legal, reliable, or safe to practice. Always consult a trained professional before following any of the advice you find in the WayNet How To Center. Nothing in the WayNet How To Center should be construed as an attempt to offer legal, medical or other professional advice. Neither the WayNet How To Center, nor the authors, editors, or members can be responsible for your use of information contained in or linked from this site. You must independently verify all information you find on the WayNet How To Center. Use this site at your own risk.