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Definition: copy and paste


To make a copy of a file, folder or selected text in another location. The phrase "cut and paste" is often used when the function people are actually doing is copy and paste. In a cut and paste operation, the content is moved and not copied. See cut and paste, clipboard, Win Copy between windows, Copy and Xcopy.

How to Copy/Cut and Paste Text on a Computer
From: Highlight the text or optionally double click the word or triple click the sentence the cursor is in. Keeping the cursor in the highlighted area, right click and select Copy or Cut.

To: With the cursor in a destination area that can receive text, right click and select Paste.

How to Copy/Cut and Paste Text on a Smartphone
From: Tap and hold in the text area. When the menu appears, tap Copy or Cut.

To: Tap and hold in the destination area. When the menu appears, tap Paste.