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Definition: drag and drop


The primary advantage of a graphical user interface (GUI) is to be able to move icons and images from one place to another on screen. Moving is accomplished by positioning the screen cursor on an object and, while holding the mouse button down, moving it (dragging it) to another location on screen. Letting go of the button is the drop part of drag and drop.

For example, an icon of a file can be dragged and dropped onto the waste can icon for deletion or onto a printer icon for printing. Any application window can be resized by dragging its corner or border to a new location. On a touchscreen, the icon is long tapped and held down while dragging (see long press).

Copy and Move Files
Documents and images can be copied or moved by dragging their file icons from one folder and dropping them onto another folder icon.

Rearrange and Delete Icons
In a smartphone or tablet, along with all the functions of every graphical user interface (GUI), drag and drop is used to move app icons to different screens. A long tap is required to grab the object. See icon, Win Drag and drop, long press and GUI.