Word paste copy refers to one of the most common and essential editing functions in Microsoft Word: the ability to duplicate (copy) text or elements and insert (paste) them elsewhere in your document. This function is the cornerstone of fast, efficient document editing. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, mastering the copy and paste shortcuts in Word will help you boost productivity and make fewer errors while editing.
✂️ What Is Copy and Paste in Word?
- Copy (Ctrl/Cmd + C): Creates a duplicate of the selected text or object and saves it to the clipboard.
- Paste (Ctrl/Cmd + V): Inserts the contents of the clipboard into a new location in your document.
You can copy anything: text, images, tables, formatting, and more.
🪟 Copy and Paste in Word on Windows
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
How to use:
- Select the text or object you want to copy.
- Press
Ctrl + Cto copy. - Move the cursor to the new location.
- Press
Ctrl + Vto paste.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Ctrl + Shift + V to paste without formatting (in Word Online or some apps).
🍏 Copy and Paste in Word on macOS
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Copy | Command + C |
| Paste | Command + V |
| Cut | Command + X |
How to use:
- Highlight the content to copy.
- Press
Cmd + C. - Place the cursor and press
Cmd + Vto insert.
📌 For pasting plain text in macOS Word, use:Command + Shift + Option + V
🐧 Copy and Paste in Word on Ubuntu (LibreOffice / Word Online)
In LibreOffice Writer:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
In Word Online (Browser on Ubuntu):
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
📝 You can also right-click and choose Copy or Paste, or use the Edit menu.
🔁 Copy vs. Cut – What’s the Difference?
- Copy duplicates the content and leaves the original intact.
- Cut removes the content from its original place and stores it on the clipboard.
🔄 Use Paste after either action to place the content wherever you need it.
🧠 When to Use Copy and Paste in Word?
- Reusing headers, tables, or blocks of text
- Moving sections of a document without retyping
- Duplicating content between Word documents
- Copying information from emails, PDFs, or the web
- Sharing templates or standardized content
🎯 How to Paste Without Formatting
Sometimes you don’t want to bring fonts or styles with you when pasting.
Windows:
- Paste normally:
Ctrl + V - Paste plain text (Word 365):
Ctrl + Shift + VorAlt + H, V, T
macOS:
Cmd + Shift + Option + V(in some apps)- Use Paste Special:
Cmd + Control + V→ Choose Unformatted Text
Ubuntu (LibreOffice):
Ctrl + Shift + V→ Choose from the list of formats
🧭 Summary Table: Copy and Paste Shortcuts
| Platform | Copy | Paste | Paste Without Format | Cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl + C | Ctrl + V | Ctrl + Shift + V / Alt + H, V, T | Ctrl + X |
| macOS | Cmd + C | Cmd + V | Cmd + Shift + Option + V | Cmd + X |
| Ubuntu | Ctrl + C | Ctrl + V | Ctrl + Shift + V | Ctrl + X |
❓ FAQ – Word Paste Copy
Can I copy and paste between Word and other programs?
Yes! Word supports universal clipboard formats for text, images, tables, and links.
How do I copy content from web pages into Word cleanly?
Use Paste Special (Alt + H, V, T in Windows) to paste as plain text.
Is there a clipboard history in Word?
Yes, press Ctrl + C twice (Windows) to open the clipboard manager (if enabled).
How do I remove formatting after pasting?
Use the Clear Formatting button in the Home tab or highlight the text and press Ctrl + Space.
Does Word Online support copy/paste shortcuts?
Yes, in most modern browsers. In Firefox or Safari, it may prompt for additional permissions.
✅ Conclusion
Using Word paste copy shortcuts helps you work faster, smarter, and with fewer mistakes. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, knowing how to copy and paste efficiently is essential for editing and formatting any document. From quick duplication to formatting-free pasting, these shortcuts streamline your workflow and save valuable time. Practice them today to become a true Word pro!
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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