4 Quick Ways to Cut and Paste Text on Any Device

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Step-by-step instructions to cut text and files on your computer or mobile device
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Cut and paste is similar to copy and paste, except "cut" removes the copied text from the original source. This makes it easy to move text and files without the extra step of deleting them. Here's how to cut and paste on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, iPhone, iPad, and Android.

Things You Should Know

  • Cut and paste is similar to copy and paste, but "cut" deletes copied text from its original position.
  • To cut on a computer, highlight the text, and press "Ctrl" + "X" (PC) or "Cmd" + "X" (Mac).
  • Navigate to a new location, and paste with "Ctrl" + "V" (PC) or "Cmd" + "V" (Mac).
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click and drag the cursor from the beginning of the text to the end of the text to highlight it.
    • To select all the text on the page, press Ctrl + A (PC) or Cmd + A (Mac).
    • You can also cut and paste files on your computer. Click a file to select it, or hold the Ctrl / Cmd key and click to select multiple files.
    • This method works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the Cut keyboard shortcut. The text or file(s) will be deleted from the original source and copied to your computer's clipboard. [1]
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  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This could be a Microsoft Word or Google Docs document or another place. Place the cursor in the text field.
    • If you're pasting a file, make sure the location's folder is open.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the Paste keyboard shortcut. The text or file(s) will be pasted into the new location.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Right-Click

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9a\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click and drag the cursor from the beginning of the text to the end of the text to highlight it.
    • You can also cut and paste files on your computer. Click a file to select it.
    • This method works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To right-click on a Mac , press Control and then click to open the menu.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be in the drop-down menu. In most cases, this will be next to a scissors icon.
    • The text or file(s) will be deleted from the original source and copied to your computer's clipboard.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're pasting text, place the cursor where you want the text to be pasted. If you are pasting files, open the location of where you want to paste.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The text or file(s) will be pasted into the new location.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Menu Options

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click and drag the cursor from the beginning of the text to the end of the text to highlight it.
    • This method works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-11-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-11-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-11-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-11-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This may not be available in all programs, or may be found under different menus. For example:
    • In Google Docs, it can be found in the top toolbar.
    • In Microsoft Word, this will be in the Home tab, in the Clipboard section.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-12-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-12-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-12-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-12-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The text will be deleted from the original source and copied to your computer's clipboard.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-13-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-13-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-13-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-13-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are pasting text, place the cursor where you want the text.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will be in the same menu you used to select Cut .
    • The text will be pasted into the new location.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Mobile

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tap the text, and then use the circles to extend the selection until all the text is highlighted.
    • This method works on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will bring up the text options.
    • With some devices, such as iPhone and iPad , the text options menu will open automatically after text is highlighted. In this case, skip this step.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The text will be deleted from the original source and copied to your device's clipboard.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7f\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure the cursor is placed where you want the text.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Cut-and-Paste-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Cut-and-Paste-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Tapping the cursor will open the text options menu again. The text will be pasted into the new location.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you cut and paste a multiple-page document for an email?
    Community Answer
    Press ctrl + a and ctrl + c to copy all of it, and ctrl + v to paste. Or you could send the document over to Dropbox or Google Drive.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How do I cut and paste a website?
    TheWikiHowFurry
    Community Answer
    If you want to copy the whole website, press CTRL+A and then copy it by pressing CTRL+C. Then hit CTRL+V to paste it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 10
  • Question
    How do I cut and paste on my iPhone?
    Community Answer
    Press the word and hold your finger there. After a while, the text you wish to copy/cut will be highlighted. Use the sliders at the side to adjust how much you want to be highlighted. Release your finger. There should be a word 'cut,' 'copy,' or scissors icon above. Click it, and it is copied onto your clipboard. To paste, press and hold on a text area, then release your finger. Select the pop up that says 'paste.'
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • If you need to undo an action, you can use the Undo feature. This is usually at the top of the Edit Menu, or one of the first options under the right-click menu. The Windows shortcut is Ctrl + Z . The Mac shortcut is ⌘ Command + Z
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      Warnings

      • Do not cut more than once without pasting. Unlike the copy function that duplicates the selected text or image, the cut function removes it from the document. Although there may be exceptions within a Windows clipboard, in general, cutting more text or another image will erase the previous selection.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102553

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Mac: Press Command + C to copy and Command + V to paste.
      PC: Press Control + C to copy and Control + V to paste.
      Mobile: To copy, tap and hold an item or selected text, then tap Copy . To paste, tap and hold the place you want to paste, then tap Paste .

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        Aug 8, 2016

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