macOS
Copy a screenshot to the clipboard
⌃⇧⌘3
Task
Copy content
6 methods, grouped by how you input them.
Methods, grouped by how you input them. Pick the one that fits your device.
Keyboard
Physical or software keyboard
macOS
Copy
⌘C
Copy selected text on Mac or iPad with a keyboard. Use Command-A first to select all text in an editable text field.
Terminal
Copy command output
command | pbcopy
Terminal to Notes to Email in one step.
Mouse
macOS
Copy selected text by dragging
Option-drag
Touch
Direct touch on iPad/iPhone
iPadOS
Screenshot
iOS/iPadOS
Copy selected text
Three-finger pinch inward
Copy, cut, and paste with three-finger pinch gestures.
Helpful first steps
Optional preparation. Skip anything that does not apply.
iOS/iPadOS
Select text by tapping and adjusting selection handles
macOS
Select all
⌘A
Focus the editable text field or document, then press Command-A to select its text. On iPad, use a connected physical keyboard.
macOS
Extend selection by words
⇧⌥← / ⇧⌥→ · Shift–Option–Arrow
Place the cursor in editable text. Hold Shift and Option, then press Left Arrow or Right Arrow to extend the selection word by word. App be…
macOS
Select a text range by clicking and dragging
macOS
Select a word or paragraph
Double-click / triple-click
Double-click a word to select it, or triple-click within a paragraph to select that paragraph. The text must be selectable in the app.
