Select text by tapping and adjusting selection handles

Representative screen, not a live app. Editing controls vary by app. Amber circles show finger contact; blue handles show the selection.

  • Start with editable text in a supported app.
  • Double-tap a word.
  • The word is selected. Blue handles mark its edges.
  • Drag the end handle to extend the selected range.
  • Release the handle. The editing menu offers Copy.
  • Tap Copy.
  • The selected words are copied in this illustration.
  • Touch and hold the blank destination to show editing controls. App behavior can vary.
  • Choose Paste from the editing menu.
  • Tap Paste.
  • The copied words appear on the new line.
  • Done. The original text is unchanged; a copy is below.
Speed 1.25×

Ready

Try this

Select part of a sentence in Notes, then copy and paste it on a new line.

Why it works

In a supported text field, double-tap a word or triple-tap a paragraph. Adjust the selection handles to include the range you want. Available editing controls depend on the app.

Included in iOS fundamentals

Sources
Open full demonstration ↗