How to Copy & Paste on Mac Using a Mouse or Trackpad

You might already be familiar with the keyboard shortcuts for copy and paste on a MacBook, but you'll also want to know how to do that using a mouse or a trackpad. These devices aren't always as intuitive as we might think, but once you know how to do it, it's quick and easy. So if you're looking at your mouse and wondering, "How do you copy and paste on a Mac?" we have the answer for you. Let's learn how.

How to Copy Paste on Mac Using a Mouse

Once you know how to copy, you pretty much know how to paste on a Mac, but I'll go over both of them for you here. For more ways to use your Apple accessories, check out our Tip of the Day. Also, check out how to allow paste in all apps. Here's how to copy and paste using a mouse:

  1. Highlight your desired text by either double clicking on a word or phrase, or clicking and dragging your cursor over the section.

  2. Right click on your mouse and click Copy in the menu that comes up.

  3. Open the program you want to paste the text into.

  4. Right click on your mouse again and click Paste on the menu that comes up.

Related: How to Find Hidden Apps on iPhone

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How to Copy Paste on MacBook Using a Trackpad

  1. Highlight your desired text by either double clicking on a word or phrase, or clicking and dragging your cursor over the section.

  2. Use two fingers to click on your trackpad and click Copy in the menu that comes up.

  3. Open the program you want to paste the text into.

  4. Use two fingers to click on your trackpad and click Paste on the menu that comes up.

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Author Details

Amy Spitzfaden Both's picture

Author Details

Amy Spitzfaden Both

Amy Spitzfaden-Both is the Managing Editor for iPhone Life magazine and an award-winning novelist, with over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry. She specializes in Apple news and rumors, health and fitness tech, and parenting in the digital age. She graduated from MIU with a BA in Literature and Writing.
Amy lives in New Hampshire with her husband and daughter. When she’s not writing or glued to her iPhone, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and creating her own tea blends.