Technology is part and parcel of modern life. It helps expedite work and improve productivity. You can better implement technology in your everyday life by learning and mastering the essential functions of your computer or laptop. And one such fundamental function is copy and paste. It is a simple function that can save hours in the long run and augment your work efficiency.
The Importance of the Copy-Paste Function
The most fundamental function of a computer is to copy and paste items. Thanks to this function, you can duplicate content like images, text, and other types of files and data from one location to another. The content can be as small as a single character or letter and as large as an entire web page or full document.
The efficient use of the copy-paste function can save time at work, which results in improved productivity. This function can be used within apps as well. Computers have a clipboard tool that saves all the copied content so you can paste them on multiple platforms and locations.
The function can be performed by clicking the files or images. Or you can use keyboard shortcuts. The method to copy-paste items is explained below. But before that, let’s see what happens when the function suddenly stops working.
What to Do When the Copy-Paste Function isn’t Working?
Copy-paste is a natural function of a computer, and people use it all the time. You might use it unknowingly throughout the day. The importance of this function is acknowledged when it suddenly stops working. This can break your workflow and make it difficult to move around files, images, or other items.
The copy-paste function may stop working due to various reasons.
For instance, if you are a Mac user and unable to copy and paste on Mac, it might be due to glitches and bugs related to macOS performance or a third-party app interfering with the function. There might be an extension or login item preventing the clipboard from loading properly. Or your system might be infected with malware.
Luckily, the issue can be quickly solved. The top solutions are updating your macOS software, uninstalling the third-party app or utility interfering with the copy-paste function, and running malware scans to rid your computer of infestation.
Regardless of the operating system you are using, these are typically the common causes and solutions to get the copy-paste function back on track.
How to Copy and Paste Items?
The copy-paste function is pretty standard with all computers, regardless of the operating system. But the keyboard shortcut depends on the OS of your device. Continue scrolling to know.
- Highlight the text or file you wish to copy
Whether you want to copy a file, image, video, or text, you must highlight the item. Use the trackpad, mouse, or stylus to highlight the item you want to copy. Then, you can right-click on the highlighted item and select Copy from the menu.
You can also use keyboard shortcuts. For instance, Mac users use Command + C to copy items.
Remember to properly highlight what you wish to copy and paste. If you don’t highlight it effectively, there might be missing text or incorrect formatting when pasting. If you want to copy all the items in a folder or all the content of a web page or document, you can use the Command + A shortcut to save time.
- Paste the item
Once the item is copied, the next step is to paste it. Find the right location where you wish to paste the item and then right-click on an empty area on the screen and select Paste. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Command + V (Mac users) to paste the item.
If you are copying text within an editor or doc file, you can right-click and choose your preferred Paste option. For instance, you can paste as it is or paste without formatting.
Similarly, you can copy and paste all kinds of files and content. This function can be used to organize items or speed up your workflow. It saves you from having to retype.
If your workflow demands that you copy-paste too many items, it would be best to use clipboard managers. These apps are specifically designed with robust features that perform better than native, in-built clipboards. For example, you can edit the saved items on the clipboard, share them, and more.
The Bottom Line
Copying and pasting is the most fundamental function of a computer. Users use this function several times throughout the day. You must always keep your computer updated to ensure there’s nothing interfering with this function. Also, shut down your computer once in a while so that the memory and RAM are cleared to give your computer a fresh start.
