Faster chips and high Resolutions make Apple a popular brand in America and all over the world. According to a Consumer Survey in the US, 24% of laptop-owning households owned an Apple laptop followed by HP – 35% and Dell – 27%.
Shifting from a Windows-based environment to the Apple ecosystem, MacBook models are popular for their portability and performance, while iMacs offer powerful desktop computing.
Transitioning from Dell or HP keyboards to Apple keyboards, there are differences in layout and functionality. The next step is to learn how to copy and paste text, screenshots, images, and files.
How to Copy and Paste on Mac:
MacBook keyboards and Dell/HP Windows keyboards can have some differences in key layout, design, and functionality.
MacOS (MacBook, iMacs) | Windows (Dell/HP…etc.) |
Command key (⌘)
|
Windows (⊞) |
Option key (⌥)
|
Alt (Option) Key |
Control key (⌃)
|
Control Key (Ctrl) |
Shift (⇧)
|
Shift (⇧)
|
The Command key (⌘) within macOS and Mac applications and the Ctrl (Control) key within Windows and Windows applications serve a similar purpose when it comes to copy and paste:
- To Copy: Command key (⌘) + C
- To Paste: Command key (⌘) + V
- Paste and Match Style/Formatting: Option key (⌥) + Shift (⇧) + Command key (⌘) + V
- Paste Special: Option key (⌥) + Command key (⌘) + V
Some Copy and copy-and-paste functions on 3rd party installed files in MacOS are the same as Windows.
How to Copy and Paste Screenshot on Mac
Copy and paste Screenshot on Mac is straightforward. Required same Copy and paste shortcut keys.
How to Screenshot on Mac and Crop
An easy way to take screenshots on Mac is by keyboard shortcuts:
To Capture the Entire Screen Screenshot: Shift (⇧) + Command key (⌘) + 3
To Capture a Portion of the Screen: Shift (⇧) + Command key (⌘) + 4 (drag to select the area you want to capture)
To Capture a Specific Window or Application: Shift (⇧) + Command key (⌘) + 4 and then press Spacebar.
How to Copy Screenshot on Mac:
After capturing the Screenshot, it will automatically save to the Desktop by Default. You can always change “Save to” by going to the Screenshot app setting.
- Go to the Saved Screenshot location
- Use the Command key (⌘) + C to Copy the screenshot. It will automatically move to the Clipboard.
How to Paste Screenshot on Mac
- Open the application or document where you want to paste the screenshot.
- Press the Command key (⌘) + V to paste the screenshot on Mac from the Clipboard.
In order to Crop, open the capture screenshot image, and Use the Crop Symbol in the editing bar.
How to Copy an Image on a Mac
Copy an image on a Mac is straightforward. Required same Copy shortcut keys.
- Go to the image file and location where you have saved your image.
- Press the Command key (⌘) + C to copy an image. It will automatically move to the Clipboard.
- Open the application or document where you want to paste the image by Pressing Command key (⌘) + V
How to Copy and Paste a Link on Mac:
If you are trying to Copy a link from Google or any other browser or an HTLM Link from any Application. The process is the same as copying and pasting a text on a Mac. The major issue comes when you copy the link and want to paste in the same formatting.
- Copy a Link: Command key (⌘) + C
- Paste a Link: Command key (⌘) + V
- Paste and Match Style/Formatting Link: Option key (⌥) + Shift (⇧) + Command key (⌘) + V
- Paste Special Link: Option key (⌥) + Command key (⌘) + V
How to Copy and Paste Files on Mac
Copy and Paste Files from one Destination to Other is very simple on Mac and follow the custom keyboard shortcuts.
To Copy a File: Command key (⌘) + C
To Paste a File: Command key (⌘) + V
Conclude
Ultimately, the choice between MacBook and Dell/Windows keyboards often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. If you are switching between the two, it may take a little time to adjust to the differences in layout and key functionality. However, with practice, most users can comfortably use both types of keyboards.