Cutting, copying, and pasting are methods of moving and duplicating data, either within a file, between files, whole files, and whole folders.

1.     Cut: Removes the data, file, or folder from its current location. The selected items
        are placed on the clipboard.

2.     Copy: Leaves the data, file, or folder unchanged. The selected items are placed on         the clipboard.

3.     Paste: Inserts the data, file, or folder from the clipboard into the current folder or
        into the current document at the cursor.

What is the clipboard?

The clipboard is a temporary storage space in computer memory. When you cut or copy data, it is place into the clipboard. Switching off the computer clears the clipboard. Each time you cut or copy, data previously stored on the clipboard is removed.

When would I cut, copy, and paste?

Cut, copy, or paste within a document when you want to reuse text or graphics elsewhere in the same document or another document.

Cut, copy, or paste a file or folder when you want to create a backup copy or move it to a different folder or disk drive.

How do I cut, copy, and paste?

Windows provides standard methods for copying, cutting, and pasting. The following methods work for editing files, folders, and highlighted text.

Also note the toolbar icons in some programs that correspond to menu items.

Use the Edit menu on the menu bar:

1.     Click a file or folder in Windows Explorer; OR Highlight text in Microsoft Notepad; OR         Click on an item, such as a picture, in another program window.

2.     Click the "Edit" menu.

3.     Click "Copy" to store the data.

4.     Open a different folder; OR Click on a different location in the same or a different         document to position the cursor.

5.     Click the "Edit" menu.

6.     Click "Paste" to insert the data in the folder or at the cursor

Use the context-sensitive menu:

1.     Select an item or highlight text in a window.

2.     RIGHT-click or press the Application key on the keyboard.

3.     Click "Copy" on the menu that appears.

Use keyboard commands:

1.     Select an item or highlight text in a window.

2.     Type "Ctrl+C" to copy the data

3.     Open a different folder or position the cursor in a different location

4.     Type "Ctrl+V" to paste, or insert, the data.

Drag and drop:

1.     Use the "Ctrl" key when you "drag and drop" to copy

2.     Use the "Shift" key when you "drag and drop" to move

3.     Use the "Ctrl+Shift" key combination to create a shortcut