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On a Windows PC or Chromebook, select the content and press Ctrl + C, click the destination, then press Ctrl + V. On a Mac, use Command + C and Command + V. These commands copy text, images, and other supported content between Google files; the result can vary by source type.
Google’s documented copy-and-paste behavior is covered in its Google Docs Help.
Copy and paste with a mouse
- Drag across the text, or click the image or object you want.
- Right-click the selection and choose Copy. You can also use Edit → Copy if that menu is available.
- Click where the content should be inserted.
- Right-click and choose Paste, or use Edit → Paste.
If the cursor is not active inside the document, a keyboard command may affect the browser or another application instead.
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| Action | Windows / Chromebook | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
Command + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
Command + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
Command + V |
| Paste without formatting | Ctrl + Shift + V |
Command + Shift + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
Command + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Shift + Z |
Command + Shift + Z |
| Show shortcuts | Ctrl + / |
Command + / |
Google notes that shortcuts can differ with language settings and keyboard layouts. See the current Google Docs keyboard-shortcut reference.
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Keep or remove the source formatting
Keep more of the original appearance
Use normal Paste (Ctrl + V or Command + V). This generally retains supported fonts, emphasis, links, lists, and other source styling, but websites, PDFs, Word files, spreadsheets, and Google files place different information on the clipboard.
Match the destination document
Use Paste without formatting (Ctrl + Shift + V on Windows/Chromebook; Command + Shift + V on Mac). It removes much of the source’s font, color, size, hyperlink styling, and spacing so the text adopts the destination style. It is not a guarantee of perfectly clean text: line breaks, bullets, links, tables, and unusual characters may still need editing.
Rank #2
- Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
- Full-Size Wireless Keyboard: Comfortable, quiet typing on a familiar keyboard layout with palm rest, spill-resistant design, and media keys. This wireless keyboard and mouse logitech has easy-access to media keys
- Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
- Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
- Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.
Copy only formatting
To transfer attributes such as font style, size, or color without moving the words, select the formatted text and use:
- Windows/Chromebook: copy formatting with
Ctrl + Alt + C, then paste it withCtrl + Alt + V. - Mac: copy formatting with
Command + Option + C, then paste it withCommand + Option + V.
This formatting workflow operates within a document in one browser tab; it does not copy the text itself.
Rank #3
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Copy between two Google Docs
- Open the source document and select the text, image, or object.
- Copy it with the shortcut or context menu.
- Open the destination document, or switch to its browser tab.
- Click the insertion point and paste.
You need permission to edit the destination. A view-only file or protected section can allow viewing or copying while preventing insertion or changes.
Copy on Android
- Open the file in the Google Docs app and tap Edit.
- Select the content, then tap Copy.
- Touch and hold at the destination.
- Tap Paste.
This is Google’s documented Android sequence: Android Google Docs instructions. With an external keyboard, Google lists Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, and Ctrl + Shift + V; device and keyboard mappings can interfere.
Rank #4
- 【Wave Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo】The wireless keyboard features a wave key and wrist rest design that naturally fits your fingers and relieves wrist strain. The adjustable stand allows you to set the keyboard to the most comfortable height, making it ideal for long-term use. Note: The USB receiver is located on the back of the mouse.
- 【Wireless Optical Mouse】The wireless mouse is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a contoured shape that fits snugly in the palm and complements the natural curve of your right hand. All controls are easily within reach. This mouse is equipped with forward and back functions, allowing you to navigate the web faster and more efficiently than ever before.
- 【Plug-and-Play 2.4G Wireless Connection】One 2.4 GHz USB receiver can connect both the keyboard and mouse, or they can be used separately. Plug and play—no software download is required. The 2.4 GHz wireless connection offers a strong and reliable signal up to 33 feet (10 meters), without delays.
- 【Automatic Power Saving Function】The ULSOU wireless keyboard and mouse combo features an automatic power-saving function. After 30 seconds of inactivity on the keyboard and 15 minutes of inactivity on the mouse, both devices enter sleep mode to conserve battery life. This greatly extends battery life, and any button press will activate the devices again. The keyboard requires 1 AA battery, and the mouse requires 1 AA battery. (batteries not included).
- 【Wide Compatibility and Dual System Layout】This wireless keyboard and mouse combo is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mac, and other operating systems. It’s suitable for desktops, Chromebooks, PCs, laptops, and more. You can switch between Windows and macOS by pressing FN+Q or FN+W.
Copy on iPhone or iPad
- Open the document and enter editing mode.
- Touch and hold or double-tap to begin a selection, then adjust the handles.
- Tap Copy.
- Touch and hold at the destination and tap Paste.
With an external keyboard, use Command + C and Command + V, as listed in Google’s iPhone and iPad shortcut reference. The exact long-press menu depends on the iOS and Docs app versions and the copied content; do not assume every device offers a mobile “Paste without formatting” command.
Recommended Free Tools
Images, links, lists, tables, and spreadsheets
Images
Google Docs supports copying and pasting images between files. A web browser may copy the image, a link, or surrounding content depending on how it was selected. Position, wrapping, cropping, and alt text are not guaranteed to transfer exactly. If copying fails, try the image’s context menu or use Insert → Image.
Best Value
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Links and lists
Normal paste often retains linked text when the source supplies it. Paste without formatting can remove or alter link styling. Numbered and bulleted lists may change when copied from a website, PDF, or Word document.
Tables and Sheets content
Compatible Google files may paste a table, but complex tables can lose widths, borders, formulas, or merged-cell behavior. Copying from Google Sheets into Docs can create a table or a linked table depending on the workflow, so it is not equivalent to plain-text copying.
Copy a document’s contents or duplicate the file?
Move contents into another document
Select the body content and copy/paste it. Headers, footers, page settings, comments, suggestions, drawings, linked objects, and complex tables may not reproduce perfectly.
Make a separate file
To duplicate the Google Docs file itself, choose File → Make a copy. This is different from copying selected text into another document.
When copy and paste does not work
- Confirm the document is in Editing mode, not viewing mode.
- Click inside the document, then reselect the intended text or object.
- Try the Edit menu or right-click menu instead of the shortcut.
- Try both normal paste and paste without formatting.
- Check that the destination is not protected and that you have edit permission.
- Refresh the document or reopen it in another browser tab.
- Paste ordinary text into a plain-text field. If that also fails, the issue may be the browser, keyboard, or clipboard rather than Docs.
- On mobile, restart or update the Google Docs app and device if selection handles or the paste menu are missing.
- For PDFs or web pages, copy a smaller selection or pass the text through a plain-text editor first.
Fix unwanted formatting after pasting
- Immediately press
Ctrl + Zon Windows/Chromebook orCommand + Zon Mac. - Paste again with Paste without formatting.
- If that option is unavailable, paste into a plain-text editor, copy again, and paste into Docs.
- Select the inserted text and choose Format → Clear formatting where available.
- Reapply the required heading, font, list, or link styling.
The Bottom Line
For ordinary desktop copying, select the content, use Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V on Windows or Chromebook, or Command + C and Command + V on Mac. Choose the “without formatting” shortcut when the destination’s style matters more than the source’s appearance.
Quick Recap
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