How to create a copy of a picture

Updated: 02/04/2024 by Computer Hope

Users can produce duplicates of a picture file without needing a specialized program. To proceed, select the appropriate operating system installed from the list below and follow the instructions.

Microsoft Windows users

Creating a copy of a picture file.

To create a duplicate copy of a picture file in Microsoft Windows, follow the steps below.

  1. Navigate to the location where the picture file is stored on your computer.
Tip

Windows Explorer can helpful for file searches. Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key+E to open it.

  1. With your mouse, right-click the file.
  2. From the drop-down menu, select the Copy option.
  3. Move your mouse cursor to the empty space under the picture file or navigate to the folder of your choice. Right-click again and select Paste.
  4. If the process works correctly, a second version of the original file with the word Copy in it appears.
Tip

In Windows, the keyboard shortcuts for copying and pasting are Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V respectively.

Note

Because each file name must be unique, if you paste a file in the same directory it was copied from, the operating system automatically changes the file name. If you want an exact duplicate of a file, you must paste the file into a different directory.

Apple macOS users

Apple logo

To create a duplicate copy of a picture file in Apple macOS, follow the steps below.

  1. Navigate to the location where the picture file is stored on your computer. The Finder, whose shortcut is located in the Dock, is a helpful tool in these instances.

Finder application in the macOS dock.

  1. Press and hold the Option key.
  2. Click the picture file you want to copy and drag it to the desired location.
  3. Release both Option and your mouse button.
  4. If the process works correctly, a second version of the original file appears in the target location.
Tip

In macOS, the keyboard shortcuts for copying and pasting are Command+C and Command+V respectively.