Command+C

Updated: 05/01/2023 by Computer Hope
Command+C or Cmd+C

Alternatively called Cmd+C, Command+C is a keyboard shortcut most commonly used to copy highlighted text or other object to the clipboard in a graphical user environment. Below are other programs that use this keyboard shortcut and related information.

Tip

On Windows computers, the keyboard shortcut to copy is Ctrl+C.

Note

With C and V keys being next to each other on an English keyboard, you may mistakenly press Command+V (paste) instead of Command+C. If you do this, anything in the clipboard is pasted over the highlighted text. To undo this mistake, press Command+Z (undo).

How to use the Command+C keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold either Command key, and while continuing to hold, press C.

If you press these two keys with no text, files, or other objects highlighted, nothing is copied. Therefore, if you use the paste command, it outputs what was previously stored in the clipboard (if anything at all).

Tip

To copy all text in a field or a full page, use the Command+A keyboard shortcut to select all text before using Command+C to copy the text.

Command+C in macOS

In Apple's operating system, macOS, the Command+C keyboard shortcut is used to locate files using the Finder tool.

Command+C in an Internet browser

In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Command+C copies any selected text.

Command+C in Excel and other spreadsheet programs

In Microsoft Excel and all other spreadsheet programs, pressing Command+C when a cell(s) is highlighted copies its contents to the clipboard.

Command+C in Microsoft PowerPoint

Pressing Command+C in Microsoft PowerPoint copies any highlighted text, picture, or other object to the clipboard.

Command+C in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word and other word processing programs, highlighting text and pressing Command+C copies it to the clipboard. This shortcut works with images, tables, and other objects.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

C, Clipboard, Cmd, Copy, Keyboard, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms