Text, photos and file copying on a MacBook
Mac OS, which is based on Apple computers, has a stable interface and intuitive features. In a matter days, most people can adapt to it. Even simple operations may be difficult in the initial stages.
In fact, it can be a real pain if something doesn’t work properly and the message ”clipboard error” appears. And then the documents you are working on may freeze or the Mac’s universal clipboard may become unusable.
Copy and Paste text from a Macbook with no keyboard
Many users can’t imagine using a computer with no mouse, particularly those familiar with Windows OS. The interaction with the graphic interface is greatly simplified by it. Select the text you want to open and press the right button. These actions can be done with a mouse in macOS. You can only change the view from the context menu.
The functionality of the application that is being used determines the extent to which it can be done. Operations that are currently not supported appear darkerened in the menu.
Copy and Paste text from a Macbook with no mouse
Every MacBook model comes with a trackpad. This is a surface with which you can use your laptop to control it without the need for a mouse. Because it’s designed to control gestures, its capabilities are superior to those on Windows laptops. This trackpad does not have buttons to simulate mouse operations, which is quite unusual. Clicking in the lower left corner of the touchpad will invoke the context menu. You can replace this action in the trackpad setting by double touching any location.
After mastering gesture control and setting up appropriate combinations, users can now copy and paste text fragments with no keyboard or mouse.
Keyboard shortcuts for copying
People who work often with lots of information should learn keyboard shortcuts to copy. Although they are different from the ones found in other operating system, macOS has similar combinations. These combinations are linked to the Command modifier key and appear like this.
- Command + C – copy a text fragment to the clipboard.
- Command + V – paste a fragment from the clipboard into the document.
You can see that the buttons are closer than when used in combination with the Ctrl key. It will take time for users who used keyboard shortcuts to navigate Windows to adjust to the new arrangement.
How to Copy Images on a Macbook
Sometimes you will need to add an image from the Internet to your text. You can either use the context menu, or drag and drop. Let’s consider both options in more detail.
Drag the image to copy it
Starting with El Capitan 2015, macOS has Split View mode. Split View mode allows you to place two windows side-by-side on one screen. It is now possible to grab the desired image using the mouse from the browser and to convert it into text. When the image is saved, it will be transparent thumbnail. The green “+” sign on it shows that the image can be copied and attached to documents. The image can be copied by releasing the button on the mouse.
You can copy the image by using the context menu
You can choose to use the Split View mode instead. This is not ideal for monitors that have a narrow diagonal. Clicking on an image is enough to call the context menu. The screenshot contains the item that is marked. You can insert the item into your document with a keyboard shortcut.
How can I copy a picture from my iPhone to my Macbook?
The advantage of the ecosystem created by Apple is the interaction between the company’s products. You can get a notification if you are logged in. MacBook and an iPhone with an activated Library or Photo Stream, you don’t have to think about transferring photos between them at all. Once the laptop and smartphone are connected to the same Wi Fi network, all photos are automatically synchronized. You just need to open the Photo app on your Mac, and then copy the photos to the correct place. In case there is no wireless network or the photo needs to be transferred to someone else’s Mac, you can use the AirDrop function:
- Bluetooth should be turned on on both the devices.
- Select the photos you want to save in the Photos app for iPhone.
- By clicking the “Share” menu, under the reduced images with selection indicators, we see a Mac computer available in the Bluetooth coverage area. To send photos, click on the laptop icon.
You can connect to older iPhones and MacBooks using a cable connection if they don’t support Bluetooth. You will need to verify your intent to link to your phone’s computer and then trust the device by giving it access to your media library. Once you have successfully completed the device pairing process, the Photo program will start automatically and allow images to be imported from your iPhone.
How to Copy Files and Folders in MacOS
MacOS moves files between folders when working on your hard drive. The assumption is that users sort data this way, and do not have to make copies. When connecting an external hard drive, or USB flash drive, we observe a slightly different result. When a device is connected, it automatically creates copies of the file. Given this feature of the OS, let’s figure out how to create a copy on the MacBook hard drive:
The context menu of actions with files on macOS does not contain the “Copy” item familiar to Windows users. Here we are offered a choice of two options: use the “Duplicate” or “Copy” commands.
Context menu with actions for files in macOS
The first step allows you to create a duplicate copy, or an exact replica of your original. It is placed in the same folder where the original is located and has the name “Copy File”. Next, drag the copied file to the location you want on your hard disk. The same process applies to folders. Duplication allows you to create duplicates of folders that contain all their contents.
A duplication of files and folders is the result
The second action, “Copy”, activates the clipboard of the operating system. Once you’ve executed it, go to the destination folder to open the context. Select the “Insert object” item to place a copy of the file in its new location.
Use a keyboard shortcut to copy files
Copying with the context menu is just one method for macOS. You can perform the same operation using keyboard combinations we used when working with text. They are standard for all versions of Apple operating systems and require the use of the “Command” button:
- Having marked the file in the Finder, hold down the modifier key and press “C”.
- Go to the destination folder and hold down the modifier again, use the “V” button to insert the copied object from the buffer.
You can use keyboard shortcuts to save time
macOS, a UNIX system like Windows, supports many keyboard shortcuts. You will quickly become familiar with Macbook shortcuts, which can speed up your daily tasks. Here is a description and list of possible combinations for working with files or text.
- Command + X. Analog of the “Cut” function. All text editors that macOS supports. The current text fragment can be cut and moved to any place within the document.
- Command + A. This highlights the contents of an opened window. You can use it in text editors or in Finder. This tool can be used for selecting all the objects within an open folder to copy to a different destination.
- Command + D. Copy a file from the current folder, without the context menu
- Command + Z. To cancel the action that was performed. It works in file managers and text editors. You can use it to either cancel the creation of copies in your current folder, or simply return cut portions of text to their original place.
Let’s conclude
We have compiled and discussed various methods for copying macOS files. These methods will allow you to unlock the hidden capabilities of your MacBook, and enable advanced interaction with this user-friendly operating system.
Enterprise Podcast Network – EPN published the article How to Copy and Paste Images on a MacBook.
