Select, Cut, Copy and Paste Text without the mouse
In this guide we’ll look at selecting, copying and pasting text all without the mouse.
Selecting Text
If you wish to apply an action to a block of text, such as copying, deleting, changing the font size or face, you will need to select the block of text. Below are the keyboard commands required for selecting text.
- Select a single character – SHIFT+Left or Right Arrow
- Select a word – CTRL+SHIFT+Left or Right Arrow
- Select the Current Line – SHIFT+Down Arrow
- Select the Current Paragraph – Press CTRL+UP to go to the top of the current paragraph, then press CTRL+Down Arrow
- Select the Entire Document - CTRL+A
Remember
- Pressing any of the arrow keys, whilst text is selected will immediately deselect it.
- Typing any letter or number, will immediately replace all selected text with that character.
Cut, Copy and Paste
The Windows Clipboard
The Windows Clipboard provides a temporary storage space for text. Text is automatically saved to the clipboard when you use the copy or cut commands.
Moving Text – Cut and Paste
- Select the text you wish to move
- Press CTRL+X to cut, the text will now be deleted, and saved to the windows clipboard.
- Move the cursor to where you want the text to appear, and then press CTRL+V, the text will now appear at the cursor.
Copying Text – Copy and Paste
- Select the text you wish to move
- Press CTRL+C to copy, the text will now be saved to the windows clipboard.
- Move the cursor to where you want the text to appear, and then press CTRL+V, the text will now appear at the cursor.