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How do I create a copy of a file? 

There are many ways to copy a file in OS X.  The simplest way is by control-clicking on a file (or right-clicking if you have a two-button mouse) to open up a context menu, then selecting Copy. 

Right Click, Copy

You can then left click somewhere else in the window so that the file is no longer selected, control-click (or right-click with a mouse) , and select Paste Item.

Right-Click, Paste Item

If you want to create a copy of a file or folder in the same location on your hard drive, control-click on it and then select Duplicate.

Right-click, Duplicate

You can also copy a file by using the options under the Edit menu in the Finder (Edit, Copy and Edit, Paste), or keyboard shortcuts (Control + C for Copy and Control + V for Paste). 

Edit, Copy or Paste

You can also hold down the Option key while dragging a file to create a copy.  A plus sign will appear on the file's icon as you drag it to let you know you are creating a copy.

 


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Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse. Funding for Tech-Ease content development has been provided by the USF College of Education and various grants from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2009 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.