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Copying and Moving Text in Word 2010

Copying and moving text are two of the most common things you'll do in Microsoft Word. You can duplicate text inside the same document, move it between different documents, bring it over from another Microsoft Office program, or even pull in content from outside sources like web pages. No matter where the text comes from, the first step never changes: select the text you want to work with. As soon as something is selected, the Cut and Copy commands light up on the Home tab.

Moving Text with Cut and Paste

To move text, click Cut, put the cursor where you want it to go, and click Paste. If something goes wrong, press Ctrl-z on the keyboard to undo the change and bring back your previous selection. Keyboard fans can do the same thing with shortcuts: Ctrl-x to cut the text, move the cursor, then Ctrl-v to paste it in the new spot.

Copying Text

Copying works almost the same way. Select the text, click Copy, move the cursor to where you want the duplicate to appear, and click Paste. Press Ctrl-z to undo and get back to your earlier selection. Prefer the keyboard? Use Ctrl-c to copy, move to the new location, and Ctrl-v to paste.

Moving and Copying Text by Dragging

There's also a more hands-on method. Select the text, press the left mouse button on the selection, drag it to its new location, and let go to drop the text into place. To copy rather than move, just hold down Ctrl while you drag the selected text to its destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between copying and moving text in Word?
Copying leaves the original text in place and makes a duplicate at the new location, while moving takes the text out of its original spot and puts it somewhere else. In Word, Copy and Paste duplicates text, and Cut and Paste moves it.
Do I need to select text before I can copy or move it?
Yes. You have to select the text first. Once it's selected, the Cut and Copy commands become available on the Home tab.
What keyboard shortcuts can I use to copy and move text?
Use Ctrl-x to cut (move) text, Ctrl-c to copy text, and Ctrl-v to paste it wherever the cursor now sits.
Can I copy text from another document or program into Word?
Yes. You can copy text within the same document, between documents, from another Microsoft Office program, and even from other sources such as web pages into your Word document.
How do I move or copy text by dragging with the mouse?
Select the text, press the left mouse button on the selection, drag it to its new location, and release the button to move it. To copy instead, hold down Ctrl while you drag the selected text.

Continue Learning

Ready to keep going? Move on to Find and Replace, or go back to Selecting Text to firm up the basics. You can also head back to the Home page.

Next: Find and Replace