The paste shortcut is a keyboard command used to insert text, images, or files that have previously been copied or cut to a digital clipboard. It is designed to save time by avoiding the need to re-type or manually re-create content. 1. Windows & Linux: Ctrl + V
Paste: Press Control (Ctrl) and V simultaneously to insert the copied item.
Alternative: Shift + Insert is a common alternative, often used in older terminal applications or when Ctrl is being used for other functions. 2. Mac (macOS): Command ⌘ + V Paste: Press the Command (⌘) key and V simultaneously. Alternatives:
Right-Click + Paste: Click the right mouse button (or tap with two fingers on a trackpad) and select “Paste” from the menu.
Edit Menu: Go to the top menu bar, click “Edit,” and choose “Paste”. 3. Special “Paste Without Formatting” Shortcuts
These are used to paste text while stripping away original formatting (fonts, colors, sizes) and matching it to the destination document’s style: Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + V
Mac: Command ⌘ + Shift + V (or sometimes Option + Shift + Command ⌘ + V) Common Copy/Cut/Paste Summary Windows/Linux Copy Ctrl + C Command ⌘ + C Cut Ctrl + X Command ⌘ + X Paste Ctrl + V Command ⌘ + V Undo Ctrl + Z Command ⌘ + Z Source: Paste Text Only shortcut in Word | Microsoft Community Hub