Use Cut, Copy & Paste

Cut, copy & paste are used throughout Windows and many programs. We will practice them in windows explorer but they are used the same in many programs.

First we will make a file to work with. This can be done in a writing program or even a paint program. Then we will Cut, Copy and Paste and discuss the use of each.

First we need a file to work with so that we are not playing with a file belonging to a program. So, we will make our own.

Go to your writing program, what ever came with your PC, Works or Word or whatever. Start/Programs/ (writing program). In the program type anything, then select "File" in the upper left corner. From the pull down menu, select "Save As".

In the "Save As" window , the small bar window is labeled: "Save In:" Scroll the list and highlight "C:" drive. This puts the folders of C: in the larger window. Double Click on the folder you made. ( If you do not have a folder there, Go to: Section 3,"Make folders and move them around" in this manual and make a folder.)

This puts your folder in the bar window. Just below the main window are two more bar windows, labeled: "file name" and "save as type". You don't need to alter what ever the default setting is in "Save as type". However, you need to type in a name for your file in the "File name" window. When you've done that, select the "Save" button in the upper right. "X" out of what ever you are in and go to: Start/Programs/Windows Explorer. Highlight "C:" drive in the left window. In the right window in an open area, right click one time to get the pop up menu. Select "New"/ then select "folder". Type in a name for your second folder. Hit "Enter" to set the folder. Now, you have two folders and a file in one of them, all of which you made.

Any time you select "Cut" or "Copy", it appears that nothing has happened. However, the file, folder or program that you selected and Cut or Copied actually went to the "Clipboard". We will practice both, however, until you become very familiar with using the system, I advise that you mainly use "Copy". The reason is that if in the process of moving a file or folder by "Cut" anything goes wrong, you are working with an original so it can be in danger. Where, if anything goes wrong with a Copy, you can just make a new one. I usually make a determination of the value of the file as to weather to use Cut or Copy. A simple example is: The file I am going to Cut & Paste is a short note that I wrote. Cut & Paste is fine for this. However, what about a file just sent to you by e-mail that will correct a problem in a program you have. The file is now stored in a Download folder under your e-mail software and you want to move it to the program. Cut & Paste would be a little gamble. A safer way would be to use Copy & Paste. Then you can confirm the file went to where it was suppose to and then you can go back and delete the original. It is more time consuming but safer. The fastest method is Drag & Drop ( covered in another section ).

Select your first folder in the left window. This will show the file in the right window. Right click the file in the right window. In the pop up menu select "Copy".

In the left window right click your second folder. From the pop up menu, select "Paste". Even though it seems as though nothing happened it made a copy, sent it to the clipboard then transferred it to your second folder. To confirm this, select your second folder in the left window. You will see the copy in the right window. Now you have a copy in both folders. Select your first folder which puts the original file in the right window. Right Click the file in the right window. From the pop up menu, select "Delete". Now the file is in the second folder and the first folder is empty.

Select your second folder in the left window. Right Click the file in the right window. From the pop up menu, Select "Cut". Note that this time the icon in front of your file has "Grayed out", meaning it's faded in color.

Select "Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Clipboard Viewer" Note that your file is in the clipboard viewer. (This was just to show you where it went) "X" out of Clipboard Viewer. If you don't have "Clipboard Viewer" forget this part, It is a more advanced training that tells you how to add clipboard viewer.

Right Click your first folder in the left window and from the pop up menu, select "Paste". Now you have moved the file back to the first folder. This same procedure can be used to move a file, folder or even a small program to or from a floppy.

When you use "Cut" or "Copy", whatever went to the clipboard can be repeatedly "Pasted" to as many places as you want to. You do not need to use Cut or Copy over and over to make multiple copies. If you Cut or Copy another file, the first is deleted from the clipboard.

Cut, Copy & Paste works in many programs so you can hit "Cut or Copy" in one program and bring up another program and "Paste" it there. If Cut, Copy & Paste is available, it will either be in the "Edit" pull down menu and/or in the pop up menu from a right click. Cut, Copy and Paste are useful tools and as you use them you will find many uses for them.

If Cut, Copy & Paste is not available in a program that you are in, like in an Instant Message program or in some e-mail programs. You can still use Cut, Copy & Paste. You can use the following key strokes to use the clipboard even when there is no menu for it. Just select (highlight) whatever you want to send to the clipboard, Then hit "Ctrl + "C". Go to where you want to Paste it and put in a blinking cursor where you want it placed and hit, Ctrl + T to paste it.

In some cases where you have a document writen in a format the will not be accepted by the program that you are trying put it in, can be inserted by Cut, Copy & Paste.