Mac OS | Copy, Paste, and Move Files

How to copy, paste, and move files on macOS with Command and Option keyboard shortcuts

Starting with Lion, cut and paste is supported with keyboard shortcuts. However, it is a little different from Windows. Windows cuts first and then pastes, while Lion copies first and then either pastes or moves the file. On Mac, you have two choices.

First copy with command + c, then paste with command + v or cut and paste by moving with command + option + v.

Copy / Paste

command + c / command + v

Copy / Move

command + c / command + option + v