Everybody knows these basic keyboard shortcuts for copying and pasting: Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V. But there’s much more to them!
With these handy tips, you can copy-paste more efficiently than ever before. The tips are convenient for all Linux and Gnome users in particular, as most of the shortcuts work out-of-the-box. There is no need to install additional software – simply memorize these shortcuts to be more productive!
Copy-pasting was invented in the 1970’s
Did you know? The modern copy-pasting method of selecting some text and using a single keyboard shortcut to copy and paste it was originally invented by Larry Tesler, way back in the 1970’s.
Tesler conceived and implemented many graphical user interface (GUI) features, which are taken for granted today. We find it very interesting to read more about Larry Tesler and his crusade against “modes” in human-computer interfaces.
Knowing how to copy-paste efficiently is an essential skill all computer users should learn to be productive. Memorize them today!
Watch the full presentation
Plain presentation slides are available on Slideshare.
Quick summary
| Action | Shortcut |
| Select text lines to copy | Drag with mouse |
| Select text columns to copy | Press Ctrl while dragging with mouse |
| Copy | Ctrl+Cor simply click the middle mouse button |
| Copy in terminal | Shift+Ctrl+C |
| Copy in terminal with formatting | Shift+Ctrl+H |
| Paste | Ctrl+V |
| Paste without formatting | Shift+Ctrl+V |
| Take a full screen screenshot directly to clipboard | Ctrl+PrtScr |
| Take a window screenshot to clipboard | Ctrl+Alt+PrtScr |
| Select area to screenshot directly to clipboard | Ctrl+Shift+PrtScr |
| Record full screen to video | Ctrl+Shift+Alt+R |
#10 “Secure” paste into terminal.
Edit file ~/.inputrc :
$include /etc/inputrc # keep defaults
set enable-bracketed-paste On
Now, when pasting text with multiple lines, this will let you check and edit before running the commands.