How to 'Cut and Paste' Files on Mac

However, there are still a few tricks that allow you to 'cut and paste' your data on Mac similar to Windows. Let's find out right here.

Why can't you "Cut" files on a Mac?

It sounds confusing, but if you're used to using Windows and then switching to Mac, you'll find that the Finder's " Cut " option is under the " Edit " menu , and it's only for text. In other words, you won't be able to 'cut' (move) files or folders using this option.

It's not clear why, but this 'inconvenience' is part of macOS and you need to learn to accept it. Of course, there will still be a solution where you can move your file or folder similar to how you 'cut' and 'paste' files in Windows.

'Cut and paste' on Mac with keyboard shortcuts

To move one or more files with keyboard shortcuts on macOS, first open the Finder by clicking the Finder icon (smiley face) in the Dock. Then navigate to the folder containing the files that you want to move.

Now, click on the item(s) you want to move, and simultaneously press Command + C on your keyboard.

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Next, navigate to the location where you want to 'paste' your files and press the key combination Command + Option + V on your keyboard.

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Finder will move the selected items from their original location and "paste" them into your current folder. Simply that.

'Cut and paste' files on Mac using preferences in Finder

If you don't want to use keyboard shortcuts, there's an option in the Finder's menu bar that lets you 'cut and paste' data quickly.

To access this option, first navigate to the folder containing the data you want to move. Next, select the items to move, and from the Finder menu bar, choose Edit > Copy Items .

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Navigate to the folder where you want to paste the files. Here, hold down the Option key and choose Edit > Move Items Here from the Finder menu bar.

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The system will immediately move the files you selected from their original folder to the new location.

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Above are 2 ways for you to move folders and files on macOS. Hope you are succesful.

Lesley Montoya

Update 01 August 2021