How Do I Select and Copy Text in Emacs Using the Keyboard?

How do I select text using the keyboard?

After selecting text, I click on Edit. It shows Copy <copy>.

How do I copy text using the keyboard?

3 Answers

Press Ctrl-Space to mark start of block.

Move cursor until end of block.

Press Alt-w to copy

Move to insert position

Press Ctrl-y to paste

7

I found another way just the same as windows' operations.

Emacs menu > Options > C-x/C-c/C-v Cut and Paste (CUA).

That option will let me use Shift+Arrow keys to select, Ctrl+C to copy, and ctrl+V to paste.

But it only work in emacs. It could not paste on gedit.

If I want to paste to gedit, I should use menu > edit > copy.

I didn't find any shortcut to menu > edit > copy.

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James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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