If you need to copy a long text, the specific method depends on the source, such as a web page, a Microsoft Word document, a PDF, or a text message conversation.
For web pages or documents
The most universal methods for copying large blocks of text involve selecting the beginning and end points of the text.
Using a mouse and keyboard:
- Click at the very beginning of the text you want to copy.
- Scroll down to the very end of the text.
- Hold down the Shift key.
- Click at the end of the text. This will select everything in between your two clicks.
- Press Ctrl + C (on Windows) or Command + C (on Mac) to copy the text.
Using “Select All”:
- If the text is the only thing on the page you want to copy, press Ctrl + A (on Windows) or Command + A (on Mac) to select everything. Then, press Ctrl + C or Command + C to copy it.
For Microsoft Word
If you are using Microsoft Word, the Office Clipboard can be helpful for copying multiple sections of text.
- Copy the first piece of text by selecting it and pressing Ctrl + C.
- Continue copying additional items (up to 24) from the same or other files.
- The text will be stored on the Office Clipboard, which you can paste at once or individually.
For PDF documents
To copy text from a PDF, you will need to use a PDF reader with editing capabilities.
- Open the PDF and select the Edit button or a similar function.
- Choose the “Copy & Paste Text” option.
- Click and drag your cursor to select the text you want to copy.
- Right-click the selection and choose “Copy” from the context menu.
For mobile text conversations
If you want to copy an entire text conversation on an Android device, a third-party app like “SMS Backup & Restore” is often the most reliable method.
- Use the app to back up the desired conversation.
- The app will save the conversation as a file that you can later view and copy the text from.
For repeating text
If you need to generate a long block of repeated text, like for testing purposes, a “text repeater” or “text duplicator” tool can automate the process.
- Go to a website or app that offers this service.
- Type the text you want to repeat.
- Set the number of times you want it to be repeated