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Google Drive Adds Support for Cut, Copy, Paste Keyboard Shortcuts

You'll need to be using the Chrome browser to take full advantage of this new feature.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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The ability to cut, copy, and paste using keyboard shortcuts is finally going to start working in Google Drive.

Some people will be surprised to hear you couldn't use the shortcuts until now, but attempting to do so always brought up a message explaining how to go about moving files without relying on the keyboard shortcuts because they didn't work.

The new functionalty adds support for Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X, and Ctrl+V (and the equivalent on Mac). As well as allowing files to move around, a link to the file and its title will be captured as part of the copy so that you can easily paste them into a document. Additionally, support for Ctrl+Enter allows you to open files and folders in a new tab.

Google is rolling out support to all Google Workspace customers and personal Google Account users over the coming week, with the full roll out beginning on June 1. However, there is one big caveat: Google Drive is available to use regardless of your web browser choice, but if you want to take full advantage of the keyboard shortcuts, then you're going to have to use the Chrome browser.

I attempted to use the keyboard shortcuts in Firefox and Google popped up a message stating, "Your web browser only allows you to paste a file with simple text. Additional keyboard shortcut functionality is supported with Google Chrome."

For more information on how this new functionality works, visit the Google support page on organizing files in Google Drive, or just open your Google Drive and start experimenting by pressing the key combos with files or folders selected.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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