Guides › How do I copy with Ctrl+C on a Mac?
How do I copy with Ctrl+C on a Mac?
The short answer. The Mac copy shortcut is ⌘C, not Ctrl+C. To use Ctrl+C, V, X, A, Z, S, F, N, T, W and P like Windows, turn on KittyKit's Windows shortcuts (Pro); terminal apps are excluded by default so Ctrl+C still interrupts a process.
Default Mac shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl+C | ⌘C |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | ⌘V |
| Cut | Ctrl+X | ⌘X |
| Select all | Ctrl+A | ⌘A |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | ⌘Z |
KittyKit Windows shortcuts
Turns Ctrl+C, V, X, A, Z, S, F, N, T, W and P into their ⌘ versions, and Ctrl+Y becomes Redo (⌘⇧Z). In text fields Home, End and Ctrl+←/→ work like Windows, in Finder so do F2, Enter and Delete, and Alt+F4 closes a window; you can turn each shortcut off. It needs the Accessibility permission, and it is a Pro feature you can try first with the 7-day free trial.
Good to know
- In terminal apps Ctrl+C means “stop the running process”, so they are excluded by default. You can add other apps to the list in Settings or restore the default list.
- While it is on, the Mac's own Ctrl+A (line start) and Ctrl+F (forward) stop working.
- It doesn't work in password fields, where macOS blocks key input.
- In Finder it also supports Finder cut: cut files with Ctrl+X and move them with Ctrl+V.
What is KittyKit? A macOS utility that gives you one-key language switching, Windows shortcuts, F1–F12 function keys, window layout and a desktop cat in one app. Input switching, the cat and battery alerts are free, and Pro tools have a 7-day free trial. About KittyKit · How to install
More guides
- How do I change the language switch key on a Mac?
- How do I split windows in half on a Mac?
- How do I use F1–F12 as function keys on a Mac?
- How do I set mouse and trackpad scrolling separately on a Mac?
Last updated: October 9, 2026 · By KittyLand