Alternatively written as Control+V and C-v, ^v, Ctrl+V is a keyboard shortcut often used to paste text or other objects from the clipboard.

How to use the Ctrl+V keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold either Ctrl key, and while continuing to hold, press V.

On Apple computers, the shortcut to paste is Command+V.

  • How to use the Ctrl+V keyboard shortcut.
  • Ctrl+V in an Internet browser.
  • Ctrl+V in Excel and other spreadsheet programs.
  • Ctrl+V in Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Ctrl+V in Word and other word processors.
  • Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
  • Related information.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.

Ctrl+V in an Internet browser

In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Ctrl+V will paste the contents of the clipboard into any editable field. For example, you could paste text from another program into a text box in a form.

  • Firefox shortcuts
  • Google Chrome shortcuts
  • Internet Explorer shortcuts

Ctrl+V in Excel and other spreadsheet programs

In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+V will paste anything stored in the clipboard into the currently-selected cell. If you’ve copied more than one cell, Ctrl+V will paste them starting from your current position.

  • Full list of Excel shortcuts.
  • Google Sheets shortcuts.

Ctrl+V in Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, Ctrl+V pastes any text, image, video, or other objects into the currently-selected PowerPoint slide.

  • Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.

Ctrl+V in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word and other word processors, pressing Ctrl+V pastes any text, image, video, or other object into the active document.

  • Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

  • Alt+V
  • Ctrl

Ctrl, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, Paste, V

  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.
  • Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know.
  • Keyboard help and support.