Apple numbers User Manual

    Working with Shapes, Graphics, and Other Objects 

 

Copying or Duplicating Objects

The technique you use to copy an object depends on where you want to place the 
copy. When the copy will be far from the original or in another sheet or spreadsheet, 
copying and pasting is generally easier. When you're working with an object that is 
near the original, duplicating is generally easier. 

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To copy and paste an object, select it, and then choose Edit > Copy. Click the sheet in 
which you want the copy to appear. Choose Edit > Paste.

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To copy an object within the same sheet, you can hold down the Option key while you 
drag the object.

You can also duplicate the object. Select the object and choose Edit > Duplicate. The 
copy appears on top of the original, slightly offset. Drag the copy to the desired 
location.

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To copy an image between Numbers spreadsheets, select the image and drag its icon 
from the File Info field in the Metrics Inspector to a sheet in the other Numbers file.

You can also use Edit > Copy and Edit > Paste. 

Deleting Objects

Deleting objects is quick and easy. 

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Select the object(s) and press the Delete key.

If you accidentally delete an object, choose Edit > Undo Delete.

Moving Objects

You can drag objects or cut and paste them to move them. 

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Click the object to select it (the selection handles appear), and then drag it to a new 
location.

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To constrain the object’s motion to horizontal, vertical, or a 45 degree angle, start 
dragging the object while holding down the Shift key.

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To move the object in small increments, press one of the arrow keys, causing the object 
to move a point at a time. To move the object ten points at a time, hold down the Shift 
key while pressing an arrow key.

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To show the position of the object when you move it, choose Numbers > Preferences, 
and then select “Show size and position when moving objects” in the General pane.