Creating a duplicate of a picture file can be done without needing a specialized software program. To proceed, click a link below for the type of operating system installed on your computer.
Microsoft Windows users
To create a duplicate copy of a picture file in Microsoft Windows, follow the steps below.
Microsoft Windows users.
Apple macOS users.
Navigate to the location where the picture file is stored on your computer.
With your mouse, right-click the file.
From the drop-down menu that appears, select the Copy option.
Move your mouse cursor to the empty space under the picture file or navigate to the folder of your choice. Right-click again and select Paste.
If the process works correctly, a second version of the original file with the word Copy in it appears.
Apple macOS users
To create a duplicate copy of a picture file in Apple macOS, follow the steps below.
In Windows, the shortcut key combinations for copy and paste are Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V respectively.
Because each file name must be unique, if you paste a file in the same directory it was copied from, the operating system automatically changes the file name. If you want an exact duplicate of a file, you must paste the file into a different directory.
- Navigate to the location where the picture file is stored on your computer.
- Press and hold Option.
- Click the picture file you want to copy and drag it to the desired location.
- Release both Option and your mouse button.
- If the process works correctly, a second version of the original file appears.
In macOS, the shortcut key combinations for copy and paste are Command+C and Command+V respectively.
Related information
- How to move pictures or videos from a camera to the computer.
- How to make a picture smaller.
- How to make a negative of a picture.
- What file types can a picture be saved as?
- See our duplicate term page for further information and related links.
- Image help and support.
