How To Copy And Paste From Commonlit

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

19-01-2025

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CommonLit is a fantastic resource for educators and students alike, offering a wide variety of high-quality literary texts. However, copying and pasting from the platform can sometimes present a minor hurdle. This guide will walk you through the process, outlining the best methods to successfully copy and paste text from CommonLit for your assignments or research.

Understanding CommonLit's Restrictions

CommonLit employs certain security measures to protect copyrighted materials. These measures can sometimes interfere with standard copy-paste functions. This isn't a deliberate attempt to prevent you from using the texts; rather, it's a safeguard to maintain legal compliance.

Method 1: The Select and Copy Method

This is the simplest and most reliable method for most users.

1. Navigate to the text: Open the CommonLit story or article you wish to copy from.
2. Highlight the text: Use your mouse or trackpad to select the specific text you want to copy. You can highlight a single word, a sentence, a paragraph, or even the entire text.
3. Copy the text: Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy the highlighted text to your clipboard.
4. Paste the text: Open your destination document (e.g., a Word document, Google Doc, or email) and press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac) to paste the copied text.

Method 2: Using the Browser's "Inspect" Function (Advanced Users)

If the standard copy-paste method fails, you can try this more advanced technique:

1. Right-click on the text: Right-click on the text you want to copy within the CommonLit platform.
2. Select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element": This option will vary slightly depending on your browser, but it should be near the bottom of the right-click menu. This opens your browser's developer tools.
3. Locate the text: In the developer tools, you'll see the HTML code for the webpage. Find the section corresponding to the text you wish to copy. This may require some familiarity with HTML.
4. Copy the text: Select the text within the HTML code and copy it using Ctrl + C or Cmd + C.
5. Paste and Format: Paste the copied text into your document. You may need to manually format the text as it might appear differently when pasted from the HTML code.

Troubleshooting

If you still encounter difficulties, consider these possibilities:

• Browser Issues: Try using a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). Sometimes, browser extensions or settings can interfere with copy-paste functionality.
• Network Connectivity: Ensure a stable internet connection. Poor connectivity can disrupt the copying process.
• CommonLit Updates: Rarely, updates to the CommonLit platform might temporarily affect copy-paste functions. Check for any announcements or updates from CommonLit regarding this.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully copy and paste text from CommonLit for your academic needs. Remember to always cite your sources appropriately when using materials from CommonLit or any other online resource.