# Simple: Select a number of shapes, copy, and paste…

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/simple-select-a-number-of-shapes-copy-and-paste/24739>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [March 13, 2023, 8:27pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/simple-select-a-number-of-shapes-copy-and-paste/24739 "2023-03-13T20:27:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![mz-in-cali](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/mz-in-cali/32/19527_2.png) [@mz-in-cali](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/mz-in-cali)\
**Post date:** [March 13, 2023, 8:27pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/simple-select-a-number-of-shapes-copy-and-paste/24739/1 "2023-03-13T20:27:35Z")

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I’m on a Mac, although I sometimes use the iPad too, and can’t seem to figure ut something pretty rudimentary.

I am trying to make a number of shapes that are based on similar 2-D shapes. I create the first 2D shape, which consists of some concentric circles. I select all, and then I try to copy so I can then paste it multiple times. The Edit menu is grayed out, and ⌘-C does not work. I don’t see a Duplicate menu item either. I’d love a hint. I’ve watched some of the starting videos, but didn’t see this in there.

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**Author:** ![Peter\_Gy](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/peter_gy/32/9251_2.png) [@Peter\_Gy](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Peter_Gy)\
**Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 7:45am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/simple-select-a-number-of-shapes-copy-and-paste/24739/2 "2023-03-14T07:45:39Z")

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Hey – welcome to the forums and to Shapr3D in general!

Take a look at this manual page on tips about how to copy elements:

> **[Copying elements](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/7369335889564-Copying-elements)**
>
> Many tools include the option to Copy selected elements. Choose the appropriate tool based on the summary below:
> 
> 
> Move/Rotate - Use this tool to position a copy using the gizmo
> 
> 
> Translate - Use t...

(TLDR: the easiest way is to toggle the “Copy” badge when using the move/rotate gizmo)

If you want to create a repeated pattern, you might also want to check out how to do [patterns in 2D](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/7874323891228) and [in 3D.](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/7874397541532-Pattern-3D-)