Spent ages crafting the perfect cluster of sticky notes — and now you need it in three places at once? Looking to create a copy of an entire whiteboard as a starting point? Find out here how to copy (or duplicate) elements and entire whiteboards in MS Whiteboard.
First, Sound Swells in Sea’s Shells
The sea one can hear in a seashell is there to be heard without the sea and without an ear that is listening — but not without ambient noise.
For the shell’s geometry swallows some frequencies and, copying them repeatedly in a manner, augments others. So, just about whatever the sound around, it will turn into characteristic colorful noise in a seashell.
Now, want to augment some elements (or entire whiteboards) that resonate with you? Here’s how to copy them, possibly repeatedly:
How to Copy (or Duplicate) Elements and Whiteboards in MS Whiteboard
Copy Elements in Microsoft Whiteboard
Time needed: 2 minutes
To copy and paste any part of a whiteboard in MS Whiteboard:
- Choose the selection tool in Microsoft Whiteboard.
Here’s how: Click the pointer in the toolbar.
MS Whiteboard keyboard shortcut: Press Control S (Mac) or Alt S (Windows and Linux) to pick the selector. - Select the element or elements you want to copy.
Here’s how: Click the element as it appears highlighted in blue when the mouse cursor hovers over it.
More than one: Hold down the Ctrl (Windows and Linux) or Command (Mac) keys to add an element to the select or remove an element already in the selection.
One fell swoop: You can open a rectangle over elements to select all (fully) encompassed.
- Click Copy in the contextual toolbar that has appeared.
MS Whiteboard keyboard shortcut: Press Ctrl C (Windows and Linux) or Command C (Mac) to copy.
Duplicity: To create copy of the selected elements on the same whiteboard, click the three-dots More menu, then choose Duplicate.
- Go to the whiteboard where you want to paste the elements.
Here’s how: Click My whiteboards, then go to the desired board (or create a new one).
- Press Ctrl V (Windows and Linux) or Command V (Mac).
Mousing around: You can also click anywhere with the right mouse button and select Paste in the context menu that has appeared.
Double the joy, none of the trouble?
Tips help fuel these email and tech how-tos.
Duplicate a Whiteboard
To duplicate the contents of a whiteboard in Microsoft Whiteboards:
- Open the whiteboard you want to copy in MS Whiteboards.
- Choose the selection tool
- Press Ctrl A (Windows and Linux) or Command A (Mac).
Here’s why: This will select all elements on the board. - Click Copy in the contextual toolbar or use the keyboard shortcut for copying (see above).
- Now click the My whiteboards home button.
- Select New Whiteboard.
- Close the Templates window if it has appeared.
- Press Ctrl V (Windows and Linux) or Command V (Mac).
Here’s why: This will paste the elements previously copied on the other whiteboard.
Using the mouse: You can also click anywhere on the whiteboard with the right mouse button and select Paste in the context menu that appears.
Copying to disk: How to Save and Export in MS Whiteboard
How to Copy (or Duplicate) in MS Whiteboard: FAQ
Can I paste from Whiteboard in other applications?
Somewhat.
When you paste what you copied in Microsoft Whiteboard in any other application, you will get a textual representation of the first element from the top in your copied selection (e.g. line, triangle or the text for a text element).
(Tested with MS Whiteboard 14.10705–25.10505; first published July 2024, last updated January 2026)