Office Settings & Configuration

Fix PowerPoint Mac Shortcut to Duplicate Objects Not Working

Rana Garcia Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to duplicate objects in PowerPoint for Mac because the traditional Option-drag shortcut has stopped working.

Fix PowerPoint Mac Shortcut to Duplicate Objects Not Working

Product: PowerPoint for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Duplicating shapes, images, or text boxes quickly during presentation design.
Observed behavior: Option-click and Option-drag fail to duplicate objects in recent versions of PowerPoint for Mac, creating a functional inconsistency compared to PowerPoint for Windows.

Before you start

Check your PowerPoint for Mac version number by clicking 'PowerPoint' > 'About PowerPoint' in the top menu bar to determine if you are running version 16.90 or later.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the New Control-Drag Shortcut

Use the updated modifier key introduced in recent PowerPoint for Mac updates to duplicate objects via dragging.

Starting with PowerPoint for Mac version 16.90, Microsoft changed the default modifier key for duplicating objects. The Option key has been replaced by the Control key for this specific action.

Select the object

Click on the shape, image, or text box you wish to duplicate on your slide.

Hold the Control key

Press and hold the 'Control' key on your Mac keyboard.

Drag to duplicate

While holding Control, click and drag the object to a new location on the slide, then release the mouse followed by the Control key.

Submit Feedback to Microsoft: If you prefer the old Option-drag method, you can request its return by navigating to Help > Feedback in the PowerPoint menu bar and submitting your comments.

Solution 2

Use the Command + D Shortcut

A fast, single-step keyboard shortcut to instantly duplicate an object without using the mouse to drag.

Solution 3

Use Standard Copy and Paste

Rely on the universal macOS clipboard shortcuts if you prefer not to learn new application-specific modifier keys.

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Enjoy Stable and Familiar Shortcuts with WPS Office

If frequent updates and changing shortcuts in Microsoft PowerPoint disrupt your workflow, try WPS Office. It is a free, robust alternative that maintains familiar Mac behaviors, ensuring your presentation design process remains smooth and predictable.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version for free.
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3. Edit with Ease: Continue designing your slides using familiar shortcuts and intuitive drag-and-drop tools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Option-drag stop working in PowerPoint for Mac?

Microsoft updated the shortcut behavior in PowerPoint for Mac version 16.90 and later. The modifier key for duplicating objects was changed from Option to Control.

Can I revert the duplicate shortcut back to Option-drag?

There is currently no native setting in PowerPoint for Mac to revert this specific shortcut. Users must adapt to Control-drag or submit feedback to Microsoft via Help > Feedback to request the old shortcut's return.

Does this shortcut change affect PowerPoint for Windows?

No, this change is specific to PowerPoint for Mac (version 16.90+). PowerPoint for Windows continues to use its standard duplication shortcuts, such as Control-drag.

Are there other ways to duplicate multiple objects at once?

Yes. You can select multiple objects by holding the Shift key and clicking each one, then use Control-drag or press Command + D to duplicate all selected items simultaneously.

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