CommonLit is a fantastic resource for educators and students, offering a wide variety of engaging texts. However, the platform's design sometimes makes copying and pasting text a bit tricky. This guide will walk you through the process, covering different scenarios and offering troubleshooting tips.
Understanding CommonLit's Copy Restrictions
CommonLit employs copy protection measures to prevent unauthorized distribution of its copyrighted materials. This means you can't simply highlight and copy-paste the entire text. However, you can copy and paste portions of the text for your own personal use, such as note-taking or creating assignments. This is perfectly acceptable within the bounds of fair use.
Methods for Copying and Pasting from CommonLit
Here are the most effective ways to copy and paste from CommonLit, depending on your needs:
Method 1: Selecting and Copying Text Snippets
This is the simplest method for copying small sections of the text.
- Open the CommonLit text: Navigate to the story or article you want to copy from.
- Select the text: Use your mouse or trackpad to highlight the specific portion of text you wish to copy. Be mindful of copyright restrictions and only copy what's necessary for your personal use.
- Copy the selection: Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy the highlighted text.
- Paste the text: Open your desired document (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Notepad) and press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the copied text.
Method 2: Using the "Print" Function (for larger sections)
If you need to copy a larger section, the "print" function can be a workaround.
- Open the CommonLit text: Locate the story or article you need.
- Select "Print": Most browsers have a print option accessible through the three vertical dots (More Options) in the upper right-hand corner. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac).
- Choose "Save as PDF": In the print dialogue box, select the option to save the document as a PDF file.
- Open the PDF: Once the PDF is saved, you can easily copy and paste text from it.
Method 3: Taking Screenshots
For images or diagrams, or if all else fails, taking screenshots is a viable option.
- Open the CommonLit text: Find the page containing the image or content you wish to capture.
- Take a screenshot: Use your operating system's built-in screenshot tool (often a keyboard shortcut involving the Print Screen key).
- Save and Edit: Save the screenshot as an image file (PNG, JPG). You can then edit or crop the screenshot using image editing software.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Text won't copy: This is often due to the copy protection. Try selecting smaller sections of text.
- Pasted text is formatted incorrectly: This can happen when copying from a PDF. Try pasting the text into a plain text editor first, then copying it to your desired document.
- Images won't copy: Screenshots are the most reliable method for capturing images from CommonLit.
Ethical Considerations
Remember to always respect CommonLit's copyright policies. Only copy and paste for personal use, and never distribute copyrighted material without permission. Always cite the source appropriately if you are including any CommonLit material in your work.
By following these simple steps and remembering the ethical considerations, you can easily access and utilize the valuable content available on CommonLit.
