Most people are broadly familiar with copying processes by now. It’s a way of duplicating a file so that you can have one or more copies of it. This is an essential process for many Mac users, specifically people who use their device for work. If you are working in a creative industry, it’s likely that you will need to know how to copy on a Mac to create back up files of original content while you work on a new version. The process is equally useful for anyone who has a large library of audio and video. If you want to move files between devices, the copy function is essential. Small copies can be easily done manually, though even this can be difficult if you’re moving between different operating systems. Larger transfers, such as entire catalogues, often require programs designed for the task. There are plenty of different options out there, and the best guarantee maximum usability even when you’re transferring between Mac and Android, for example. We’re going to look at how to copy on Mac and how to move files to your Android device.
Manual copying on Mac is pretty straightforward, and very similar to carrying out a similar function on Windows. We’re going to show you how to copy on a Mac manually. First off, you need to open a finder window, and get to the files you are looking to copy. You can use the search function to make this easier. Once you’ve done that, open up a second window that has the destination for your files. Now, you need to select the files that you want to transfer. By holding down the command key as you click each file, you can earmark it for the transfer. Once you’ve selected all the files that you want to move, all you need to do is press and hold the option key - it may also be labeled as alt. Then click and drag the files, while holding down the option/alt key, and simply drop them in the folder you want to move them to. Another easy way to copy on Mac is by simply selecting the files, right click, select copy, then paste them into the destination folder.
Another way of copying files on Mac is by using console commands. For some people, this may seem overly complicated. However, for all users, a basic knowledge of the console is worthwhile. Once you know how to copy on Mac with terminal commands, you may realise how many other possibilities are available. In order to use the console, you need to open the Terminal app. This gives you access to the console, and provides you with a greater level of control over your device. Once you’ve done this, it’s easy to carry out local copying. All you need to do is use the cp command. For instance, to move a folder titled ‘Movies’ to another folder named ‘Content’, you would type cp -R ~Documents/Movies Volumes/Documents/Content/Movies. The -R flag ensures that you copy the entire contents of the folder and its title.
You can also use the console to copy on Mac remotely, if you’re part of a network. To do this, first you need to open up the Terminal. To work with files remotely, you need to use the scp command. For instance, scp -E ~/Movies.tgz username@remoteserver.com:/Users/username/Desktop/Movies.tgz . This kind of command allows you to upload to a remote server, or simply add to another user’s device on a work or home network.
All the above is relevant if you’re looking for how to copy on a Mac without sending information to an external device, or remote servers. However, the problems arise when you try to move files between Mac and Android. Given that these are two different operating systems, it’s likely that you’ll encounter some usability issues. You can’t effectively use the same methods we’ve described here, and will almost certainly need to make use of an additional program to facilitate the transfer. Fortunately, programs like MacDroid let you carry out these tasks easily, while also providing you with a whole host of extra features to make use of.
As we’ve mentioned, if you want to copy on Mac and Android, you’re going to need to make use of specialist software. For many people Macs are the ideal home device, but they’d rather make use of Android for their portable device. Due to differences in the operating systems, most users find that they encounter some difficulties when trying to synchronise or move files between devices. That’s where MacDroid comes in. This program has been specifically designed to provide you with everything you need to quickly move files from your Mac to your Android device. It provides a wide range of different options, making it suitable for a lot of different tasks. It also includes a few extra features that make it especially useful.
Naturally, MacDroid provides you with a tool for moving files from your Mac to your Android device, or to copy on a Mac. It’s straightforward to use, letting you move single files around, or send complete folders to your device. The interface is designed for maximum usability, laying everything out in a clear format that makes file transfers the work of a few seconds. You can move any kind of folder, though most people find it most useful for transferring music, movies and TV shows. Once you’ve created a bridge between your Android device and Mac, you can easily move your entire library, or select choices, allowing you to access content no matter where you are.
MacDroid has a particularly useful function that lets you edit files on your Android directly from your Mac. Many people find manual file management on an Android device to be tiresome and time consuming. Fortunately, MacDroid lets you move, edit and delete files directly through the app, rather than forcing you to do it by hand. It’s time-saving, and most people find it far more convenient to manage files via a Mac than by using inbuilt Android file management tools.
MacDroid can also copy on Mac in two different modes - ADB and MTP. It’s useful having the choice between two different methods, as you may find one to be far more convenient than the other. ADB is generally the preferred choice, as it offers faster speeds, but it’s still good to have MTP available.
There are many other options out there if you want to find out how to copy on a Mac, but MacDroid is one of the most effective solutions for copying files from Mac to Android. It’s completely straightforward to use, and once connected with a USB, offers fast speeds for moving files around. It’s also available at a very affordable rate. You can use a weekly free trial to find out what’s on offer, and if you choose to invest, prices are low compared to competing options. Thanks to a range of effective tools, and total simplicity of use, it’s guaranteed to meet any needs you might have. The free version will only let you transfer files from Android to Mac, but with the PRO version, you’ll be able to unlock full usability.
We’re going to show you how to copy on Mac and Android. Copying files using MacDroid is really straightforward, but before you get started, you need to decide which transfer mode you’re going to use - either MTP or ADB. Both allow you to carry out the same tasks, but there are a few small differences between them that you need to consider. You also need to carry out some extra steps in order to use ADB mode. We’re going to look at the two different modes now.
MTP stands for Media Transfer Protocol. It’s pretty much the most basic way of interacting with a device connected to your computer or Mac by USB. The way it works is that, for every function (such as moving files around), your main device sends a request to the connected device, asking it to carry out the task. It’s straightforward, but not as fast as other methods.
To use MacDroid and copy on a Mac with MTP:
First of all, connect it to your Android device with a USB.
You’ll then be able to select MTP Mode in the device box that opens.
Your Mac should recognise the connected Android device, and may ask you to grant access via a pop up on your phone.
Allow access, if necessary, and click next. It should then recognise your Android device, and give you the option to mount it.
Click the mount button, and you’re connected. From here, you can easily access all your files, and move them between your Mac and Android device.
ADB stands for Android Debug Bridge. This is a faster way of connecting your Android device to a Mac. Essentially, rather than sending requests and waiting for replies, ADB gives your Mac full control over your Android device, making for quicker file transfers and management.
Different devices have different ways of authorising ADB:
You need to enable developer options to access ADB mode. For Android 4.2 and above, this means going into your settings and clicking your phone’s build number seven times.
You can then access developer options and enable ADB.
Once you’ve done that, everything else is much the same as connecting in MTP mode.
Once you’ve connected to your Android device via USB, a box will open letting you select ADB. It’ll then ask you to confirm access on your phone, and from there you can mount the device and start transferring.
To move files between your Mac and Android device, simply follow the steps you would usually use to copy in Mac using MacDroid. You can select the files you want, and simply drag them between folders. Another useful feature is the fact that you can rename your device. If you have multiple Android devices, this can make it easier to keep track of which device you are using, and which files are where.
That’s pretty much everything there is to know about how to copy on Mac and Android. As we’ve mentioned, since the two formats use different operating systems, there’s no way to get around the issues of cross-compatibility without investing in a transfer program. While the methods we outlined at the beginning are useful, up to a point, they are nowhere near as quick or convenient as using a program like MacDroid.
MacDroid has been designed specifically with the user in mind, aiming to make it as easy as possible for you to move your files to where they are needed, even if you’re not familiar with how to copy on MacBook. These days, with the advent of smaller and more powerful technology, it’s becoming more and more common for people to use their Android devices to enjoy content. Music, TV and even movies are the ideal companion when traveling, and with a program like MacDroid, it takes a few seconds to move your content to your portable device.
MacDroid is available as a free seven day trial, which should be long enough for you to find out what it has to offer. To take full advantage of this great file copy utility, all you need to do is upgrade to the PRO version, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the features on offer. Check it out, and find out just how easy it is to move files from Mac to Android.
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MacDroid
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MacDroid
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ApowerManager
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dr.fone - Phone Manager
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TunesGo
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Vibosoft Android Mobile Manager
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iSkysoft Phone transfer
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MobiKin Assistant for Android
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Coolmuster Android Assistant for Mac
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Syncios
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Android File Transfer
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OpenMTP
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MTP mode
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MTP mode
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ADB mode
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ADB mode
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Folder transfer
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Folder transfer
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File transfer
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File transfer
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Media transfer
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Media transfer
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Finder integration
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Finder integration
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On-the-phone file edit
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On-the-phone file edit
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Single Mac app
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Single Mac app
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Device compatibility - Full
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Device compatibility - Full
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Vast
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Connectivity issues
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Vast
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$1.67/mo
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$1.67/mo
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$39.95/year
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$29.95/year
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$29.95/year
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$39.95
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$39.95
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$29.95
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$29.95
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$29.95
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free
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free
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