Help:Copying and Pasting into a Wiki Page

Wiki Help Editing The Wiki  Copying and Pasting into a Wiki Page

What is "Copy and Paste?"
Copy and Paste is the ability to select and copy text from one location, and insert it into another location. It is possible to "Copy and Paste" text from PDFs, Internet pages, and document files into the FamilySearch Research Wiki, however, not all of the formatting will be included when copying and pasting between different computer program files. Special instructions are available if you want to copy and paste text from a spreadsheet, such as an Excel document. Pasting to the Wiki means to add it into the editing window of a Wiki page. Don't forget to save it to make it permanent.

Before you start
1. First make sure you know what text you want to copy, and where you want to paste or insert it.

2. A Web browser and other programs can be open at the same time. You may also open more than one instance of an Internet browser to copy from another website. To switch between the different programs, locate the icons on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen and Click on the one you want.

3. Select the text you want to copy. This can be text from a page in any program. Then copy that text. You can use the Edit menu or any of its shortcuts. Proceed with either one of the following:

4. Navigate to the Family Search Wiki, to the article you want to paste text into. If that page is not already open, then use the Search boxand search for the title.

5. Make sure you are logged into the Family Search Research Wiki,

6. Click the Edit This Page button found at the top right of the page. This will open the Edit Window.

7. To Paste into a Wiki Page using Wikitext see the section.

How to Paste into a Wiki Page using the FCK Editor
1. Make sure the FCK Editor toolbar looks like the one above. If not, then Click on the Wikitext button in the top left corner. This will exit the Wikitext mode, allowing the FCK Editor to work.

2. Click in the Edit Window where you want the new text to be inserted.

3. Now you can Paste into the Wiki Page using the Windows Edit menu or any of its shortcuts. If you attempt to "paste" in the Edit Window, a new window will pop up, prompting you to paste into that window. This works fine, but may be confusing for some users, because you first have to Left Click with your mouse in the window, and then paste, or while holding down the "CTRL" key, tap the "V" key on your keyboard.

4. Format your text after you have pasted it. Use your backspace key, Delete key and Enter key just as you do in your word processor. If you make a mistake, don't worry. Its not permanent. You can fix it or someone else will.

5. When you are finished, scroll down to the bottom and add a short Edit Summary.

6. Then click the Save page button. This page will now contain your changes. Everyone who looks at your page, from around the world, will see the changes that you made. Its a good feeling to help others.

How to Paste into a Wiki Page using Wikitext


1. Make sure the FCK Editor toolbar looks like the one above. If not, then Click on the Wikitext button in the top left corner to enter Wikitext mode. Wikitext may seem a little scary at first because it looks unusual. If you are new to editing, just stick with Copy and Paste as explained here and you will do OK. Just remember to avoid the following characters < [ { and } ] > As you gain more experience, you will learn how to use these additional functions.

2. Click in the Edit Window where you want the new text to be inserted. You can use the Windows Edit menu or any of its shortcuts. You can insert text anywhere - before, after or in the middle of a paragraph.

3. Format your text after you have pasted it. Use your backspace key, Delete key and Enter key just as you do in your word processor. Text can also be moved. Just highlight the text to be moved. Click on that highlight, wait one second then move it to where you want it located. If you make a mistake, don't worry. Its not permanent. You can fix it or someone else will.

4. When you are finished, scroll down to the bottom and add a short note in the Edit Summary.

5. Then click the Save page button. This makes all your changes permanent. Everyone who looks at your page, from around the world, will see the changes that you made. Its a good feeling to help others.