How to Duplicate a Clip in Premiere Pro (2 Easy Ways)

Trying to repeat a clip in Premiere Pro but not sure how? Whether you're building out a montage, looping a scene, or just want to reuse part of your edit, duplicating clips is something you'll do all the time.

Luckily, it’s super easy once you know the trick. I’ll walk you through the two main ways I use all the time.

1. Use the Keyboard Shortcut

This is by far the fastest way once you get used to it.

• Windows: Select the clip, then press Alt and drag it to a new spot.
• Mac: Select the clip, then press Option and drag it.

That’s it. You’ll see a copy of the clip appear wherever you drop it. It works with video clips, audio clips, even graphics or adjustment layers.

Tip: If snapping is turned on (the magnet icon), it'll help line things up perfectly when you drop the duplicate.

2. Copy and Paste

If you're more comfortable with menus or just want precise control over where things go, this method works too:

1. Click on the clip you want to copy.
2. Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy.
3. Move your playhead where you want the new one.
4. Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac) to paste.

This drops the duplicated clip right at your playhead position on the same track.

Quick Tip: Duplicating Multiple Clips

You can also select multiple clips at once by holding Shift and clicking each one. Then use either method above to duplicate them together. Super handy for repeating sequences or synced edits.

Wrap Up

Duplicating clips in Premiere Pro is one of those small things that saves tons of time once it's second nature. Whether you're dragging with Alt/Option or doing a quick copy-paste, both methods get the job done fast.

Once you've done it a few times, it'll feel like second nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you repeat a clip in Premiere Pro?

To repeat a clip, just duplicate it using Alt+drag (Windows) or Option+drag (Mac). You can also copy (Ctrl/Cmd + C) and paste (Ctrl/Cmd + V) as many times as needed along your timeline for looping effects.

What is the shortcut to duplicate a clip?

The shortcut is:

• Windows: Hold Alt and drag the clip
• Mac: Hold Option and drag the clip
  This creates an instant copy wherever you drop it on your timeline.

Why can't I duplicate in Premiere Pro?

If duplication isn’t working, check if:

• The clip is actually selected
• You're dragging while holding Alt/Option
• You're not trying to drop onto a locked track
  Also make sure you're not accidentally moving instead of copying by missing the key press.

How to duplicate an object in Premiere Pro?

To duplicate any object like text layers, adjustment layers, or graphics:

1. Select it in the timeline
2. Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac)
3. Drag it to another spot
   It works just like duplicating video clips!