---
id: junk-yard.what-happens-when-i-copy-a-file
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/what-happens-when-i-copy-a-file
category: "Junk Yard"
subcategory: "What gets captured"
question: "What happens when I copy a file or folder with the Junk Yard on?"
alt_questions:
  - "Does Junk Yard copy my files?"
  - "Does Junk Yard store a copy of files I copy?"
  - "Copying a file in Finder Junk Yard"
  - "Does the Junk Yard take up space with my files?"
  - "Is a file scrap a duplicate of the file?"
  - "What does a file card hold?"
short_answer: "The Junk Yard keeps a reference to a copied file or folder — not a second copy. The card shows its icon and name, and copying the card back gives you the real file to paste."
tags: ["files", "capture", "junk yard"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/can-i-paste-a-file-from-the-junk-yard", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/what-does-moved-mean-on-a-file-scrap", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/what-does-missing-mean-on-a-file-scrap"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What happens when I copy a file or folder with the Junk Yard on?

The Junk Yard keeps a **reference** to the file or folder, not a second copy. The card shows the Finder icon and the full name, and nothing is duplicated on your disk.

When you copy that card back, you get the actual file, ready to paste into Finder, an email or a chat. If you later move the file with Storage Studio, the card follows it and shows a **Moved** note; if the original is deleted, the card shows **Missing**.

See [Can I paste a file from the Junk Yard?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/junk-yard/can-i-paste-a-file-from-the-junk-yard)