Drop

What is Drop?


Definition

Drop is the action of releasing a dragged item in a new location or onto a target on the screen. It completes the drag by signaling where the item should be placed or what it should affect, with the outcome determined by the release point. This matters because the system relies on this final input to carry out actions such as moving, copying, or placing items accurately.

Frayer Model Overview

Frayer model diagram explaining the computer term “Drop,” with sections for definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Characteristics

  • Happens at the end of a drag action

  • Places an item into a specific location or onto a target

  • The result depends on where the item is released

  • Often causes a visible change, such as moving or placing something

  • Is brief and momentary

Examples

  • Dropping a file into a folder to move it

  • Dropping an icon to a new spot on the desktop

  • Dropping selected text into a new place in a document

  • Dropping a file into a USB drive to copy it

  • Dropping an item into the recycle bin

Non-Examples

  • Dragging without releasing the item

  • Clicking an item once

  • Double-clicking to open something

  • Hovering an item over a location without releasing it

  • Typing or scrolling

Related Terms

See It In Action