diff --git a/core/shortcut_items.js b/core/shortcut_items.js
index 352d829c5..ef1cb07fc 100644
--- a/core/shortcut_items.js
+++ b/core/shortcut_items.js
@@ -99,7 +99,10 @@ Blockly.ShortcutItems.registerCopy = function() {
         Blockly.selected.isDeletable() &&
         Blockly.selected.isMovable();
     },
-    callback: function() {
+    callback: function(workspace, e) {
+      // Prevent the default copy behavior, which may beep or otherwise indicate
+      // an error due to the lack of a selection.
+      e.preventDefault();
       Blockly.hideChaff();
       Blockly.copy(/** @type {!Blockly.ICopyable} */ (Blockly.selected));
       return true;