Clearing formatting from selected text in Microsoft Word is a handy trick that helps make your document more uniform and professional. In just a few steps, you can strip away any extra styles, fonts, and colors applied to your text, leaving it plain and ready for new formatting. Whether you’re preparing a report, an essay, or any other document, following this guide will make the process a breeze.
How to Clear the Formatting from the Selected Text in Word
Following the steps below will remove all the formatting from your selected text, making it plain and uniform throughout your document.
Step 1: Select the Text
First, highlight the text you want to clear formatting from.
Click and drag your mouse over the text to highlight it. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A (Cmd + A on Mac) to select all text in the document.
Step 2: Open the Home Tab
Next, navigate to the Home tab on the Word ribbon.
The Home tab contains most of the essential formatting tools. It’s located at the top of the Word window and is usually the default tab when you open a new document.
Step 3: Locate the Clear Formatting Button
Find the Clear Formatting button, which looks like an eraser on an A.
The Clear Formatting button is usually situated in the Font group on the Home tab. It’s easy to spot with its eraser icon.
Step 4: Click the Clear Formatting Button
Now, click the Clear Formatting button.
Upon clicking, all the formatting (like bold, italics, font size, and color) will be removed from the selected text, reverting it to the default style.
Step 5: Verify Your Text
Finally, check to ensure the formatting has been cleared.
Your text should now appear in the default font and size, without any additional styling. If it’s not, double-check your selection and repeat the steps.
After completing these steps, your text will be stripped of any formatting, leaving it plain and ready for new formatting or for pasting into a different document without carrying over unwanted styles.
Tips for Clearing the Formatting from Selected Text in Word
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Spacebar for a quick way to clear formatting.
- Regularly clear formatting when copying text from different sources to maintain uniformity.
- Save your document before clearing formatting to prevent accidental loss of important styles.
- Utilize the Format Painter tool before clearing formatting if you want to replicate the style elsewhere.
- Adjust your default font settings in Word to ensure consistent formatting across new documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I clear formatting on a large document?
If you clear formatting on a large document, all selected text will revert to the default font and style settings. It’s best to do this in smaller sections to avoid losing important styles.
Can I undo the clear formatting action?
Yes, you can undo the clear formatting action by pressing Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac) immediately after clearing the formatting.
Does clearing formatting affect hyperlinks?
No, hyperlinks remain intact even after clearing formatting. Only the style and appearance of the text will change.
Can I clear formatting on a table in Word?
Yes, you can clear formatting on a table. Select the table and follow the same steps to remove any styling.
Will clearing formatting remove bullet points and numbering?
Yes, clearing formatting will remove bullet points and numbering. You’ll need to reapply these styles manually if needed.
Summary
- Highlight the text.
- Open the Home tab.
- Locate the Clear Formatting button.
- Click the Clear Formatting button.
- Verify the text.
Conclusion
Clearing the formatting from selected text in Word is an invaluable skill that helps maintain the uniformity and professionalism of your documents. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can quickly strip away any unwanted styles, fonts, and colors, ensuring your text is clean and ready for new formatting. Remember, this is not just about making your document look neat; it’s about enhancing readability and ensuring consistency, especially when dealing with copied text from various sources.
As you become more proficient with these tools, you’ll find that maintaining a clean and professional-looking document is easier than ever. For further reading, consider exploring other formatting tools in Word, like the Format Painter and Styles, which can save you even more time. Happy formatting!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.