how to paste text only in word
Sometimes when you copy text from the internet or another document into Microsoft Word, all those extra fonts, colors, and sizes can be a real pain. But guess what? You can paste text only in Word without all that extra baggage. Just a couple of clicks and you’re good to go. Here’s how you can do it in a snap.
How to paste text only in Word
In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to paste text only in Word. This will help you maintain a clean and consistent format in your documents.
Step 1: Copy your text
Highlight the text you want to copy and press Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac) to copy it.
When you copy text, it also grabs any formatting applied to it. This includes fonts, colors, and other style elements.
Step 2: Open your Word document
Open the Word document where you want to paste the text.
Having your Word document open and ready will make the process quicker and more seamless.
Step 3: Position your cursor
Click where you want to place the text in your Word document.
Placing the cursor where you want the text to go ensures the text will paste exactly where you need it.
Step 4: Use ‘Keep Text Only’ option
Right-click and select ‘Keep Text Only’ from the paste options, or press Ctrl+Shift+V (Cmd+Shift+V on Mac).
Using ‘Keep Text Only’ strips away all the formatting, leaving just the plain, unformatted text.
Step 5: Review and adjust
Look over the pasted text to make sure it’s formatted the way you want it.
Sometimes the pasted text might need minor adjustments to fit perfectly into your document.
Once you complete these steps, your text will be pasted without any of the annoying formatting. This makes it easier to maintain a consistent look in your document.
Tips for pasting text only in Word
- Keyboard Shortcut: Use Ctrl+Shift+V (Cmd+Shift+V on Mac) for a faster way to paste without formatting.
- Paste Special: Use the ‘Paste Special’ option in the Edit menu for more control over how your text is pasted.
- Clear Formatting: If you accidentally paste with formatting, you can highlight the text and use the ‘Clear All Formatting’ button under the Home tab.
- Default Paste Setting: You can change the default paste option to ‘Keep Text Only’ in the Word options menu for future use.
- Consistent Styles: Use Word’s built-in styles to maintain a consistent look across your document after pasting text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pasted text have different fonts and sizes?
When you copy text, it includes the original formatting. Pasting with ‘Keep Text Only’ removes this formatting.
How can I set ‘Keep Text Only’ as the default paste option?
Go to File > Options > Advanced, then under ‘Cut, copy, and paste,’ select ‘Keep Text Only.’
Is there a way to paste text only using the keyboard?
Yes, press Ctrl+Shift+V (Cmd+Shift+V for Mac) to paste without formatting.
Can I paste text only in older versions of Word?
Yes, but the steps might be slightly different. Look for ‘Paste Special’ in the Edit menu.
What if I want to keep some formatting?
You can manually adjust the formatting after pasting, or use ‘Paste Special’ to selectively keep certain styles.
Summary
- Copy your text.
- Open your Word document.
- Position your cursor.
- Use ‘Keep Text Only’ option.
- Review and adjust.
Conclusion
Pasting text only in Word is a fantastic way to keep your documents clean and consistent. Whether you’re making a report for school or drafting a professional letter, getting rid of all that extra formatting clutter can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
By following these simple steps, you’ll be a pro at keeping your text neat and tidy. You can even set Word to do this automatically, saving you time in the future. So give it a try next time you need to paste text in Word. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who might need it too! Happy writing!
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.