Removing highlighting from copied text in Microsoft Word is a simple task that can be completed in just a few steps. By following this guide, you’ll learn how to clear unnecessary highlights from your documents quickly and efficiently.
Removing Highlighting in Word from Copied Text
This section will guide you through a series of steps to remove highlighting from text that you’ve copied into a Word document. By the end, your text will look clean and uniform.
Step 1: Select the Highlighted Text
First, select the text that has the highlighting you want to remove, by clicking and dragging your cursor over it.
Make sure you highlight precisely what you want to change. You can select multiple sections at once by holding down the Ctrl key (Cmd on Mac) while clicking.
Step 2: Open the ‘Home’ Tab
Next, go to the ‘Home’ tab located at the top of the Word window.
The ‘Home’ tab is your go-to spot for most text formatting options. It’s where you’ll find the tools you need to remove highlighting.
Step 3: Click the ‘Text Highlight Color’ Button
Now, click the ‘Text Highlight Color’ button in the ‘Font’ group on the ribbon.
The ‘Text Highlight Color’ button looks like a marker pen. Clicking it will open a dropdown menu with different color options.
Step 4: Select ‘No Color’
From the dropdown menu, choose ‘No Color.’
Selecting ‘No Color’ removes any existing highlighting from the selected text. It’s like wiping the slate clean.
Step 5: Deselect the Text
Finally, click anywhere outside the selected text to deselect it.
By clicking outside, you lock in the changes you’ve made, and your text is now free from any highlights.
After completing these steps, the highlighting on your copied text will be gone, leaving your document clean and professional-looking.
Tips for Removing Highlighting in Word from Copied Text
- Use the ‘Clear Formatting’ Option: This will remove all formatting, not just highlighting, which can be useful in some cases.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Pressing Ctrl + Spacebar (Cmd + Spacebar on Mac) can quickly clear most formatting, including highlighting.
- Check the Paste Options: When you paste text, choose ‘Keep Text Only’ to avoid carrying over any unwanted formatting.
- Use Find and Replace: For bulk changes, you can use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature to remove highlighting from large sections of text.
- Save Your Work: Always save your document before making major changes, so you can easily undo if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove highlighting from multiple sections at once?
Yes, you can select multiple highlighted sections by holding down the Ctrl key (Cmd on Mac) while clicking each section.
Is there a way to remove all formatting, including highlighting, in one go?
Yes, you can use the ‘Clear Formatting’ button or the shortcut Ctrl + Spacebar (Cmd + Spacebar on Mac).
What if I only want to copy text without any formatting?
When pasting text, use the ‘Keep Text Only’ option to avoid bringing over any formatting, including highlighting.
How do I remove highlighting from text in a protected document?
In a protected document, you might need to unprotect it first by going to ‘Review’ > ‘Restrict Editing’ and then entering the required password.
Can I use VBA to remove highlighting?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with coding, you can use a VBA script to automate the removal of highlighting across your document.
Summary
- Select the highlighted text.
- Open the ‘Home’ tab.
- Click the ‘Text Highlight Color’ button.
- Select ‘No Color.’
- Deselect the text.
Conclusion
Removing highlighting in Word from copied text is a straightforward process that even beginners can master. With just a few clicks, you can make any text look clean and professional. By following the steps outlined above, and utilizing the tips provided, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any highlighting issues that come your way.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other Word formatting tips to further enhance your document editing skills. Whether you’re preparing a report for school or a proposal for work, mastering these small tasks can have a big impact on the quality of your final document.
So, the next time you paste text into Word and see those annoying highlights, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy editing!

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.