Document Editing Problems

How to Copy Multiple Rows Between OneNote Tables

Camila Milosovich Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to copy multiple rows or cells from one OneNote table and paste them into another without the pasted content appearing as a nested table inside a single cell.

How to Copy Multiple Rows Between Tables in Microsoft OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Merging data across different tables or transferring multiple rows of data within a OneNote notebook.
Observed behavior: When pasting multiple rows into an existing table, newer versions of OneNote and OneNote for the web incorrectly paste the entire selection as a nested table within a single cell, unlike OneNote 2010 which mapped the rows naturally.

Before you start

Ensure that the destination table has the exact same number of columns as the copied table rows to avoid severe formatting misalignments when merging.

Solution 1

Copy Multiple Rows Natively (OneNote 2010 Only)

If you are using the older 2010 version of OneNote, the native copy and paste shortcut works perfectly without nesting the table.

In OneNote 2010, the clipboard correctly interprets the table structure, allowing you to append rows seamlessly. Unfortunately, this functionality was altered in newer releases.

Match the columns

Verify that the target table has the exact same number of columns as the rows you intend to copy.

Copy the rows

Highlight the specific rows in the source table and press Ctrl+C to copy them to your clipboard.

Position the cursor

Click directly at the start of the text inside the very first cell of the destination row.

Paste the content

Press Ctrl+V to paste. The rows will append correctly instead of creating a nested table.

Solution 2Recommended

Use Excel to Merge Tables (Newer Versions & Web)

Since newer versions and OneNote Online force copied rows into a single nested cell, using Microsoft Excel as an intermediary prevents formatting issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my copied OneNote rows paste into a single cell?

In newer versions of OneNote and OneNote Online, the clipboard handles multi-row table data differently. If your text cursor is active inside a specific cell, OneNote assumes you want to embed the entire copied table structure into that single cell, thereby creating a nested table.

Is there a 'Merge Tables' button in OneNote?

No, Microsoft OneNote does not have a native 'Merge Tables' function. You must manually copy and paste content, or use external applications like Excel to combine separate tables into one cohesive table.

Can I prevent nested tables when pasting in OneNote Online?

OneNote Online currently lacks advanced table pasting controls and shares the same limitation as the modern desktop app. To prevent nesting, you generally have to copy and paste the text of each cell individually, or merge the tables in Excel first.

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