Formatting Issues

How to Fix Incorrect Superscript, Subscript, and Fonts After Pasting in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to remove direct formatting, such as superscript, subscript, and inconsistent font sizes or styles, that are introduced when pasting text from multiple sources.

How to Fix Incorrect Superscript, Subscript, and Fonts After Pasting in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Pasting text copied from various documents or websites into a single Word document.
Observed behavior: The pasted text retains its original formatting from the source documents, leading to inconsistent text sizes, varying fonts, and unexpected superscript or subscript styles.

Before you start

Select only the specific paragraphs or text blocks that have the unwanted formatting so that you do not accidentally clear intentional styling like bolding or italics in the rest of your document.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Unwanted Formatting Using Font Controls

Use the built-in formatting controls to quickly strip away unwanted styles and reset the text to your document's default font settings.

This method directly targets text that has inherited superscript, subscript, or incorrect sizes. Clearing all formatting resets the text to the normal style of your current document.

Select the affected text

Highlight the text that has the incorrect superscript, subscript, or font styling applied.

Clear all formatting

Navigate to the Home tab and click the 'Clear All Formatting' button (typically an 'A' with a pink eraser icon) to remove the direct formatting.

Toggle Superscript and Subscript

If the text still appears raised or lowered, look in the Font group on the Home tab. Click the Superscript (x²) or Subscript (x₂) buttons to turn off the formatting.

Clear Unwanted Formatting Using Font Controls

Tip: Pressing Ctrl + Spacebar is a quick keyboard shortcut to strip direct character formatting from selected text.

Solution 2

Use Keep Text Only When Pasting

Prevent the issue entirely by choosing to paste text without carrying over the source document's formatting.

Manage Formatting Seamlessly

Easily Manage Text Formatting with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers a highly intuitive writing environment with robust formatting controls. You can instantly clear unwanted styles, adjust fonts, and securely paste unformatted text without any hassle.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you are working on.
2. Paste without formatting: Right-click and select 'Keep Text Only' when pasting text from other sources to avoid bringing in unwanted superscripts or fonts.
3. Select and clear styles: If text is already pasted, select it, go to the Home tab, and click the 'Clear Formatting' icon.
4. Adjust font settings manually: Use the Font settings group in the Home tab to ensure Superscript and Subscript options are toggled off.

One-click 'Clear Formatting' tool to instantly reset pasted text styles.Advanced 'Paste Special' options to easily insert unformatted text.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) documents and formatting.Free and lightweight alternative for daily document processing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my pasted text appear as superscript or subscript automatically?

This happens if the original text was formatted as superscript/subscript, or if you pasted the text immediately following an existing superscript/subscript character in your document. The new text simply inherits the formatting of the preceding character.

What is the keyboard shortcut to paste unformatted text?

In many modern text editors and browsers, you can press Ctrl + Shift + V (or Cmd + Shift + Option + V on Mac) to paste as plain text. Alternatively, you can use the Paste Special dialog by pressing Ctrl + Alt + V.

Will clearing all formatting delete any of my actual text?

No, the 'Clear All Formatting' tool only removes style attributes like font colors, bolding, italics, superscript, and varying sizes. The actual content and words will remain completely unaffected.

Document & File Issues