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How to Paste Plain Text Only in Microsoft Word 2021
Question details
The user needs to paste plain text without retaining the original source formatting, but finds that formatting sometimes persists.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2021
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Pasting text from external sources or other document sections while attempting to discard all original formatting.
- Observed behavior
- Pasted text retains some formatting due to insertion-point formatting or improper default paste settings, even when plain text is intended.
Ensure you have copied the text you want to paste into your clipboard and open your Word document to the exact location where you want to insert the text.
Configure 'Keep Text Only' as the Default Paste Option
Set Word's advanced options to always paste text as plain text by default, stripping out unwanted formatting from the source.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top ribbon and select 'Options' at the bottom left corner.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Advanced' from the left-hand menu.
Scroll down to the 'Cut, copy, and paste' section. Change the dropdown settings for 'Pasting between documents' and 'Pasting from other programs' to 'Keep Text Only'.
Ensure the checkbox for 'Show Paste Options button when content is pasted' is ticked, then click 'OK' to save your changes.
Clear Direct Formatting at the Insertion Point
If pasted text still appears formatted after using 'Keep Text Only', it may be picking up existing formatting at the cursor location.
Use WPS Writer to Paste Without Formatting
WPS Writer provides a straightforward way to paste text without retaining unwanted source formatting. You can easily select plain text pasting from the right-click menu or configure it globally in the settings.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document in the WPS Writer application.
- 2. Copy External Text: Copy the desired text from your browser, a PDF, or any external source to your clipboard.
- 3. Paste as Unformatted Text: Right-click at the exact insertion point in your document and select the 'Keep Text Only' icon from the paste options menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my text still have formatting when I select 'Keep Text Only'?
When you paste as plain text, Word discards the original source formatting but automatically adopts the styling of the document at your current cursor position. You can clear this residual styling by selecting the text and pressing 'Ctrl + Spacebar'.
What is the keyboard shortcut to paste as plain text in Word?
In recent updates of Microsoft Word 2021, you can use 'Ctrl + Shift + V' to paste as plain text. Alternatively, you can paste normally with 'Ctrl + V' and then press 'Ctrl' followed by 'T' to trigger the Keep Text Only option.
Can I paste plain text without losing my images and tables?
No. The 'Keep Text Only' option completely strips out all non-text elements, including images, charts, and tables. If you need to keep these graphical elements, you should use the 'Keep Source Formatting' or 'Merge Formatting' paste options instead.
