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How to Paste Text Without Formatting in OneNote for Windows 10
Question details
The user wants to paste copied text into OneNote without retaining the text's original formatting, styles, or fonts.
- Product
- OneNote for Windows 10
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Combining text from multiple different applications or websites into a single notebook without bringing over unwanted font styles or background colors.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote pastes copied content with its original formatting by default, which creates an inconsistent appearance and requires manual format clearing.
Ensure you have the correct version, OneNote for Windows 10, open on your computer, as settings menus differ from the standard OneNote desktop application.
Change Default Paste Settings in OneNote Options
Adjusting the built-in paste settings ensures that all future pasted content automatically discards its original formatting and adopts your current notebook style.
By modifying the app's internal preferences, you can force OneNote to always paste as plain text. This is the most efficient method if you frequently copy data from web pages or formatted documents.
Click on the three-dot menu (...) located in the top-right corner of the OneNote for Windows 10 window, then select 'Settings' and click on 'Options'.
Scroll down the Options pane until you find the section labeled 'Paste Options'.
Click the drop-down menu under Paste Options and change the default selection to 'Keep Text Only'.
Copy formatted text from a website or Word document, return to OneNote, and press Ctrl + V. The text will now paste using your default notebook font.
Use Right-Click Context Menu for Temporary Plain Text Pasting
If you only occasionally need to paste without formatting, you can use the right-click menu instead of changing your global default settings.
Experience Seamless Text Formatting with WPS Office
While OneNote is a dedicated note-taking app, managing heavily formatted text across different document types can still be frustrating. WPS Office provides a lightweight, comprehensive alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers intuitive paste options, a familiar interface, and seamless document management—completely free.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free installer, and complete the quick installation process on your PC.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer to create a new document for your notes and research.
- 3. Paste Unformatted Text: Right-click anywhere in the document and select 'Keep Text Only' to paste clean, unformatted text instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a keyboard shortcut to paste plain text in OneNote for Windows 10?
Unlike many standard Windows applications where Ctrl + Shift + V pastes plain text, OneNote for Windows 10 relies primarily on its Paste Options setting. If you want plain text by default using Ctrl + V, you must configure it in the Options menu.
Why does my pasted text have a gray background?
This happens when you copy text from a source (like a webpage) that has a background color applied to it. Changing your default paste settings to 'Keep Text Only' strips away all background colors and styles.
Will setting the default to 'Keep Text Only' prevent me from pasting images?
No, changing this setting only affects textual data. If you copy an image to your clipboard and press paste, OneNote will still successfully paste the image.
