How to Remove Gray Brackets Around Copied Text in Word
Question details
The user wants to remove gray brackets that appear around text after copying and pasting in Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Copying or pasting text as a linked object or copying from a source that contains hidden reference markers.
- Observed behavior
- Gray brackets appear around the pasted text, indicating the presence of a hidden bookmark.
Determine if you need to keep the original bookmarks for document navigation or cross-referencing purposes. If they are not needed, you can delete them safely; otherwise, simply hiding them is the best approach.
Hide Bookmark Visuals in Word Options
Turn off the visual display of bookmarks so the gray brackets disappear without altering the document's underlying structure.
This method is highly recommended if you are unsure whether the document relies on those bookmarks for cross-references, table of contents, or hyperlinks.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the Word ribbon, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' tab located in the left pane.
Scroll down to the 'Show document content' section, uncheck the box next to 'Show bookmarks', and click 'OK' to apply the changes.
Delete the Hidden Bookmarks
Remove the specific bookmark causing the brackets entirely from the document.
Easily Manage Bookmarks and Formatting in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface to manage document formatting, including bookmarks and hyperlinks, without confusing visual clutter. You can easily view, hide, or delete bookmarks in seconds.
- 1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file containing the brackets.
- 2. Access the Insert Tab: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon.
- 3. Manage Bookmarks: Click on 'Bookmark' to view all text markers. Select and delete any unwanted bookmarks easily to remove the brackets permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do gray brackets appear when I copy text?
Gray brackets appear because the text was originally copied with a bookmark attached to it, or it was pasted as a linked object. If your Word settings are configured to display bookmarks, these brackets will show up automatically.
Will deleting the bookmark delete my pasted text?
No, deleting a bookmark only removes the hidden reference marker from the document's structure. Your actual text remains completely unaffected.
Can I hide the brackets for all future documents?
Yes. By unchecking 'Show bookmarks' in the Word Options menu under the Advanced tab, the brackets will remain hidden by default for all documents you open on that computer.
Do these gray brackets print on physical paper?
No, the gray brackets are purely a visual indicator on your screen to help with editing. They will not appear when you print the document or export it as a PDF.
