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How to Set Keep Source Formatting as Default Paste in OneNote
Question details
Users want to configure OneNote so that pasted content retains its original formatting by default, rather than automatically pasting as plain text.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Pasting text or content from external sources into a OneNote notebook.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote often pastes content as plain text, and changing the default paste option to Keep Source Formatting behaves inconsistently or fails to persist depending on the application version.
Identify whether you are using the OneNote Desktop application or OneNote for Windows 10, as the menus for adjusting paste settings differ significantly between the two versions.
Change Default Paste Settings in OneNote Desktop App
Use the advanced options menu in the traditional OneNote desktop application to set the default paste behavior to keep source formatting.
The desktop version of OneNote provides granular control over formatting settings. You can access these settings through the main File menu.
Open the OneNote desktop application. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the OneNote Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' tab located in the left-hand navigation pane.
Scroll down to the 'Cut, copy, and paste' section. Ensure the default paste options are set to keep source formatting. Alternatively, after pasting content, click the small clipboard icon that appears and select 'Set as Default Paste'.
Adjust Paste Options in OneNote for Windows 10
Modify the paste settings through the app settings menu if you are using the Windows 10 UWP version of OneNote.
Experience Seamless Document Editing with WPS Office
If inconsistent formatting and paste issues in Microsoft Office apps are slowing down your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible environment for document creation and editing, ensuring your formatting remains intact exactly as you copied it.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer to create a new document or note.
- 3. Paste with Formatting: Copy your desired content and press Ctrl+V. WPS Writer will flawlessly maintain your source formatting by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote keep pasting as plain text even after changing the settings?
In certain builds of OneNote, especially OneNote for Windows 10, the global paste default setting may fail to persistently override the Ctrl+V keyboard shortcut. If this happens, using the on-screen Paste Options menu immediately after pasting is the most reliable workaround.
How can I quickly keep source formatting without changing global settings?
After pasting text into OneNote, a small Paste Options clipboard icon will appear near the pasted text. Click this icon and manually select 'Keep Source Formatting', or use the contextual menu by right-clicking before you paste.
What is the difference between OneNote for Windows 10 and OneNote Desktop?
OneNote for Windows 10 is a pre-installed app from the Microsoft Store featuring a simplified interface. OneNote Desktop (often installed with Microsoft 365) features a classic ribbon interface and provides more robust advanced settings under the File menu.
