If you’ve ever pasted text into Google Docs only to have it carry over messy styles or fonts from another source—you’re not alone. Luckily, Google Docs offers a way to paste text without formatting 🎯, saving you from redoing fonts, sizes, colors, and spacing. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to paste without formatting in Google Docs using keyboard shortcuts on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux. Let’s clean up that copy-paste chaos!
⚡ Paste Without Formatting Shortcut in Google Docs
When you copy text from a web page, email, or another document, it often brings along hidden styles. Instead of manually clearing it, use these keyboard shortcuts to paste as plain text:
| Operating System | Paste Without Formatting Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl + Shift + V |
| macOS | Command + Shift + V |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Ctrl + Shift + V |
These shortcuts work not just in Google Docs but also in other Google Workspace apps like Google Slides and Sheets.
📌 Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to do it manually if you forget the shortcut:
- Copy the text from any source.
- Open your Google Docs file.
- Right-click in the document.
- Select Paste without formatting from the context menu.
📝 Tip: You can also find this option under the Edit menu → Paste without formatting.
🧽 What Happens When You Paste Without Formatting?
When you use this function, all the styles are stripped away. That includes:
- Font size & family
- Bold, italic, underline
- Background colors
- Hyperlinks
- Heading styles
The text adopts the formatting of the paragraph where it’s inserted—super helpful if you’re trying to maintain a uniform look across your document.
🎨 Why Paste Without Formatting in Google Docs?
✅ Clean formatting: Avoid inconsistent styles
✅ Saves time: No need to manually re-style pasted content
✅ Professional output: Keep your documents looking sharp and consistent
✅ Reduces errors: Prevents broken fonts or colors that don’t match your theme
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pasting with Ctrl + V: This brings in all styles by default
- Mixing formats: It can lead to jumbled layouts
- Forgetting to use the right shortcut: Muscle memory takes time—be patient!
🎯 Extra Tips
- Use Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac in plain text mode) as a middleman if the shortcut doesn’t work.
- Google Docs Add-ons: Some formatting tools allow auto-cleanup of pasted text.
💬 FAQs
Can I paste without formatting on mobile (iOS or Android)?
Unfortunately, the mobile app currently doesn’t offer a paste without formatting feature.
Is there a way to make this the default paste behavior?
No native option yet, but you can use Chrome extensions to force plain text paste.
Does this work in Google Slides and Sheets?
Yes! Ctrl + Shift + V and Cmd + Shift + V work across multiple Google apps.
What if the shortcut doesn’t work?
Check your browser settings or use the Edit menu → Paste without formatting.
Will hyperlinks be removed too?
Yes, hyperlinks will also be stripped.
Can I remap the shortcut?
Not in Google Docs, but browser extensions can customize your shortcuts.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cleaning up content from emails or importing snippets from the web, the ability to paste without formatting in Google Docs is a game changer 💼. It keeps your workspace neat and your output professional. Make Ctrl + Shift + V or Cmd + Shift + V your new best friend!
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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