When you copy text in Windows, especially from websites or documents, the formatting (such as links, fonts, colors, and styles) is copied along with it by default. This means that when you paste the text, the formatting is transferred as well. But what if you want to copy and paste plain text—without any of the original formatting? For example, copying text from a web page into an email may cause unwanted formatting that can disrupt the content or layout.
Fortunately, Windows offers two easy ways to paste plain text. You can either use the built-in shortcut, which is widely supported across many applications, or you can create your own custom paste-as-plain-text shortcut. In this simple tutorial, I’ll show you both methods. Let’s get started.
Built-in Keyboard Shortcut to Paste as Plain Text
When you want to paste copied text without any formatting (i.e., as plain text), simply use the “Ctrl + Shift + V” keyboard shortcut. Many popular applications, like browsers and text editors, support this shortcut and will remove all formatting before pasting the text.
However, some applications either don’t support this shortcut or use a different one for pasting plain text. For example, in Microsoft Word, you’ll need to press “Ctrl + Alt + V.” In cases where the shortcut isn’t supported or differs, you can use the second method to create a custom shortcut that works across all applications and throughout Windows.
Create a Custom Keyboard Shortcut to Paste as Plain Text
Note: You’ll need administrator privileges to install PowerToys.
- Download PowerToys from here.
- Double-click the installer file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install PowerToys.
- Press the “Start” button.
- Search and open “PowerToys“
- Go to the “Advanced Paste” tab on the sidebar.
- Turn ON the “Enable Advanced Paste” toggle.
- You’ll find the custom shortcut next to “Paste as plain text directly“.
- From now on, use this custom shortcut to copy and paste plain text.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
To use a custom keyboard shortcut to paste copied text without formatting, we will use PowerToys, an official Microsoft tool to add functionality to Windows. First, download PowerToys from here.
After downloading, double-click the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install PowerToys. You don’t have to change anything, let the default options be as it is and simply follow the wizard.
Once PowerToys is installed, press the Start button, search for “PowerToys” and click the “Open” option. This action will open the PowerToys application.
Go to the “Advanced Paste” tab in the PowerToys window and turn ON the “Enable Advanced Paste” toggle.
Now, scroll down to the “Paste as plain text directly” section and you will see the custom shortcut “Windows key + Ctrl + Alt + V” to paste as plain text.
If the default custom shortcut is too cumbersome for you, you can change it. To do that, click the “Edit” icon next to the shortcut.
Now, press the shortcut you want to assign and click the “Save” button.
That is it. From now on, you can use this custom shortcut to copy and paste plain text.
Wrapping Up — Pasting Copied Text Without Formatting (Plain Text)
As you can see, you have two ways to paste text without formatting. In most cases, the built-in shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + V” is all you need in most cases. However, if the shortcut is not working in the applications you need or want to create your own plain text keyboard shortcut, use the second method to create a custom keyboard shortcut. Whichever method you follow, the result is the same.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
