How to paste without formatting in Outlook

In new Outlook and Outlook on the web, paste with Ctrl+Shift+V. In classic Outlook, use the Keep Text Only option.

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In classic Outlook for Windows

  1. Paste as usual with Ctrl+V.
  2. Press Ctrl to open Paste Options.
  3. Press T or choose Keep Text Only.

It's also on the Message tab, under the Paste dropdown.

Make classic Outlook always paste without formatting

  1. Go to File › Options › Mail and click Editor Options.
  2. Under Advanced, find the Cut, copy, and paste section.
  3. In Pasting from other programs, choose Keep Text Only.

In new Outlook and Outlook on the web

Paste with Ctrl+Shift+V. If you want the whole message sent as plain text, switch the message format to plain text on the message's Options tab.

If the shortcut doesn't work in your app, paste the text in the box above, click Copy plain text and paste it wherever you want: it will arrive without any formatting.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Outlook change the font when I paste text?

By default, Outlook keeps the formatting of the source text. If you paste with “Keep Text Only” or set “Keep Text Only” in the editor options, the text will take on your message's font.

Is pasting without formatting the same as sending the email in plain text?

No. Pasting without formatting only affects the text you paste; the rest of the email can still have bold text or links. Sending in plain text removes the formatting from the whole message.

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