How to paste without formatting on Windows

On Windows the shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+V. It works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Google Docs, Gmail and in Word with Microsoft 365.

0 words · 0 characters

Everything happens in your browser: your text is never stored or sent to any server.

With Ctrl+Shift+V

Ctrl+Shift+V pastes text only in browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) and in everything you use inside them: Gmail, Outlook on the web, Google Docs, WordPress, Notion and most online editors.

In desktop programs it depends on each one. Word supports it in Microsoft 365; for other versions, see the Word guide.

In any program with PowerToys

PowerToys is a free Microsoft utility. Its Advanced Paste feature lets you paste as plain text in any app with Win+Ctrl+Alt+V.

The Notepad trick

The classic method is to paste the text into Notepad, copy it again and paste it where you need it. Pegatexto does exactly the same, but without opening another app and with extra tools to remove line breaks or extra spaces.

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 doesn't Ctrl+Shift+V work in some programs?

Each program decides what that shortcut does. Browsers use it to paste without formatting, but some desktop apps reserve it for other features or don't support it. In those cases you can use PowerToys or run the text through Pegatexto.

Is there a way to make Ctrl+V always paste without formatting?

Windows doesn't have a global setting. Some programs do, like Word and Outlook (“Pasting from other programs: Keep Text Only” in the advanced options).

More guides