Copy and Paste in Outlook Without Messing Up Your Formatting

Last Updated: Feb 11, 2024 by

Outlook is a powerful email and productivity tool, but it can be frustrating when you copy and paste text from one email to another and end up with messed up formatting. Luckily, there are some simple shortcuts and hacks you can use to avoid this issue and keep your emails looking professional. Here are some outlook formatting tips to help you copy and paste without any hassle.

Use the “Paste Special” Command

One of the easiest ways to avoid formatting issues when copying and pasting in Outlook is to use the “Paste Special” command. This allows you to choose how you want the text to be pasted, whether it’s as plain text, HTML, or even an image. To access this command, simply right-click where you want to paste the text and select “Paste Special.” From there, you can choose the desired format and paste your text without any formatting issues.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to save time and avoid formatting issues when copying and pasting in Outlook. Instead of using the traditional “Ctrl + C” and “Ctrl + V” commands, try using “Ctrl + Shift + V” to paste as plain text or “Ctrl + Alt + V” to access the “Paste Special” command. These shortcuts can be a lifesaver when you’re in a rush and don’t want to deal with formatting problems.

Use the “Keep Text Only” Option

Another useful feature in Outlook is the “Keep Text Only” option. This allows you to paste text without any formatting, but it also retains the original font and size of the text. To use this option, simply click on the arrow next to the “Paste” button and select “Keep Text Only.” This is a quick and easy way to paste text without any formatting issues.

Use the “Match Destination Formatting” Option

If you want to keep the formatting of the text you’re copying, but don’t want it to mess up the formatting of your email, you can use the “Match Destination Formatting” option. This will match the formatting of the email you’re pasting into, rather than the original source. To use this option, click on the arrow next to the “Paste” button and select “Match Destination Formatting.”

Use the “Paste as Plain Text” Option

Sometimes, you may want to paste text without any formatting at all. In this case, you can use the “Paste as Plain Text” option. This will remove all formatting from the text and paste it as plain text. To use this option, click on the arrow next to the “Paste” button and select “Paste as Plain Text.”

By using these simple outlook formatting tips and shortcuts, you can avoid any formatting issues when copying and pasting in Outlook. These hacks will save you time and frustration, allowing you to focus on your work without worrying about the appearance of your emails. Do you have any other outlook hacks or shortcuts that you use? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.