In this article, we’ll look at the reasons behind Microsoft’s latest update to Word, which includes a highly requested feature: a “paste as plain text” shortcut.
Key Takeaways:
Microsoft Word has long been a popular word-processing program, but its keyboard shortcuts have left many users scratching their heads.
One of the most requested features has been a “paste as plain text” shortcut, which strips copied text of its formatting when pasted.
With its latest update, Microsoft Word has finally delivered on this highly sought-after feature.
The majority of desktop apps use Ctrl+V for pasting and Ctrl+Shift+V for pasting without formatting (removing all formatting), or Cmd+V and Cmd+Shift+V on Macs.
Nonetheless, Microsoft Word worked in a different manner until this point.
The standard paste shortcut functioned properly, but pasting without formatting necessitated accessing the Paste Special menu, which was inconvenient.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft admitted that the industry standard for keyboard shortcuts had evolved differently from their initial implementation of these features.
They acknowledged that users expect the Ctrl+Shift+V shortcut to paste plain text, and found it frustrating when it did not work.
📋 Copy and paste text without any unwanted formatting!
— Microsoft 365 Insider (@Msft365Insider) March 9, 2023
With the new Paste Text Only shortcut available in Word for Windows and Word for Mac, you can save time and effort by no longer having to remove source formatting manually. Out now: https://t.co/PhgzXeEAxC #MicrosoftWord
Microsoft is creating a standard keyboard shortcut for Word that is similar to the shortcut used in other popular apps such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Gmail.
This new shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+V for Windows and Cmd+Shift+V for Mac.
In addition, Microsoft is testing changes to Word’s keyboard shortcuts for Copy Format Painter, Paste Format Painter, and the copyright symbol to align them with modern software.
The Paste Special menu will now be accessed using Alt+H+V+S on Windows, and it will no longer be available using the keyboard on Mac.
Microsoft acknowledges that not everyone welcomes changes, particularly when it comes to keyboard shortcuts.
Hence, they will allow users to switch back to the original versions of the shortcuts through Word’s settings.
These new shortcuts are accessible in the Microsoft 365 Home and Business Standard Beta Channels, with version 16.0.15831.20174 for Windows and version 16.67.1113.0 for Mac.
The Control + Shift + V shortcut is already familiar to many people from other programs, so its inclusion in Word will make it easier to use.
Word has long had the ability to remove formatting from pasted text after the fact, but for users with ANSI-layout keyboards, the Control + Shift + V shortcut will be a convenient way to save time, especially if they’re used to it from other apps like Slack, or Teams, Chrome.
Aside from the new shortcut, Microsoft is striving to make it available system-wide through the PowerToys program, which integrates numerous other beneficial features to Windows.
However, users should be cautious when enabling it, as it may break copy and paste on some computers.
For Mac users, an app like Pure Paste can replicate this functionality. Pure Paste makes the default Command + V shortcut paste in plaintext, requiring an extra step for pasting with formatting.
Overall, this update is a positive step forward for Microsoft Word. It brings it in line with industry standards and makes the cut, copy, paste experience more seamless and efficient for users.
With the inclusion of the “paste as plain text” shortcut, Microsoft Word has become even more user-friendly and accessible to all.
