Microsoft is now introducing the “Paste text only” option as a keyboard shortcut to Word for Windows and Mac, making it easy to paste text without manually removing unwanted formatting.
According to Microsoft, the feature will apply the conventional Ctrl + Shift + V shortcut (Cmd + Shift + V on Mac). However, it’s important to note that the capability is still limited to M365 Home and M365 Business Standard Beta Channel users using Windows version 16.0.15831.20174 or later and Mac version 16.67.1113.0 or later.
For those with access to the ability, it can be launched using the familiar Ctrl + Shift + V shortcut, which is also used in other apps, including Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, Word for the web, Gmail, Slack, and more. The fact that the feature is available in other apps means that the capability is a long time coming for Word for Windows and Mac. And given that Word has been around for nearly four decades, it makes anyone wonder why the Redmond company only used it. present now. However, Microsoft Word product manager Ali Forelli explained the situation.
“While the engineering team continues to work on new features to improve user experiences with updated and more advanced technology, we don’t always have the opportunity to review pre-existing behavior,” Forelli said. “In the case of keyboard shortcuts, the industry standard has deviated from Word’s initial implementation of these functions. In fact, users expect Ctrl + Shift + V to paste plain text, so when this doesn’t work, the experience can be frustrating. The Word team learned about this issue from users, so we’re updating the keyboard shortcuts in direct response to your feedback. Accessibility is a priority for Word, and we want to make the cut, copy, and paste experience as seamless as possible.”
While the news about the Paste Text Only keyboard shortcut doesn’t sound like a breakthrough, it’s a welcome change for many, especially those who rely heavily on the program. To note, current users would have to use the Paste Special dialog or the Keep Text Only button on the Paste Options button to access this, which is really inconvenient any time you need to copy and paste texts into your documents. .
Microsoft said that the Paste as Plain Text capability can also be turned on using PowerToys. Users could access this feature instantly by using a certain macro or the Pure Paste app for Mac. However, making it an out-of-the-box functionality will make things easier for many, especially those who are less technologically savvy.
On the other hand, along with this announcement about Paste Text Only, Microsoft said that it would also introduce changes to five other existing keyboard shortcuts on Windows and Mac. Here’s a table for those changes.
