Here are the most efficient methods to completely clear all formatting from text in Microsoft Word:
1. Clear All Formatting Command
- Select the text containing unwanted formatting.
- Go to the Home tab.
- In the Font group, click the Clear All Formatting button (an icon resembling an eraser with an "A" next to it).
- Result: Selected text reverts to the Normal style, removing font, size, color, effects, paragraph spacing, indents, etc.
2. Keyboard Shortcuts
- Select the text.
- Press Ctrl + Spacebar to remove font-level formatting (character).
- Press Ctrl + Q to remove paragraph-level formatting.
- For total removal, press both Ctrl + Spacebar followed immediately by Ctrl + Q.
3. Paste as Plain Text
- Copy formatted text from elsewhere.
- Place your cursor in Word where you want the text.
- Under the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, click the small arrow under Paste.
- Select Paste Special.
- Choose Unformatted Text or Unformatted Unicode Text and click OK.
4. Apply the Normal Style
- Select the text.
- Go to the Home tab.
- In the Styles group, click Normal or click the Styles Pane launcher and select Clear All.
5. Use the Style Inspector (Advanced)
- Press Shift + F1 to open the Reveal Formatting pane.
- Click the Clear All Formatting button at the bottom of this pane.
Pro Tip: For persistent formatting issues hidden in styles, reset the Normal template.
