Pasting text on a Mac often brings unwanted formatting like bold text, colors, hyperlinks, and font styles. The good news is that macOS includes built-in shortcuts and tools that let you paste without formatting instantly.

This step-by-step guide covers Google Docs, Pages, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Notes, and even MacBook Air shortcuts.
Perfect for anyone who wants clean, plain text every time.

🖥️ How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac (Standard Shortcut)

macOS includes a universal shortcut for pasting plain text.

Shortcut for Paste Without Formatting:

Command (⌘) + Shift + V

This shortcut works in many apps like Chrome, Safari, Notes, Google Docs, Slack, Microsoft Teams, etc.

If it doesn’t work in a specific app, use the app-specific methods shown below.

⭐ 1. How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac in Google Docs

This covers the long-tail keyword: how to paste without formatting on mac google docs

Method:

Command + Shift + V

If it doesn’t work, go to:

• Edit → Paste without formatting

Google Docs converts the text into plain text instantly.

⭐ 2. How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac Pages

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Pages has a built-in menu option for plain paste.

Steps:

1. Open Pages
2. Go to Edit
3. Select Paste and Match Style

Shortcut:

Option + Shift + Command + V

⭐ 3. How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac Word

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Microsoft Word uses a special paste option.

Method:

1. Press Command + V (regular paste)
2. Click the small Paste Options icon
3. Choose Keep Text Only

Or set default:

• Word → Preferences → Edit → Pasting → Keep Text Only

⭐ 4. How to Paste Without Formatting on MacBook Air

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MacBook Air follows the same macOS shortcut:

Command + Shift + V

Works in almost all supported apps on macOS Sonoma and Ventura.

⭐ 5. How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac Excel

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Steps:

1. Copy text
2. Right-click cell
3. Select Paste Special → Text

Shortcut:

Command + Control + V → Text

⭐ 6. How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac PowerPoint

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Method:

1. Paste normally (Command + V)
2. Click Paste Options icon
3. Select Keep Text Only

⭐ 7. How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac Notes

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The Notes app supports the universal plain paste shortcut:

Command + Shift + V

Or use:

• Edit → Paste and Match Style

📝 Bonus Tip: Remove Formatting From Already-Pasted Text

Select text → Press:

Command + Option + Shift + V

macOS removes formatting and matches the current document style.

🔗 Internal Links

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❓ FAQs – How to Paste Without Formatting on Mac

1. What is the shortcut for pasting without formatting on Mac?

Use Command + Shift + V to paste plain text in most apps.

2. How do I paste without formatting in Google Docs on Mac?

Use Command + Shift + V or Edit → Paste without formatting.

3. How do I paste plain text in Microsoft Word?

Use the Paste Options → Keep Text Only button.

4. Does paste without formatting work on MacBook Air?

Yes, the shortcut Command + Shift + V works the same.

5. How do I paste without formatting in Excel on Mac?

Right-click → Paste Special → Text.

6. How do I use paste without formatting in Pages?

Use Option + Shift + Command + V or Edit → Paste and Match Style.