Automatically Paste Text Into Outlook Without The Formatting

One of the “it’s about time” features Outlook 2007 implements is a setting where you can paste text from a external source (such as a web page or Word document) directly into your message where the pasted text format stays consistent with the rest of your message text. In the past, you would have to use Edit > Paste Special > Unformatted Text or the Notepad trick, but no longer!

Here are the steps to make pasted text into your Outlook messages conform with your existing text:

  1. Compose a new message.
  2. Click the Office bar in the upper left corner of the new message window.
  3. Click the Editor Options button in the bottom right.
  4. Select the Advanced menu.
  5. In the “Cut, copy and paste” section, change the first 4 options to “Keep Text Only”.
  6. Click Ok to apply your settings.

Now you can copy and paste from anywhere without being constantly annoyed with having to make the font and size consistent.

I say it again… it’s about time!

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  • Luis R.

    I use the paste special/unformatted text quite often in MS Word. Is there a way to create a keyboard shortcut for that function? It’s annoying having to go through the menu. At home I use MS Word 2007 and at work MS Word 2000. A solution for both would be appreciated.

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