Get rid of the annoying formatting pop-up when you paste in Word

Get rid of the annoying formatting pop-up when you paste in Word

paste_option
The paste options icon can be handy, but mostly it’s just in the way.

That tiny icon that pops up whenever you paste something into a Word file can get pretty annoying for an editor. It obscures the text, gets clicked on inadvertently. It’s really just technology getting in the way.

 

Here is how to turn it off.* PC instructions follow the Mac instructions.

Word 14, Mac 2011

In Word’s Preferences under “Edit”, deselect the option under “Cut and paste options” that says “Show Paste Options buttons”.

Word Preferences menu on Mac
The Preferences screen accessed via the “Word” menu on a Mac. Click the Edit icon.
Edit preferences screen in Word 14 for Mac
Un-check the Shop Paste Options button under Copy and paste options.

Word 2010 PC

Thanks to Linda Jenkins for the screen shot and steps on a PC.
Thanks to Linda Jenkins for the screen shot and steps on a PC.

File / Options / Advanced
under Cut, copy, and paste: deselect “show paste options button when content is pasted”

 

*Your mileage may vary. Word may not cooperate, regardless of your settings.

 

Here’s an explanation of how to control this hovering paste options box up in Word for PC from my colleague Dawn McIlvain Stahl, over at Copyediting.com.

 


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