When working with Google Sheets, it’s not uncommon to need to copy text from a cell or range of cells. However, simply selecting and copying the cell contents can also copy the formatting, which may not always be desirable. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ways to copy text only from Google Sheets, including the use of keyboard shortcuts, formulas, and add-ons.
Copy-pasting text without formatting is a crucial skill for anyone who works with Google Sheets, whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who likes to organize their data. By copying text only, you can avoid unwanted formatting, such as font styles, colors, and alignment, which can make your data harder to read and understand.
Additionally, copying text only can help you to maintain consistency in your data, especially when working with multiple sheets or spreadsheets. By removing formatting, you can ensure that your data looks uniform and professional, making it easier to analyze and present.
So, how do you copy text only from Google Sheets? In this post, we’ll cover the following methods:
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the quickest ways to copy text only from Google Sheets is by using keyboard shortcuts. The shortcut for copying text only is Ctrl + Shift + V (Windows) or Command + Shift + V (Mac). This will paste the text without any formatting.
To use this shortcut, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, and then press Ctrl + Shift + V (Windows) or Command + Shift + V (Mac). The text will be copied without any formatting, and you can paste it into another cell or sheet.
It’s worth noting that this shortcut only works if you have already copied the cell contents using the standard Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) shortcut. If you haven’t copied anything yet, you won’t be able to use this shortcut.
Using the Paste Special Option
Another way to copy text only from Google Sheets is by using the Paste Special option. This option allows you to choose how you want to paste the copied cell contents, including text only.
To use the Paste Special option, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, and then go to Edit > Paste Special (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + V (Windows) or Command + Option + V (Mac)). In the Paste Special dialog box, select the Text option, and then click OK.
The text will be copied without any formatting, and you can paste it into another cell or sheet. (See Also: Google Sheets What If Analysis? Unlocking Business Insights)
Using the Format Painter Tool
While the Format Painter tool is typically used to apply formatting to cells, it can also be used to remove formatting. To use the Format Painter tool to remove formatting, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, and then go to Home > Format Painter (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) or Command + Shift + C (Mac)).
In the Format Painter dialog box, select the Text option, and then click OK. The text will be copied without any formatting, and you can paste it into another cell or sheet.
Method 2: Using Formulas
Another way to copy text only from Google Sheets is by using formulas. One formula that you can use is the TEXT function, which removes formatting from a cell or range of cells.
To use the TEXT function, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, and then enter the following formula: =TEXT(A1, “TEXT”) (assuming that the cell you want to copy is in cell A1). Press Enter to apply the formula.
The TEXT function will remove any formatting from the cell or range of cells, and you can paste the text into another cell or sheet.
Using the REGEXREPLACE Function
Another formula that you can use to remove formatting from a cell or range of cells is the REGEXREPLACE function. This function uses regular expressions to search for and replace formatting characters.
To use the REGEXREPLACE function, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, and then enter the following formula: =REGEXREPLACE(A1, “[^a-zA-Z0-9\s]”, “”) (assuming that the cell you want to copy is in cell A1). Press Enter to apply the formula.
The REGEXREPLACE function will remove any formatting characters from the cell or range of cells, and you can paste the text into another cell or sheet.
Method 3: Using Add-ons
Finally, you can use add-ons to copy text only from Google Sheets. One popular add-on is the “Copy Text Only” add-on, which allows you to copy text without formatting. (See Also: How to Create a 2025 Calendar in Google Sheets? Effortlessly)
To use the “Copy Text Only” add-on, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, and then go to Add-ons > Copy Text Only (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) or Command + Shift + C (Mac)).
In the “Copy Text Only” dialog box, select the text that you want to copy, and then click OK. The text will be copied without any formatting, and you can paste it into another cell or sheet.
Using the “Paste Special” Add-on
Another add-on that you can use to copy text only from Google Sheets is the “Paste Special” add-on. This add-on allows you to choose how you want to paste the copied cell contents, including text only.
To use the “Paste Special” add-on, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, and then go to Add-ons > Paste Special (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + V (Windows) or Command + Option + V (Mac)).
In the “Paste Special” dialog box, select the Text option, and then click OK. The text will be copied without any formatting, and you can paste it into another cell or sheet.
Conclusion
Copy-pasting text without formatting is a crucial skill for anyone who works with Google Sheets. In this post, we’ve explored the various ways to copy text only from Google Sheets, including the use of keyboard shortcuts, formulas, and add-ons.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who likes to organize their data, copying text only can help you to maintain consistency in your data, avoid unwanted formatting, and make your data easier to read and understand.
By following the methods outlined in this post, you can copy text only from Google Sheets and paste it into another cell or sheet without any formatting.
Recap
Here’s a recap of the methods outlined in this post:
- Using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + Shift + V or Command + Shift + V)
- Using the Paste Special option
- Using the Format Painter tool
- Using formulas (TEXT and REGEXREPLACE functions)
- Using add-ons (Copy Text Only and Paste Special add-ons)
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Q: How do I copy text only from a cell that contains formatting?
A: To copy text only from a cell that contains formatting, select the cell and use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + V (Windows) or Command + Shift + V (Mac). Alternatively, you can use the Paste Special option or the Format Painter tool to remove formatting.
Q: Can I copy text only from a range of cells?
A: Yes, you can copy text only from a range of cells. To do this, select the range of cells and use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + V (Windows) or Command + Shift + V (Mac). Alternatively, you can use the Paste Special option or the Format Painter tool to remove formatting.
Q: How do I remove formatting from a cell or range of cells using formulas?
A: To remove formatting from a cell or range of cells using formulas, you can use the TEXT function or the REGEXREPLACE function. The TEXT function removes formatting from a cell or range of cells, while the REGEXREPLACE function uses regular expressions to search for and replace formatting characters.
Q: Can I use add-ons to copy text only from Google Sheets?
A: Yes, you can use add-ons to copy text only from Google Sheets. The “Copy Text Only” add-on and the “Paste Special” add-on are two popular add-ons that allow you to copy text without formatting.
Q: How do I install add-ons in Google Sheets?
A: To install add-ons in Google Sheets, go to Add-ons > Get add-ons (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + A (Windows) or Command + Shift + A (Mac)). Search for the add-on you want to install, and then click Install. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.