Microsoft OneNote has long been a staple for note-taking, but recent updates have added a particularly clever feature that users have eagerly awaited: the unformatted text pasting option. After two decades of anticipation, this functionality has finally made its debut, allowing users to streamline their note-taking process significantly.
Gone are the days of manually stripping unwanted formatting from copied text. With this new feature, users can now paste text from various sources—be it a web page or another document—without carrying over any extraneous formatting. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for those who often gather information from multiple platforms, as it helps maintain a clean and cohesive appearance in their notes.
Bola Soneye, a Product Manager on the OneNote team, expressed enthusiasm about this update, stating, “The ability to paste text only was highly requested by many of you, and I’m thrilled to announce this popular shortcut is now supported in OneNote on Windows, OneNote for Mac, and OneNote for the web.” Soneye emphasized that this feature eliminates the frustration of mismatched fonts and awkward background colors, allowing users to integrate content seamlessly into their notebooks.
Unformatted text pasting is here at last!
For users accessing OneNote via the web, the unformatted text pasting feature is available immediately. However, Windows and macOS users may need to update their applications to access this functionality. Specifically, Windows users should ensure they are on version 2508 (Build 19101.10000) or later, while Mac users need build 16.100 (25080335) or later.
The process of pasting text without formatting is straightforward, but Microsoft has provided clear instructions for those who appreciate guidance:
- Open a new or existing notebook in OneNote on your Windows or Mac device, or in OneNote for the web.
- Copy text from any source, such as Outlook, Teams, or a webpage, by highlighting the text, right-clicking, and selecting Copy. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C on Windows or Command + C on Mac.
- Position your cursor where you want the content to appear in OneNote, then right-click and select Paste Options > Keep Text Only, or navigate to Paste > Paste Options > Keep Text Only in the Home tab. You can also utilize the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + V on Windows or Command + Shift + V on Mac.
While the reasons behind the delayed introduction of this feature remain a mystery, what matters is that users can now enjoy the convenience of pasting text without formatting. However, a note of caution accompanies this update: Microsoft has issued a standard disclaimer regarding the potential removal of features, even after they have been tested by users.
Though this is rare, we also reserve the option to pull a feature entirely out of the product, even if you, as an Insider, have had the opportunity to try it.
As OneNote users embrace this new capability, one wonders if there are other features that could enhance their experience further. What additional functionalities do users feel are missing, and what should Microsoft consider developing next? The conversation around user needs continues, and this latest update is a step toward a more refined note-taking experience.
