Summary: This guide shows you how to resolve unexpected font sizes or formatting when pasting text from sources like Microsoft Word by using the built-in "Paste as text" button or by utilizing plain text editors (Notepad for PC, TextEdit for Mac) to strip away all hidden formatting.
Before You Begin
- Unexpected formatting is typically caused by hidden HTML or CSS carried over from the source document.
- Ensure you have the content you want to paste copied to your clipboard.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Option 1: Using the Built-in Editor Button
1. Click on the "Paste as text" button (often looks like a clipboard with a 'T') found in the text editor toolbar.
2. Paste your content into the text editor.
3. Click Save. [The unwanted formatting is cleared, and you can now edit the text formatting manually.]
Option 2: Using a Plain Text Editor (PC or Mac)
1. Copy the content you would like to paste onto your clipboard.
2. Open Notepad (PC) or TextEdit (Mac).
3. Paste the content into the text editor. [For Mac: Go to Format > Make Plain Text (Shift Command T) and click "OK" in the pop-up.]
4. Highlight the newly plain text content in the document and Copy it onto your clipboard.
5. Go to the page on your site, Click "Edit," and Paste the plain text content into the editor.
6. Save any changes.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- The built-in button didn't work. Why? For particularly stubborn formatting (often from complex sources like tables in Word), the Plain Text Editor method (Option 2) is the most reliable way to guarantee all hidden code is stripped out.
- Why does Notepad/TextEdit work so well? These applications automatically convert all pasted text into a plain text format, effectively removing the hidden HTML or CSS that causes formatting issues on your website.