How to Clear All Text Formatting in Word [Easy Guide]

Sometimes, after all that formatting on your Word document and realizing that some of the things don’t quite feel right, you look to start with a clean slate.

Manually, it may take your time to remove the font size, color, alignment, etc., from each paragraph or table you have inserted. But the good news for you is that there is always a quick shortcut using the Clear All Formatting command.

This blog will walk you through how you can clear formatting in Word with just a couple of quick steps and improve your work efficiency when using Word. Besides, an efficient PDF editor will be introduced.

Let’s dive straight in then.

Part 1. How to Clear Formatting in Word Using Keyboard Shortcuts

First, let us learn how you can clear all text formatting without using your mouse and just simply using your keyboard shortcuts.

Step 1. Select the portion of text you want to format by holding Shift + any of the directional arrows. You can hold Shift + left or right to highlight portions in the same line or Shift + up or down to highlight several lines in a paragraph or table.

Step 2. If you want to format the entire text of the document, press Ctrl + A.

Step 3. Press Ctrl + Spacebar to clear formatting such as font, font size, and bold. Press Ctrl + Q to clear the paragraph formatting such as line spacing and indents. Press Ctrl + Shift + N to apply Normal style (default) to the text.

Part 2. How to Clear Formatting in Word Using the Ribbon

Now, let us learn how you can clear the formatting by clicking on the clear formatting icon and making use of the ribbon in your Word document.

2.1 Windows

Select the text you want to clear the formatting.
Head over to the Home tab, and under the Font section, you will find the Clear All Formatting button (A font with a purple eraser beside it).

Click on it and you will have removed the formatting of your text.

2.2 macOS

Select the text you want to clear the formatting.
Head over to the Edit menu, click Clear, and then you can select Clear All Formatting.
Click on it and you will have removed the formatting of your text.

2.3 Web

Select the text you want to clear the formatting.
Head over to the Home tab of the ribbon, and click on the ellipsis beside the font color button. From the options, you will find Clear Formatting.

Click on it and you will have removed the formatting of your text.

Part 3. How to Clear Formatting in Word Using the Normal Style

The next way you can clear the formatting of your text is by using the Styles section. It allows you to remove the formatting of your headers and body text for any modifications made to different styles and also to default.

Select the text you want to clear the formatting.
Head over to the Design tab, and you will find the Styles or Document Formatting section.

Click on the More button and select Reset to the Default Style Set or Clear All option. You will have changed the formatting of your text to default.

Part 4. How to Clear Formatting in Word by Copying & Pasting

If you are still looking for another way to clear the formatting, then you won’t be disappointed. This is one alternative way you can do it that many don’t know about and this requires using Notepad.

Select the text you want to clear the formatting.
Press either Ctrl + C to copy the text or Ctrl + X to cut the text. You can also right-click the selected text and find the Cut or Copy option from the drop-down.
Transfer the selected text onto your Notepad draft. Press Ctrl + V to paste the text on the app. Or right-click and select the Paste option from the drop-down.

clear all formatting in Word with notepad

Note: Notepad operates with default/unformatted text so whatever formatted text you paste on the app will remove all the formatting automatically.

Now, either copy or cut the selected text from Notepad by using the same keyboard shortcuts or right-click.
Head back to your Word file and press Ctrl + V to paste the text. You will now have text that has all the formatting that got ridden and is back to default.

Part 5. Extended Reading: Edit/Annotate PDFs Like a Pro

So far, you have read all the ways you can use to clear formatting on a Word document. But wonder if you can do the same for a PDF file? Don’t worry because UPDF is a tool that you can use to edit your PDF like a pro with a click of a few buttons.

The top features of UPDF include:

Making changes to your PDF text (including Clear All Formatting by changing the font, font size, or font color).
Controlling and editing PDF images.
Associating information with PDF using links.
Adding watermarks to your PDF for validity.
Including background colors for fun reading.
Adding comments to your PDF.
Adding shapes, stamps, and stickers to your PDF.
Creating handwritten or adding electronic signatures to your PDF.
Organizing PDF files and pages with ease for a comfortable reading view.

Install UPDF and start working with your PDF files on the app for a much better editing experience.

Clear Formatting in Word Easily…

Clear formatting is helpful to undo any errors and start over again.

This blog wraps up a few ways you can clear the formatting so use the one that you feel most comfortable with and improve your editing workflow. In addition, if you want to edit, annotate, or manage your PDF files no matter on a computer or smartphone, choose UPDF.