Formatting in Google Docs can make your documents look professional and organized. However, sometimes unwanted formatting—such as bold text, italics, headings, colors, or fonts—can sneak in, especially when copying content from other sources.
If your document looks messy or inconsistent, the quickest solution is to clear formatting. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to clear formatting in Google Docs, along with useful tips and shortcuts to make your workflow faster.
What Does “Clear Formatting” Mean in Google Docs?
Clearing formatting removes all custom styles applied to selected text or the entire document. This includes:
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Font type and size
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Bold, italics, underline
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Text color and highlights
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Headings and paragraph styles
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Links
After clearing formatting, the text returns to the default font and style, making it easier to reformat consistently.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clear Formatting in Google Docs
There are several ways to remove formatting. You can clear formatting for specific sections or the entire document.
Method 1: Using the Toolbar Menu
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Open your Google Docs document.
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Select the text you want to clear formatting from.
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Go to the Format menu at the top.
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Click Clear formatting (usually near the bottom of the menu).
Shortcut: Press *Ctrl + * on Windows or *Cmd + * on Mac to instantly clear formatting from selected text.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest Way)
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Windows:
Ctrl + \ -
Mac:
Cmd + \
Simply highlight the text and use the shortcut. It removes all formatting in one step, including bold, italics, font size, and headings.
Method 3: Clear Formatting When Pasting Text
When copying text from another source, Google Docs may carry over unwanted formatting. You can prevent this by:
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Copy the text normally.
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In Google Docs, place your cursor where you want the text.
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Use Ctrl + Shift + V (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + V (Mac) to paste without formatting.
This ensures the text matches your document’s default style automatically.
Clearing Formatting for the Entire Document
If you want to reset an entire document:
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Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac) to select all text.
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Use *Ctrl + * (Windows) or *Cmd + * (Mac) to clear formatting.
This instantly returns the document to the default style.
Tips for Managing Formatting in Google Docs
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Use Styles: Apply Normal Text, Headings, or Subtitles consistently to maintain uniform formatting.
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Avoid Excessive Manual Formatting: Relying too much on bold, italics, or different fonts can create messy documents.
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Regularly Clear Formatting: Before finalizing a document, clear any unwanted styles for a polished look.
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Use Paste Without Formatting: It saves time and prevents inconsistent fonts or sizes.
Common Questions About Clearing Formatting
Q1: Does clearing formatting remove hyperlinks?
Yes, links will be removed along with other styles.
Q2: Can I undo clearing formatting?
Yes! Press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) immediately after clearing to undo changes.
Q3: Will images or tables be affected?
No. Only text formatting is removed; images, tables, and charts remain intact.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clear formatting in Google Docs is essential for maintaining clean, professional, and consistent documents. Whether you’re cleaning up text from external sources, reformatting headings, or standardizing styles, this feature saves time and simplifies your workflow.
Use the Format menu or the keyboard shortcut to clear formatting efficiently, and always consider using paste without formatting when copying content from other sources.
This simple trick can make your Google Docs documents look polished, professional, and easy to read.
