Copy formatting

Why?

You can copy all formatting from one selection of text and quickly apply it to another by using the Format Painter.

How?

Select some text that already has the formatting that you want to copy.

Select formatted text

On the Standard toolbar, click Copy formatting from one location and apply it to another.

Click Format

Drag across the text that you want to apply the formatting to.

Drag across text

Hints

  • To copy paragraph formatting instead of character formatting, be sure to include the paragraph markThe nonprinting symbol (Paragraph mark) that Word inserts when you press RETURN at the end of a paragraph. The paragraph mark stores the formatting that you apply to a paragraph. Paragraph mark at the end of the paragraph. To see where the paragraph marks are located in your document, on the Standard toolbar, click Show all nonprinting characters Show button.

  • To copy the same formatting to multiple selections, double-click Copy formatting from one location and apply it to another Format button. You can then apply formatting until you press ESC.

  • The Format Painter is not available in full screen view.