How to Copy Formatting in Google Docs (Paint Format)
Short Answer
How do you copy formatting in Google Docs?
Select text with the look you want and press Ctrl + Alt + C, then select the text to change and press Ctrl + Alt + V (⌘ + Option + C and V on Mac). Or click Paint format in the toolbar and select the text to restyle. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H F P.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Format Painter. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Copy text formatting | Ctrl+Alt+C | ⌘+Option+C |
| Paste text formatting | Ctrl+Alt+V | ⌘+Option+V |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
Using the Toolbar
- Select the text that has the formatting you want to copy.
- In the toolbar, click Paint format.
- Select the text you want to change.
To paint the format onto several places, double-click Paint format, then click it again when you're done.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Select the text that has the formatting you want to copy.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press H, F, then P. ShortieCuts runs “Format Painter”.
When the ALT route helps: Word calls it Format Painter: Alt, H, F, P on the Home tab. ShortieCuts runs Google's Paint format with the same letters.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HAI | IndentBuilt-in: Ctrl + ] |
| Alt NNU | Page Numbers |
| Alt HD | Voice TypingBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + S |
| Alt PIL | Hanging Indent |
| Alt NH | Header & FooterBuilt-in: hold Ctrl + Alt and press O then H |
| Alt HR | Find and ReplaceBuilt-in: Ctrl + H |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to copy formatting in Google Docs?
Copy text formatting: Ctrl + Alt + C on Windows; ⌘ + Option + C on Mac. Paste text formatting: Ctrl + Alt + V on Windows; ⌘ + Option + V on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + H + F + P work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + F + P there won't copy formatting. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then F, then P, and ShortieCuts runs its "Format Painter" command.
How do I copy formatting in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Option + C (Copy text formatting). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then F, then P.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.