How to copy formatting in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides

If you need to use the same format on different parts of the document, Google Docs lets you copy formatting from text, cells or objects with the Paint Format tool. This article will show you how to copy and paste formatting in Google Docs.

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Use Paint Format in Google Docs

Launch the browser, access Google Docs and open the document. Black out the text you want to copy the format and then click the Paint Format icon in the toolbar.

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After formatting copying is enabled, your cursor will turn into a paint roller to let you know the format has been copied.

If there are multiple segments that want to paste the format, double-click the Paint Format icon to lock it. You can use the tool multiple times without clicking again.

You can also use Paint Format with keyboard shortcuts. To copy the format, press Ctrl + Alt + C (on Windows or Chrome OS) or Command + Option + C (on Mac). To paste, press Ctrl + Alt + V (Windows or Chrome OS) or Command + Option + V (Mac).

Use Paint Format in Google Slides

The Paint Format tool is used in Google Slides to copy image formats on multiple slides.

Open the Google Slides document, click on the image with the format you want to copy, then click the Paint Format icon.

How to copy formatting in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Picture 2

Once activated, you will see the paint roller cursor, click on another image to paste the original image format.

How to copy formatting in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Picture 3

Similar to Google Docs, if you want to use this format for many objects without clicking on the image first, double-click the Paint Format icon to lock it.

How to copy formatting in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Picture 4

Use Paint Format in Google Sheets

The Paint Format tool in Sheets lets you copy text formatting in cells like in Google Docs. Although you cannot copy formulas to other cell ranges, this is still a powerful tool when formatting tables in worksheets.

Open the Google Sheets document, click and black out the format box, then click the Paint Format icon.

How to copy formatting in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Picture 5

The mouse will turn into a paint roller to indicate that the format has been copied. Click on the box to paste the format.

How to copy formatting in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Picture 6

If you want to apply the same format to multiple cells, Sheets does not support tool locking by double clicking on it like in Docs and Slide. Instead you need to click on the cell you want to copy the format to, click the Paint Format icon, and then click and drag to paste the format into all the cells you want to apply.

I wish you all success!

Micah Soto

Update 28 July 2019

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