Unformatted Pasting Made Easy: The Best PlainPaste Alternatives

PlainPaste is a convenient little utility designed to simplify pasting text without formatting in Windows. Its genius lies in its simplicity: a quick double Ctrl-V pastes text clean, while a single press behaves normally. Available as an AutoHotkey script or executable, it serves a niche but important function for many users. However, if you're looking for different features, broader platform support, or simply a fresh take on this essential functionality, you might be searching for a reliable PlainPaste alternative. We've compiled a list of top contenders that offer similar capabilities, and often more, to keep your pasting experience smooth and unformatted.

Top PlainPaste Alternatives

Whether you're a power user or just someone who gets frustrated by unwanted formatting, these PlainPaste alternatives offer excellent solutions for pasting plain text effortlessly.

PureText

PureText is an incredibly lightweight (13Kb) and highly effective PlainPaste alternative for Windows. It allows you to paste text without formatting using a simple hotkey (default Win + V). Its key advantages are its portability – it requires no installation – and its efficiency, making it perfect for users who prioritize minimalism and speed.

Copy Plain Text 2

Copy Plain Text 2 offers a different approach as a browser addon, making it an excellent PlainPaste alternative for web-centric tasks. Available for Firefox, Waterfox, and Pale Moon, this free tool allows you to copy selected text without any formatting directly from your browser's context menu. It's ideal for those who frequently copy text from web pages and want to ensure it's always clean.

Copy PlainText

Copy PlainText is another robust browser extension that serves as a versatile PlainPaste alternative, extending its utility across multiple operating systems including Mac, Windows, and Linux, and specifically for Firefox. This free, multi-process extension strips formatting from selected text before it's copied to the Clipboard, and conveniently supports keyboard shortcuts for efficiency, making it a great choice for cross-platform users.

Choosing the best PlainPaste alternative depends on your specific needs, whether it's a lightweight desktop utility, a browser-integrated solution, or cross-platform compatibility. Explore these options to find the perfect tool that streamlines your pasting workflow and keeps your text clean.