Paste Special (Ctrl+Alt+V / ⌘⌃V)
Copy first, then press Ctrl+Alt+V on Windows or ⌘⌃V (Command+Control+V) on the Mac to open the Paste Special dialog and choose values, formulas, or formatting only.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Paste Special dialog | ⌘⌃V | Ctrl+Alt+V | |
| Paste values only (Excel, after Ctrl+Alt+V) | ⌘⌃V then V | Ctrl+Alt+V then V | |
| Paste formatting only (Excel) | ⌘⌃V then T | Ctrl+Alt+V then T |
Why Paste Special
A normal paste (Ctrl+V / ⌘V) brings everything — formulas, formatting, borders. Paste Special lets you pick just one part: paste calculated values instead of formulas, copy only the formatting, or transpose rows into columns.
How to use it
Copy the cells, click the destination, then press Ctrl+Alt+V (Windows) or ⌘⌃V (Mac). In the dialog that opens, pick an option — for example Values to strip formulas — and press Enter. In Word the same shortcut lets you paste text unformatted or as a picture.
Paste values fast
In Excel on Windows the fastest route to values-only is Ctrl+Alt+V, then V, then Enter.
FAQ
What is the Paste Special shortcut?
Ctrl+Alt+V on Windows or ⌘⌃V (Command+Control+V) on the Mac. It opens the Paste Special dialog in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
How do I paste values only?
Press Ctrl+Alt+V (⌘⌃V on Mac), choose Values in the dialog, then press Enter. In Excel on Windows you can type V then Enter.
Does Paste Special work in Google Sheets?
Google Sheets uses Ctrl+Shift+V (⌘⇧V on Mac) to paste values only, without a dialog.