How to avoid the Format Painter mode automatically dismissed when text is updated?

[JDYNG]

Hi,

To change the format of multiple selections in my document, I have to first double-click Format Painter button.  The annoying thing is that the format painter mode is automatically dismissed when I change the text.  Then, I have to double click the format painter button again.  Is there a way to make the mode steady until I hit the ESC key rather than dismissed by an update?

In my use case, I often need to modify the text and format of a document at the same time during the final stage. The number of text occurrences involved may reach several hundreds.

I desperately need to resolve this issue since switching back and forth is very painful. Any help is much appreciated in advance.

JD

[#2 · Accepted solution]

@JDYNG 

Hi - this is not an answer to maintaining the format painter, but it may assist you with doing many edits as described.

Use keyboard shortcuts (much better for multiple repetitive actions anyway). You can still use in conjunction with mouse selection if needed.

Keyboard only

- Select the text with format you wish to copy

- Use Ctrl+Shift+C to copy a format * 

- Find and select the text you wish to format

- Use Ctrl+Shift+V to paste a format

- Edit text

- Continue to use Ctrl+Shift+V to paste a format (it will paste the format of the last copied text)

*(Ctrl-C will copy the text including the format - just ensure you use Ctrl-Shift-V to paste only the format)

You will be able to add and delete text, but the clipboard will still have the format in it, so you can continue to use Ctrl+Shift+V subsequently.

Mix with mouse selection

Some people just prefer mouse usage as much as possible (but trust me - keyboard is way faster and probably less RSI), so you can select text with the format you wish to copy and use mouse right-click for copy and then use mouse to select the text you wish to format, but then you must still use Ctrl+Shift+V for paste format (I cannot find "format only" anywhere in the paste special or paste menu drop down - like it is in Excel).

I hope this helps.

[#3]

@JDYNG It sounds like you are not using Styles to format the text.  Best if you define Styles with the required formatting and apply them were required.

[#4]

@DuginOz Thanks for the reply.  I totally agree with you about the difference between keyboard and mouse.  I am kind of keyboard person.  In terms of your alternative solution, it may be the best solution although it's not still not ideal in my use case.  Shift-ctrl-v is an extra step after selecting text.  If the format painter mode is not dismissed, I even don't need any extra step to apply format.  However, I know that it may be the best solution unless Microsoft can change the behavior.  Thanks for your help,

JD

[#5]

Hi Doug, thanks for the reply. I am not using Styles. I will do research about it and see if it can help in my use case. I appreciate this hint.

[#6]

@JDYNG 

You can definitely use styles in your case and the sooner you start, the happier you will be.

The Importance of Styles in Microsoft Word

[#7]

Thanks Charles. I am looking into this topic. You have a nice Thanskgiving holiday.

[#8]

Glad that helps.

To your point about the extra step after selecting text - that is true but it sound like you are maybe still in the mind set of using the mouse for selection. Use keyboard navigation (Ctrl-Shift-right arrow, Ctrl-Shift-down arrow, Ctrl-Shift-End, etc) and then the Ctrl-Shift-V and it should feel quite seamless (rather than "painting" text with mouse then moving to keyboard, then back to mouse, etc).

Having said all that, the tips from @Doug_Robbins_Word_MVP and @Charles_Kenyon about styles are spot on. I have always used styles on large docs, but been lazy on short docs even short reusable (should I call them pseudo-template) docs. I had a read of the links I will be changing my behaviour. Thanks gents.

[#9]

You are welcome.