How to use the Format Painter

Microsoft writing and data programs have a nifty little function that makes it easy to copy custom text formatting such as font type, color, and size, paragraph spacing, and others from one section to another. It is called the Format Painter. If you use lots of custom adjustments like me, this little button will save you lots of time!
Here is what the Format Painter looks like:

How to use the Format Painter in Microsoft and Open Office:

1. Highlight a section of the text that has the formatting you want to copy.


2. Click the Format Painter button*


3. Highlight the whole section of text to which you want to copy the formatting.

That's all there is to it!

Note: The Format Painter is mouse-click sensitive. The first click-and-release you make after you click the Format Painter button uses the copied formatting and empties the Format Painter's memory. If you clicked in the wrong place and released the mouse button, then you need to start over at step one and do the whole processes again.

*Format Painter button location:

• Microsoft 2007: on the Home Ribbon in the Clipboard box (left hand side)
  
  
  
  
• Microsoft 93-2000



• Open Office