1
Ctrl+Shift+CCopy the format of the reference object
Select the text box or shape you want to use as your formatting standard, then press this shortcut. Only the visual settings go to the clipboard — not the object itself.
PowerPoint format copyCtrl+Shift+Cslide consistencyPowerPoint formatting
Create Consistent Slides with Format Copy Ctrl+Shift+C
The format copied with Ctrl+Shift+C can be pasted repeatedly with Ctrl+Shift+V. The concept is the same as format copy in Excel, and it works on any PowerPoint object.
Shortcuts you will master in this article
Ctrl+Shift+C (Copy Format) / Ctrl+Shift+V (Paste Format)
Steps for format copy/paste
Select the reference object first, then press Ctrl+Shift+C. This is the correct order.
2
Select target objectsChoose the objects to receive the format
You can also Ctrl+click or Shift+click to select multiple objects at once.
3
Ctrl+Shift+VPaste the copied format
The format is applied to all selected objects. You can paste as many times as needed as long as the source settings haven't changed.
Tip: Ctrl+Shift+V can be used repeatedly. To apply the same format to 5 places, just paste 5 times.
4
Ctrl+ZUndo the format application
If the result isn't what you intended, press Ctrl+Z to step back.
PowerPoint Shortcut Practice
Master PowerPoint shortcuts and
present with confidence
Reading alone won't make them stick. Use KeyboardGym's PowerPoint practice mode to type the shortcuts from this article.
Format Copy Checklist
Can copy only the format of an object with Ctrl+Shift+C
Can select multiple objects and apply the format all at once with Ctrl+Shift+V
Can use format paste on objects in different slides
Can immediately undo a mistaken application with Ctrl+Z
Related Shortcuts
Visit each shortcut detail page to see key positions and usage tips.
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl + Shift + C | Copy Format |
Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste Format |
Ctrl + Z | Undo |
Ctrl + B | Bold |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What gets copied with format copy, and what doesn't?
A. Font, size, color, bold, italic, underline, line spacing, padding, shape fill, and borders are all copied. Text content and animation settings are not.
Q. What if I only want to copy the formatting of a portion of text?
A. Select the specific characters you want, then press Ctrl+Shift+C. You'll also need to select text in the destination object before pressing Ctrl+Shift+V.
Q. How do I memorize PowerPoint shortcuts faster?
A. Reading alone won't make them stick. Use KeyboardGym's PowerPoint practice mode to type the keys and build muscle memory through sequential and random practice.