Paste vs. Paste Special — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 13, 2023
"Paste" inserts copied content, while "Paste Special" allows specific content type/format insertion.
Difference Between Paste and Paste Special
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Paste is a basic function in many software applications that inserts previously copied content into the selected location. On the contrary, Paste Special provides users with additional options, letting them decide the format or specific content type they wish to insert.
When one uses the Paste function, the content is inserted precisely as it was when copied. Paste Special, however, can modify how the content is pasted, such as maintaining or discarding the original formatting, or converting tables into plain text.
While Paste is straightforward and requires no further user input, Paste Special often presents a dialog box offering various options. This difference allows users to customize the pasting process based on their requirements.
One of the primary applications of Paste is in word processors or text editors, ensuring quick transfer of text. Paste Special, however, finds extensive use in advanced software like spreadsheet applications where users might need to paste values without formulas or vice versa.
In terms of user expertise, Paste is beginner-friendly, making it universally understood and applied. On the other hand, Paste Special is a more advanced feature, often used by individuals familiar with specific software nuances.
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Comparison Chart
Functionality
Basic insertion
Advanced insertion with options
User Input
Direct insertion
Requires user choice for format/type
Application
Word processors, text editors
Advanced software (e.g., spreadsheets)
Customization
None
Various pasting options
User Expertise
Beginner
Advanced
Compare with Definitions
Paste
An action to place previously copied data.
After copying, he quickly clicked Paste.
Paste Special
A function offering various content insertion options.
To maintain formatting, he used Paste Special.
Paste
A command in software for data transfer.
The document required her to Paste multiple sections.
Paste Special
An advanced paste feature for format selection.
Using Paste Special, she transferred only the values.
Paste
The opposite of the copy function.
Once copied, you can Paste anywhere.
Paste Special
A tool in software for customized content insertion.
The table was flattened using the Paste Special option.
Paste
A tool for duplicating content in software.
She used the Paste function to replicate the list.
Paste Special
A function to dictate how copied content appears.
The Paste Special feature helped her retain the source formatting.
Paste
A smooth viscous mixture, as of flour and water or of starch and water, that is used as an adhesive for joining light materials, such as paper and cloth.
Paste Special
A command providing specific pasting choices.
To avoid formula transfer, he opted for Paste Special.
Paste
The moist clay or clay mixture used in making porcelain or pottery. Also called pâte.
Paste
A smooth dough of water, flour, and butter or other shortening, used in making pastry.
Paste
A food that has been pounded until it is reduced to a smooth creamy mass
Anchovy paste.
Paste
A sweet doughy candy or confection
Rolled apricot paste.
Paste
A hard, brilliant, lead-containing glass used in making artificial gems.
Paste
A gem made of this glass. Also called strass.
Paste
A hard blow.
Paste
To cause to adhere by applying paste.
Paste
To cover with something by using paste
He pasted the wall with burlap.
Paste
(Computers) To insert (text, graphics, or other data) into a document or file.
Paste
(Computers) To insert text, graphics, or other data into a document or file.
Paste
To strike forcefully.
Paste
To defeat soundly.
Paste
A soft moist mixture, in particular:
Paste
One of flour, fat, or similar ingredients used in making pastry.
Paste
(obsolete) Pastry.
Paste
One of pounded foods, such as fish paste, liver paste, or tomato paste.
Paste
One used as an adhesive, especially for putting up wallpapers, etc.
Paste
(physics) A substance that behaves as a solid until a sufficiently large load or stress is applied, at which point it flows like a fluid
Paste
A hard lead-containing glass, or an artificial gemstone made from this glass.
Paste
(obsolete) Pasta.
Paste
(mineralogy) The mineral substance in which other minerals are embedded.
Paste
(transitive) To stick with paste; to cause to adhere by or as if by paste.
Paste
To insert a piece of media (e.g. text, picture, audio, video) previously copied or cut from somewhere else.
Paste
To strike or beat someone or something.
Paste
To defeat decisively or by a large margin.
Paste
A soft composition, as of flour moistened with water or milk, or of earth moistened to the consistence of dough, as in making potter's ware.
Paste
Specifically, in cookery, a dough prepared for the crust of pies and the like; pastry dough.
Paste
A kind of cement made of flour and water, starch and water, or the like, - used for uniting paper or other substances, as in bookbinding, etc., - also used in calico printing as a vehicle for mordant or color.
Paste
A highly refractive vitreous composition, variously colored, used in making imitations of precious stones or gems. See Strass.
Paste
A soft confection made of the inspissated juice of fruit, licorice, or the like, with sugar, etc.
Paste
The mineral substance in which other minerals are imbedded.
Paste
To unite with paste; to fasten or join by means of paste.
Paste
Any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
Paste
An adhesive made from water and flour or starch; used on paper and paperboard
Paste
A tasty mixture to be spread on bread or crackers
Paste
Join or attach with or as if with glue;
Paste the sign ont the wall
Cut and paste the sentence in the text
Paste
Hit with the fists;
He pasted his opponent
Paste
Cover the surface of;
Paste the wall with burlap
Paste
A function to insert copied content.
Use the Paste command to transfer the text.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary use of the "Paste" function?
The "Paste" function is used to insert copied content.
Is "Paste Special" available in all software?
No, "Paste Special" is primarily in advanced software like spreadsheets or word processors.
Can "Paste" modify the format of copied content?
Typically, "Paste" retains the format of the copied content without modification.
How does "Paste Special" differ from "Paste"?
"Paste Special" offers additional options for how the copied content is inserted, such as format or content type.
When should one use "Paste Special"?
"Paste Special" is useful when needing specific content types or formats, like values without formulas.
Does "Paste Special" always require user input?
Yes, "Paste Special" typically presents options for the user to select how content is pasted.
Is "Paste Special" beginner-friendly?
"Paste Special" is more advanced, often used by those familiar with specific software nuances.
Can "Paste" be used to copy and insert images?
Yes, "Paste" can insert copied images, but "Paste Special" might offer more format choices.
Which function offers more customization, "Paste" or "Paste Special"?
"Paste Special" offers more customization options.
Can "Paste Special" be used to convert tables into plain text?
Yes, one of the options in "Paste Special" can be to paste tables as plain text.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
