Problems when copy-pasting text

[lu.guisado]

I can't copy and paste text from illustrator to any other program. When I select some text on AI and then copy it in the, for example, Whatsapp App or on my NotePad app on my MacBook the text copies as an image with white background. This didn't happen before the last update.

¿Any thoughts?

Thanks 🙂

[Monika Gause]

Do you select and copy the text object or the text?

[lu.guisado]

I select the text.

[Monika Gause]

With the text tool?

[Yasir777]

On a mac, Its cmd+shift+option+v

[marliton]

Hi. If you select text in Illustrator using the Text tool, copy and paste it into another program, it will paste as text with or without format depending on the application and its configuration. If you select text in Illustrator using the Select tool, copy and paste it into another non-adobe program, it will paste as a graphic and maybe you will get the background.

Try exporting the graphic or text as an image format like png (it supports transparency) and then, add the image to WhatsApp or another app.

[lu.guisado]

Hey! I understand what you are saying but sometimes I need to copy the text just as text (not an image). I have copied and pasted text from Illustrator to another non-Adobe apps in the past and there was no problem at all 😞
I never had this issue with previous updates of Illustrator and I really need a solution!
This does not happen when I copy and paste text from and to InDesign.

[MattGrid]

Did you not read what the guy said? He said he CANNOT PASTE TEXT FROM ILLUSTRATOR. It pastes as an image. You cannot paste text form Illustrator into Pages. It pastes AS AN IMAGE

[Monika Gause]

Did you not read what the guy said? He said he CANNOT PASTE TEXT FROM ILLUSTRATOR. It pastes as an image. You cannot paste text form Illustrator into Pages. It pastes AS AN IMAGE

By @MattGrid

You might want to post a bug report to Apple. Good luck with getting it fixed.

[Met1]

Yeah, I have this problem sporadically, so I paste into a Text editing app first, then copy that and paste where I really want it to go, that usually works...

I've never been able to work out why it does and doesn't allow me to paste directly out of AI.

If it's a lot of text and/or different text frames, export as .txt

[dd d]

I have the same problem, it started in the past few days, I never had that before, and I usd to copy text from AI to WhatsApp every day.

I don't know if something changed in my AI version or the WhatsApp version or if it even has something to do with updating my mac, since it started to happened right after that.

Please help!

[Monika Gause]

If you just updated the Mac and nothing else, then the Mac update is probably the reason for what you're experiencing.

[Festive_Elixir15A9 · Accepted solution]

I just try this trick and it worked, copy text (select the text and hit cmd+c) from your illustrator and paste at any program using (cmd+shift+v).

I hope it help..

[WizMedia.studio]

OMG this worked Thanks!!

[Corjane]

This doesn't work for me on my Mac, are you using a Mac?

[Corjane]

I got it, the mac needs the option key too!! Thanks for your comment, it helped me work it out.

[canaytr]

Mine still pastes it as an image even with option (+command+shift+V) :'( This is so frustrating!

[Corjane]

Did you try going through the main menu bar? That's how I discovered it initially then used the shortcut. I use it to paste in to mail and it's called 'paste and match style' ?

[richardkirkland]

Thank you so much worked for me on the Mac pasting Ai text into Ms Word. Really appreciate it!

[Corjane]

Fantastic!  So pleased it works for you I found it so frustrating until I figured out what I needed to do.

[Huamai808]

On the Mac, if you're pasting from Illustrator into Word, you can also go to "Paste Special" under Edit in Word and select "Unformatted Text" which will paste the string of characters from your clipboard. Cheers! 

[Corjane]

Did you ever find a resolve to this? This is the problem I'm having now. 

[ArnieBlow]

Hey! I have the same issue... Couldnt copy / paste from AI. I have tried to reinstall AI - doesnt help. I have completely removed all Adobe products and cleaned after them with their removal tool - nothing. That made me thinking..maybe its related to some Windows problem (like corrupted files after update) I made it to work after I did sfc /scannow from command line, then I was able to copy the text into the Wordpad, when i tried to paste the text into Word the loading wheel spins - its looking like its doing something but no. When you right click and go for paste there is possibility to "keep text only" then its working. 

[Corjane]

Thanks for your comment, this method didn't work for me but without this, I wouldn't have found the option I need with is 'paste and match sytle' I'm using a Mac. Thanks

[Corjane]

I GOT THIS TO WORK!! on my Mac, it's been bugging me so much!!

I copy text from illustrator and send to my clients in mail but i want it as actual editable text and not an image.

If i copy from illustrator the use 'option / comannd / shift / V together it work.

Or in the edit menu in mail 'paste and match style'