How to Fix Hyperlink and Font Size Issues When Copying from Google Docs to Indie Email

Troubleshooting Common Formatting Issues When Copying from Google Docs to Your Email Editor

When publishing newsletters or campaigns, copying and pasting from Google Docs into a web-based email editor is a familiar time-saver. However, this workflow can introduce two of the most common and frustrating problems with editing emails:

1. hyperlinks that don’t open in a new window, and
2. font sizes that appear incorrectly.

This article will help you understand why these issues happen and provide practical, proven solutions to create clean, professional emails every time.

Why Do These Issues Occur?

Both issues stem from how Google Docs handles formatting “under the hood.” Google Docs was designed for web-based word processing and automatically adds complex styles and hidden HTML code to your text. When you copy and paste content into your email editor, the editor tries to interpret the extra code, but conflicts often arise.

Let’s look at each issue in more detail

1. Hyperlinks Not Opening in a New Window

Is this a known issue?  

Yes—this is expected behaviour and not a malfunction. When you copy a link from Google Docs, the HTML “tag created does *not* include the `target=”_blank”` attribute, which is the code needed to make links open in a new window or tab. The editor, seeing no instruction to open in a new window, keeps the default setting.

How to Solve It:  

There is currently no global setting to make all pasted links open in a new window. The best practice is to:

1. Paste Your Content as Plain Text: 

Before adding your links, make sure you paste your content without any hidden formatting (see below for full “paste as plain text” instructions).

2. Insert Links Using the Editor’s Tool:  

After your text is cleanly pasted, use the editor’s Insert Link function to add hyperlinks.  

- When you use this tool, you’ll see an option (often a checkbox) labelled “Open in new window.”  

- Selecting this ensures your readers never lose their place in the newsletter or campaign.

Pro Tip:  

Build the habit of creating links directly in your email editor. This approach avoids inconsistent behaviour and gives you complete control over link settings.

2. Font Size Changes to 12pt

Is this a known issue?

Yes. It’s the number-one formatting issue we see. When you paste from Google Docs, extra HTML, like `...`, comes along with your text. If you place this into a block meant for 18pt font, the specific “12pt” code overrides your editor’s template. Even using browser options like “Paste and remove formatting” isn’t always enough to strip out Google’s advanced styling.

There are two methods to guarantee your formatting stays pristine:

Method A: Use the Keyboard Shortcut for Plain Text Paste  

- Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + V  

- Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + V

This pastes raw text only, eliminating all hidden HTML. Once you use this shortcut, your text will properly inherit the font size and style of your template block.

Method B: The Notepad/TextEdit Detour

If shortcuts aren’t your style, this manual process always works:

1. Copy your text from Google Docs.

2. Paste it into a plain text editor:  

- Windows: Notepad  

- Mac: TextEdit (in plain text mode)

3. Copy the text again from the plain text editor.

4. Paste the text into your email editor.

This step removes any residual formatting, ensuring your email block’s fonts and styles display perfectly.

 Summary

Copy-paste clutter from Google Docs is a common challenge for every publisher. Following the methods above ensures your formatting—and your reader experience—remain consistent and professional. If you need more help or have questions, reach out to our support team for direct guidance.