Ask the Library: Reference

In Word 2007 you can copy the format of selected text and paste the copied attributes to a 'target' selection. Simply select (highlight) some part of the text whose format you want to match, double click the Format Painter (the little paintbrush icon in the top left section on the Home tab) and be sure to keep the mouse button depressed. The paintbrush "stalks" your cursor as you move it. Then highlight the text you want to reformat. The copied formatting is applied as soon as you release the mouse button.The format remains active until you press Esc or click the button again.