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Fix Formatting

Markdown to plain text converter

CleanPastedText editorial · Updated

Text workbench

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Cleaning mode

Removes common Markdown syntax while keeping typography and list markers.

Try a real example

Each sample contains a problem you cannot see.

Original

Pasted text

0 chars · 0 words

Cleaned

Ready to copy

0 changes

Text stays in this browser

Same words · No AI rewriting · No content logging

See what Markdown conversion changes

Markdown describes formatting using ordinary characters. A chat interface may render **important** as bold text, but another editor may show the asterisks. Conversion removes the syntax so the readable content can be used in an email, form field, or plain text file.

Markdown input

# Meeting notes

**Decision:** launch Friday.

- Update the draft
- Ask [Alex](https://example.com) to review

Plain text output

Meeting notes

Decision: launch Friday.

- Update the draft
- Ask Alex to review

Notice that the link label survives, but its destination does not. List items keep their line breaks, bullets, and numbering so the structure stays readable.

Convert a draft in three steps

  1. Paste the source into Input. Keep the Markdown to Text preset selected for a formatting-only conversion.
  2. Compare the preview with the original, especially links, code, and lists. The report shows how many Markdown markers were stripped.
  3. Copy the output into your destination or download a .txt file. Keep the original if you may need to restore links or formatting.

Markdown removal and plain-text paste solve different problems

A plain-text paste drops rich styling such as font size and color. It does not interpret literal Markdown syntax. If your clipboard contains asterisks and hash symbols, those characters can survive even when you paste without formatting.

Hidden Unicode characters are another separate layer. The preset here leaves those alone. Use the hidden character remover if searches fail or the output still wraps strangely, or read the Word and Google Docs paste guide for destination-specific steps.

Check complex documents before copying

This tool is intended for short drafts with common Markdown patterns. It does not build a document tree or reproduce a Markdown renderer's full behavior. List markers are preserved, link destinations are removed, and complex tables or embedded HTML may remain partly formatted.

Markers can also be meaningful data: a hash in a heading differs from a hash in source code, and asterisks may be operators. Keep a copy of the original and review technical content carefully. For ordinary spacing and punctuation fixes without Markdown removal, use the online text cleaner.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert Markdown to plain text?

Paste your Markdown into the input on this page. The Markdown to Text preset is selected automatically. Review the output, then use Copy or Download. All conversion happens in your browser.

Does converting Markdown keep link URLs?

For an inline Markdown link such as [Read more](https://example.com), the converter keeps the visible label and removes the URL syntax. Save the original or copy important URLs separately if you need them in the final document.

Can I remove Markdown from a ChatGPT answer?

Yes. Copy the answer and paste it here to remove common heading, emphasis, and link markers. List bullets and numbering are preserved. To also normalize hidden characters and punctuation, choose AI Clean and enable Strip Markdown under Advanced Controls.

Is this a complete Markdown parser?

No. The converter handles common formatting patterns with character rules. Complex nested syntax, tables, reference-style links, embedded HTML, and escaped markers may need manual editing. Review the output before using it.

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