Use Word's Hidden Clipboard for Cutting, Copying and Pasting
by Avantix Learning Team | Updated March 25, 2026
Applies to: Microsoft® Word® 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 and 365 (Windows)
If you do a lot of cutting, copying and pasting in Microsoft Word, there's a hidden tool that can save you a lot of time. The technical name for this tool is the Spike which is likely why very few Word users know about it. The Spike is different from the regular Clipboard which holds only one cut or copied item at a time. The Spike or enhanced Clipboard can collect multiple items (text or images) as you cut or copy them. You can collect (cut or copy) a number of items and then paste them in the same document or a different document in a couple of steps. The trick is to display the Clipboard task pane when you're cutting or copying.
Contents
- Display the Clipboard task pane (the Spike)
- Add items to the Clipboard task pane
- Paste items from the Clipboard task pane
- Delete items from the Clipboard task pane
- Final thoughts
Recommended article: How to Copy Formatting in Word (3 Easy Ways with Shortcuts)
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Display the Clipboard task pane (the Spike)
To display the Clipboard task pane or the Spike in Word:
- Click the Home tab in the Ribbon.
- In the Clipboard group, click the dialog box launcher (the button on the bottom right of the Clipboard group). The Clipboard task pane appears.
Below is the Clipboard task pane:
Add items to the Clipboard task pane
Now, when you cut or copy text or an image, it will be added to the Clipboard task pane automatically (which can hold up to 24 items).
Below is the Clipboard task pane with multiple items:
You can also cut items and add them to the Spike by pressing Ctrl + F3 if the task pane is not displayed.
Paste items from the Clipboard task pane
To paste items from the Clipboard task pane (in the current document or another document):
- With the Clipboard task pane displayed, place the cursor in the document where you want to paste the item.
- Click the item in the Clipboard task pane and it will be pasted into the document at the cursor.
- Repeat for other items.
Delete items from the Clipboard task pane
To delete single items from the Clipboard task pane:
- With the Clipboard task pane displayed, point to the item you wish to delete until an arrow appears.
- Click the arrow and select Delete.
- Repeat for other items.
To delete all items from the Clipboard task pane, with the Clipboard task pane displayed, click Clear All at the top of the task pane.
Final thoughts
The Clipboard task pane or the Spike can be a real timesaver if you're working with large Word documents. You can change the behaviour of the Spike by clicking on Options at the bottom of the task pane and selecting other options (such as showing the Clipboard automatically).
This article was first published on September 4, 2017 and has been updated for clarity and content.
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