Smart Copy on Microsoft Edge Canary makes it easy to copy tables from websites

Edge Dev Hero 2020 Newfeature
Edge Dev Hero 2020 Newfeature (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Edge Canary now supports a new Smart Copy feature.
  • The feature allows you to copy tables and content with its formatting.
  • You can then paste the content into other programs while retaining its original formatting.

Microsoft is rolling out support for Smart Copy to Microsoft Edge Canary (via Techdows). The feature allows you to copy content, such as charts and images, and then paste that content elsewhere while retaining its formatting. Microsoft first announced the feature in March, and it is rolling out now to Microsoft Edge Canary.

"Smart copy makes it easier to select, copy, and paste content that you find across the web, maintaining source site's formatting, spacing and text," says Microsoft in its post announcing the feature. As outlined by Microsoft, you can "Use your mouse to select any area or content (including charts, images, etc.) and when you paste, you will get the option to paste as an image or to retain the original source formatting, saving you valuable time."

Twitter user and Windows Insider MVP "sumitdhimn" shared a video of the feature. In the video, a selection is made of a table on a website and then pasted into Microsoft Edge. The table pasted into Word looks exactly like the table from the source website. Manually creating a table or formatting pasted content into a table can be a lengthy process without features like Smart Copy.

You can use Smart Copy by right-clicking content and selecting the Smart Copy option or using Ctrl+Shift+X.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.