Word Document Scraps: What Replaced This Clipboard Trick in 2026

Back in 2005 my favourite discovery was word document scraps: drag selected text from Microsoft Word to the desktop and Windows saved it as a small “Document Scrap” file you could drop back into any document later. This post explains how scraps worked, why they disappeared, and the best ways to keep several pieces of text handy in 2026.

Quick answer: Windows Vista removed support for scrap files, so dragging text from Word to the desktop no longer creates a Document Scrap. Today you can collect multiple text snippets with Windows clipboard history (Windows key + V), the Office Clipboard in Word, or Word’s Spike feature.

How word document scraps worked

I first read about scraps in a Microsoft Office tips post by Amit Agarwal of Digital Inspiration. You highlighted text in an open Word document and dragged it onto the desktop. Windows created a file named Document Scrap followed by the first few words of the text. You could rename and arrange these scraps, then drag them back into Word or many other programs when needed.

For me, this was a great alternative to the clipboard, because I could keep track of many selected texts at once and reuse them whenever I wanted.

Why document scraps no longer work

Scrap files (the .shs format) were supported in older Windows versions such as Windows 98, 2000 and XP. Microsoft removed scrap support in Windows Vista, and it is not available in Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11. If you drag text to the desktop today, nothing useful happens, and old .shs files can’t be opened without an old Windows PC.

Best alternatives to word document scraps

1. Windows clipboard history (Win+V)

Windows 10 and 11 can remember several recent copied items. Turn it on in Settings > System > Clipboard by switching on Clipboard history. Then press Windows key + V to see recent items and click one to paste it. You can pin items you use often so they stay in the list. Clipboard history works in every app, not just Word.

2. The Office Clipboard in Word

Microsoft Office has its own clipboard that holds up to 24 items. In Word, go to the Home tab and click the small arrow in the corner of the Clipboard group to open the Clipboard pane. Everything you copy or cut appears there, and you can paste any item, or all of them at once.

3. Word’s Spike

The Spike collects text from different places and pastes it all together, which is handy for rearranging a document:

• Select text and press Ctrl+F3 to cut it into the Spike. Press Ctrl+Z right after if you want to keep the text in place.
• Repeat for each piece of text you want to collect.
• Press Ctrl+Shift+F3 to paste everything and empty the Spike.

See Microsoft’s guide to using the Spike in Word (external site) for more options.

4. A clipboard manager

If you want searchable history, saved snippets and more control, a free clipboard manager is the closest thing to scraps today. See our list of the best free Windows clipboard managers.

For more time-saving habits, read our tips to increase productivity on computers.

FAQ

Can I still create document scraps in Windows 11?

No. Scrap file support was removed in Windows Vista and has not returned in later versions.

How do I open an old .shs scrap file?

Modern Windows can’t open .shs files. You would need an older Windows version, such as Windows XP, to open the scrap and copy its text.

What is the easiest replacement for scraps?

Windows clipboard history. Turn it on once in Settings, then press Windows key + V to paste any recent item.

Does the Spike work in Word for Microsoft 365?

Yes. Microsoft lists Spike support for Word for Microsoft 365 and recent desktop versions of Word.