How to Copy Text from Websites That Disable Copying
2 min read
Many websites disable copy-paste functionality to protect their content. If you've ever tried to copy a recipe, research quote, or article excerpt and found yourself unable to, you know how frustrating this is.
Why Websites Block Copying
Websites block copying using JavaScript event listeners and CSS properties like user-select: none. Common reasons include:
- Copyright protection — Publishers want to prevent content theft
- Licensing restrictions — Paid content platforms restrict redistribution
- Security — Banking sites may disable copy to prevent phishing
The Easiest Solution: A Browser Extension
The fastest fix is the Enable Copy Everywhere Chrome extension. It removes these restrictions with a single click.
How to Use It
- Install Enable Copy Everywhere from the Chrome Web Store
- Navigate to the website blocking your copying
- Click the extension icon in your Chrome toolbar
- Copy and paste as normal
Other Methods (Without an Extension)
If you prefer not to use an extension:
- Keyboard shortcuts — Many sites block right-click but not
Ctrl+Cafter text selection - View Source — Press
Ctrl+Uto open page source and find text there - Print to PDF —
Ctrl+P→ Save as PDF, then copy from the PDF
The extension approach is by far the most convenient and works on virtually all sites.