How to cut and past test formatted as html

[dragon499]

I use Gmail, with the default Ipad mail app.

I was emailed a code that I tried to paste into a browser window. The numeric code (as it often happens) was incorrectly formatted as a link, as the text was blue. I tried to highlight the text to copy it, but the magnifying glass was unable to find it. How can I cut and paste these kinds of text? Also, can I temporarily disable links in email, to avoid these situations.

 

[twerppoet]

It is probably not HTML. Instead many of the iPad apps try to detect things like addresses, dates, and phone numbers. The underline means that you should be able to tap them and get an options to make calls, add things to the calendar, or contacts; depending on what the iPad thinks they are.

It can not be turned off.

You can usually get around it by entering edit mode. In Note, just tap anywhere in the note to get the keyboard and the pseudo links disappear. I haven't tested this, but I'm pretty sure the same thing would happen in email if you chose to forward the email. You could then copy the needed text, and cancel the new email.

Another trick that works is to tap and hold on some nearby text to get the select option. Once you have some selected text you can use the selection handles to change what text is selected. This technique also works when you need to copy the text of an HTML link instead of the link (just in case your link really is HTML).

Depending on the app you are using this technique on, you may end up having to select more than you wanted. When that happens to me I just go tot he Note app, paste it, edit it, and recopy what I really wanted (assuming that it is not easier to do in the final destination app).

 

[dragon499]

Thanks for the explanation. If I tap on the blue text, I see 2 options. One to add to contacts, the other to copy. I could simply use the copy command. Also, I earlier misspoke as (when in the mail app) it is possible to use the magnifying glass to highlight the blue text. I was just not comfortable enough using the magnifying glass. I now see that I need to hold the virtual glass a few inches above the desired text that my finger is on. This process finds and is able to copy the desired text which can be pasted.

As the text was an 8 digit number, the mail app was programmed to think it may have been a phone number.

 

[twerppoet]

Sounds like you've got licked.