Paste:
- When you use the "Paste" command, it allows you to insert copied content from the clipboard into a new location in a document or application.
- It is a basic function that copies the entire content, including text, images, formatting, and any other data, from the source location and pastes it into the desired destination.

Paste Special:
- The "Paste Special" command provides additional options and flexibility when pasting content from the clipboard.
- It allows you to choose how the copied content should be pasted, giving you control over the specific elements and formats you want to preserve or discard.

Difference:

1. Paste:
- When you use the "Paste" command, it directly pastes the copied content, including all formatting and formulas, into the new location.
- It is a simple and straightforward way to insert content, suitable for general use.

2. Paste Special:
- The "Paste Special" command offers various options to customize the pasted content according to your specific requirements.
- It enables you to choose from different paste types, such as pasting only values, formulas, formatting, or other specific attributes.

Examples of Paste Special options:
- Paste Values: This option allows you to paste only the values, excluding any formulas or formatting applied to the original content. It is useful when you want to retain the data but discard other elements.
- Paste Formats: This option pastes only the formatting of the copied content, including font styles, colors, and cell borders, without copying the actual data. It is helpful when you want to apply the same formatting to multiple cells or ranges.
- Paste Transpose: This option swaps the rows and columns of the copied range. It is often used when you need to rearrange data or convert it from vertical to horizontal format (or vice versa).

Summary:
- In summary, the main difference between "Paste" and "Paste Special" is that the former directly pastes the entire copied content, while the latter provides various options to control how the content is pasted, allowing you to choose specific elements or formats to include or exclude. "Paste Special" offers more flexibility and customization options when inserting content from the clipboard.