Google Docs is a versatile tool for creating and editing documents, and sometimes you might want to cross out words or sentences to show changes or revisions. To do this, you can use the strikethrough feature. All you need to do is highlight the text you want to cross out, click on "Format" in the top menu, select "Text," and then click on "Strikethrough." This simple process will effectively draw a line through your selected text, making it stand out as struck through.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Cross Out Things on Google Docs
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps needed to use the strikethrough feature in Google Docs. This is a straightforward process that only takes a few clicks.
Step 1: Open Your Google Docs Document
Open the document where you want to cross out text.
Once you’ve opened your Google Docs document, make sure you’re logged in to your Google account so you can access all features.
Step 2: Select the Text You Want to Cross Out
Highlight the text that you want to apply the strikethrough to.
You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over the text. Make sure the text is fully highlighted so that the strikethrough applies to all of it.
Step 3: Click on the "Format" Menu
Go to the top menu and click on the "Format" option.
The "Format" menu is where you’ll find various text editing options, including the one you need for strikethrough.
Step 4: Navigate to "Text" and Click "Strikethrough"
In the "Format" menu, hover over "Text," then click on "Strikethrough."
This action will immediately apply a line through your selected text, indicating it is crossed out.
Step 5: Review Your Changes
Check to make sure the strikethrough has been applied correctly to the text.
If the strikethrough doesn’t look right, you can always undo it by repeating the steps and clicking on "Strikethrough" again to remove it.
After you complete these actions, the selected text will have a line through it, marking it as crossed out. This makes it easy to identify as something that has been revised or is no longer relevant in your document.
Tips for How to Cross Out Things on Google Docs
- Use keyboard shortcuts for faster editing. On Windows, press Alt + Shift + 5, and on Mac, press Command + Shift + X to apply strikethrough.
- Strikethrough can be used in combination with other formatting styles like bold or italics to emphasize changes.
- Remember that strikethrough is a visual cue for changes, so avoid using it excessively as it can clutter your document.
- You can remove strikethrough the same way you applied it if you change your mind.
- Utilize the "Comment" feature to add notes about why text was crossed out, which can be helpful for collaborative editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of using strikethrough in Google Docs?
Strikethrough visually indicates that a portion of text is no longer relevant or has been revised, making it useful for edits and revisions.
Can I use strikethrough on mobile devices?
Yes, but the option is not directly available in the app. You can use a web browser on your mobile device to access the full features of Google Docs.
Is there a way to customize the appearance of strikethrough?
No, Google Docs offers a standard strikethrough line without options to customize its appearance.
Can I apply strikethrough to multiple sections at once?
Yes, you can highlight and apply strikethrough to multiple sections of text as long as they are selected together.
Will strikethrough affect the text when converting documents to other formats?
Strikethrough is usually preserved when exporting documents to formats like PDF or Word, but it’s always a good idea to check the final format.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Select the text you want to cross out.
- Click on the "Format" menu.
- Navigate to "Text" and click "Strikethrough."
- Review your changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to cross out things on Google Docs is a handy skill for anyone who frequently edits documents. It allows you to visually communicate changes or mark text that might no longer be relevant. This can be particularly useful in collaborative settings where multiple people are working on the same document, as it provides a clear indication of revisions.
Knowing how to efficiently use tools like Google Docs not only enhances your productivity but also ensures your documents remain clear and well-organized. While we’ve covered the basics here, I encourage you to explore other formatting options within Google Docs to see how they can further improve your document editing experience.
Consider playing around with different formatting features to see what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to use the help resources available from Google if you run into any issues. Happy editing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.