Crossing stuff out in Google Docs is a handy trick that lets you show changes, mistakes, or ideas you’ve changed your mind about without deleting them. To do this, you simply need to highlight the text and apply the strikethrough format. This can be done in a couple of different ways, like using a menu option or a keyboard shortcut. With just a few clicks, your text will have a line through it, making it easy to see what you’ve decided to cross out.
How to Cross Stuff Out in Google Docs
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to apply a strikethrough to text in Google Docs. These instructions will help you quickly master this formatting option, ensuring that you can effectively communicate revisions or edits in your documents.
Step 1: Open your Google Docs document
First, you need to open your Google Docs document where you want to cross out text.
If you haven’t already created a document, head over to Google Docs on your browser and start a new one. Make sure you’re signed into your Google account so you can access all the features.
Step 2: Highlight the text you want to cross out
Select the specific text in your document that you want to apply the strikethrough to.
Using your mouse, click and drag over the text to highlight it. Alternatively, if it’s a single word, you can double-click it, or triple-click for a whole paragraph.
Step 3: Go to the "Format" menu
Navigate your cursor to the top of the screen and click on the "Format" menu.
The "Format" menu is a drop-down located in the toolbar at the top of your document. Clicking it will show various text formatting options.
Step 4: Select "Text" and then "Strikethrough"
Within the "Format" menu, hover over "Text" and then click "Strikethrough" from the submenu that appears.
This action applies the strikethrough to your highlighted text. It’s just a couple of clicks, and you’re there.
Step 5: Use the keyboard shortcut for quick access (optional)
If you prefer shortcuts, press "Alt + Shift + 5" on Windows or "Command + Shift + X" on Mac to apply the strikethrough.
Using keyboard shortcuts can save time, especially if you frequently use the strikethrough feature. It’s quick and doesn’t require navigating the menu.
After you cross out your text, you’ll see a line running through it. This doesn’t delete the text but visually indicates that it’s been marked for removal or revision. Strikethroughs are helpful in collaborative documents where you want to show your thought process or indicate changes without permanently altering the original content.
Tips for Crossing Stuff Out in Google Docs
- Utilize keyboard shortcuts to save time when applying strikethrough.
- Highlight entire paragraphs to cross out larger sections at once.
- Use strikethroughs to keep track of revisions during editing.
- Combine strikethrough with comments to explain why text was crossed out.
- Consider using strikethroughs for brainstorming sessions to show ideas that were considered but not chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a strikethrough in Google Docs?
To remove a strikethrough, highlight the text again and go back to the "Format" menu, select "Text," and then click "Strikethrough." The line will disappear.
Can I strikethrough text on mobile devices?
Yes, you can. Tap the text you want to cross out, select "Format," and then choose "Strikethrough."
Is there a way to customize the strikethrough line?
Google Docs doesn’t offer customization for the strikethrough line itself. It’s a standard line that cannot be altered in style or color.
Why would I use strikethrough instead of deleting text?
Strikethrough is useful for showing edits or changes without removing content, which can be helpful in collaborative environments where all suggestions or thoughts need visibility.
Can I use strikethrough with other formatting options?
Yes, you can combine strikethrough with bold, italics, or underline to emphasize text even more.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Highlight the text you want to cross out.
- Go to the "Format" menu.
- Select "Text" and then "Strikethrough."
- Use the keyboard shortcut for quick access.
Conclusion
Crossing stuff out in Google Docs is a simple yet powerful tool for anyone who frequently works with documents. Whether you’re collaborating with colleagues, editing your own work, or keeping track of changes, strikethrough provides a visual cue that keeps everyone on the same page. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily mark text for deletion or revision without actually removing it. This not only maintains the integrity of the original content but also ensures that any changes are transparent and reversible.
For those looking to boost their productivity, mastering keyboard shortcuts for strikethrough can save precious time. Plus, combining this feature with comments or other formatting tools can enhance communication and clarity in any document. Keep exploring the vast array of Google Docs features to streamline your workflow and make document editing more efficient. If you’re ready to become a Google Docs expert, consider diving into more advanced formatting techniques or explore other Google Workspace tools that can complement your document management skills.
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.