Crossing things out in Google Docs can be a handy way to show edits or changes without losing the original text. To do this, you’ll use the strikethrough feature, which is easy to find in the Format menu. Simply highlight the text you wish to cross out, navigate to Format at the top of your screen, then choose Text, and select Strikethrough. It’s as simple as that!
How to Cross Things Out on Google Docs
Crossing out text in Google Docs is a straightforward task that can be accomplished in just a few steps. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to effectively use the strikethrough feature to mark text as deleted or changed without actually removing it.
Step 1: Open Your Google Docs Document
First, open the Google Docs document where you want to cross out text.
Ensure you have access to the document, whether it’s a new document or one you’ve been working on. This feature works in both existing documents and fresh ones.
Step 2: Select the Text You Want to Cross Out
Next, click and drag your mouse over the text you want to cross out.
Be careful to select all the text you want to edit. If you miss a part, it won’t be crossed out, which might lead to confusion later.
Step 3: Go to the Format Menu
Navigate to the top of the screen and click on the "Format" option.
This menu is your gateway to all sorts of text formatting options. It’s located on the top toolbar, usually next to Edit and View.
Step 4: Hover Over the Text Menu
In the Format dropdown, hover over the "Text" menu to see more options.
This menu will expand, revealing a selection of text formatting choices, including the strikethrough option.
Step 5: Select Strikethrough
Click on "Strikethrough" from the expanded Text menu.
After clicking Strikethrough, your selected text will have a line through it, indicating that it has been crossed out.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your selected text will appear with a line through it, clearly marked as crossed out. This is useful for editing or making notes without deleting text entirely.
Tips for Crossing Things Out on Google Docs
- Utilize keyboard shortcuts: For speedier text strikethrough, you can use
Alt + Shift + 5on Windows orCmd + Shift + Xon Mac. - Keep it clear: Use strikethrough sparingly to avoid cluttering your document and confusing readers.
- Combine with comments: Consider adding a comment next to crossed-out text to explain why it was removed.
- Use for humor: Crossing out text can also be used humorously in informal contexts to show second thoughts or jokes.
- Preview before finalizing: Always preview your document after making edits to ensure clarity and coherence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cross out multiple sections of text at once?
Yes, you can select multiple sections of text simultaneously by holding down the Ctrl key (or Command key on Mac) while making your selections.
Is the strikethrough permanent?
No, strikethrough is not permanent. You can easily remove it by re-selecting the text and choosing the Strikethrough option again.
Can I change the appearance of the strikethrough line?
No, Google Docs does not currently allow customization of the strikethrough line’s appearance.
Does the strikethrough affect the text’s readability?
Strikethrough will make the text slightly harder to read, which is why it’s best used for text meant to be ignored or deleted.
Can I use strikethrough in conjunction with other formatting options?
Yes, you can use strikethrough along with other formatting options like bold or italic.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Select the text you want to cross out.
- Go to the Format menu.
- Hover over the Text menu.
- Select Strikethrough.
Conclusion
Incorporating the strikethrough feature in Google Docs into your editing toolkit can significantly enhance your ability to communicate changes, edits, or suggestions in a document. It serves as a visual cue that something has been altered or reconsidered without erasing it entirely. This feature can be especially useful in collaborative environments where multiple people are editing or reviewing a document. It allows for transparency and clarity, ensuring everyone involved is on the same page regarding changes.
So next time you’re working on a group project or reviewing an article draft, remember that crossing things out in Google Docs is as simple as a few clicks. And don’t forget to make use of the keyboard shortcuts to save time. Whether you’re using it for editing or adding a touch of humor, strikethrough is a versatile tool that can enhance both the clarity and personality of your documents. So give it a try and see how it can improve your document editing process!
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.