How to Do a Strikethrough on Google Docs
Striking through text in Google Docs is a handy way to show edits or highlight changes without removing the original content. To do this, simply select the text you want to modify, go to the "Format" menu, hover over "Text," and click on "Strikethrough." Voilà! Your text now has a line through it, indicating it has been crossed out but not deleted.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Strikethrough on Google Docs
In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to strike through text in Google Docs. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Google Docs
First, open the Google Docs document where you want to apply the strikethrough effect.
Make sure you’re logged into your Google account and have your document ready. You can either start a new document or open an existing one.
Step 2: Select the Text
Next, highlight the text you wish to strike through.
Click and drag your mouse over the text, or hold down the Shift key and use the arrow keys to select the desired text.
Step 3: Access the Format Menu
Navigate to the "Format" option in the top menu bar.
The "Format" menu is located between "Insert" and "Tools." Clicking on it will reveal a dropdown menu with various text formatting options.
Step 4: Choose the Strikethrough Option
Hover over "Text" in the dropdown menu, then click on "Strikethrough."
You’ll see a list of text formatting options. By clicking "Strikethrough," your selected text will immediately have a line through it.
Step 5: Confirm the Changes
Review your document to ensure the strikethrough effect has been applied correctly.
If everything looks good, you’re all set! If not, you can undo the change by clicking "Undo" or pressing Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac).
After applying the strikethrough, your text will have a line running through it. This indicates that the text is crossed out but still remains in the document for reference.
Tips for Strikethrough on Google Docs
- Strikethrough shortcuts: Use Alt + Shift + 5 for Windows or Cmd + Shift + X for Mac to strike through quickly.
- Reversing strikethrough: To remove it, follow the same steps or use the shortcut again.
- Formatting multiple sections: You can apply strike through to several text sections at once.
- Combine with other formatting: Strikethrough can be used with other styles like bold or italics for emphasis.
- Saving changes: Your document saves automatically, so any strikethroughs you apply will be saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a strikethrough?
Simply repeat the steps to apply strikethrough, and it will be removed. You can also use the shortcut keys again to toggle it off.
Can I apply strikethrough to multiple non-continuous sections?
No, you need to select each section individually unless you use a script or add-on.
Is there a mobile option?
Yes, although it’s less intuitive. You can access strikethrough via the formatting options in the mobile app.
Can I change the line style of the strikethrough?
Google Docs doesn’t support changing the strikethrough line style. It’s a simple horizontal line only.
Does strikethrough affect the document’s readability?
It may affect readability slightly, so use it sparingly and only where necessary.
Summary
- Open Google Docs.
- Select the text.
- Access the Format menu.
- Choose Strikethrough.
- Confirm changes.
Conclusion
Striking through text in Google Docs is a simple yet powerful tool for editing and collaboration. Whether you’re reviewing a document with a team or just marking changes for yourself, knowing how to apply a strikethrough can make a world of difference. It’s like having a virtual red pen, allowing you to cross things out without losing any information.
Remember, you can always combine strikethrough with other formatting styles to make your edits stand out even more. And don’t forget those handy keyboard shortcuts—they’re real time-savers!
If you’re new to Google Docs, or even if you’re a seasoned pro, mastering these small tricks can take your document game to the next level. Ready to give it a try? Open up a document and start experimenting. You might be surprised at how often you’ll find yourself using strikethrough once you know how easy it is. 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.