Google Docs Strikethrough: A Quick Guide
Ever wonder how to cross out text in Google Docs? It’s called a strikethrough, and it’s a super handy tool for editing and revising your work. To do a strikethrough, all you need to do is select the text, go to the Format menu, and click on "Strikethrough." It’s as simple as that! This nifty feature helps you keep track of changes without deleting text entirely. Whether you’re editing a document or making a list, strikethroughs can be your secret weapon for organized and efficient text management.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on Google Docs Strikethrough
Want to learn how to use the strikethrough feature in Google Docs like a pro? Follow these simple steps to master this editing tool effortlessly.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open the Google Docs document where you want to use the strikethrough.
Make sure you’re logged into your Google account. Find and click on the document you need, or start a new one. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Next, use your mouse or touchpad to highlight the text you want to cross out.
Click and drag your cursor over the text. If you need to change multiple sections, you can repeat this step with each selection.
Step 3: Access the Format Menu
Then, go to the top of the page and click on the "Format" menu.
The "Format" menu is like a toolbox for text editing. It has all sorts of options to make your text look just the way you want it.
Step 4: Select "Strikethrough"
Choose "Text" from the drop-down menu, then click "Strikethrough."
This action will instantly cross out your highlighted text. It’s like waving a magic wand!
Step 5: Review Your Changes
Finally, scroll through your document to see the text with the strikethrough applied.
Make sure everything looks right. If not, you can always undo the action by selecting the text again and clicking "Strikethrough" once more.
Once you’ve added a strikethrough, your selected text will be neatly crossed out. It will stay visible but appear as if it’s been intentionally marked for deletion or reconsideration. This can be especially useful for collaboration, where you may want to suggest changes without completely removing existing content.
Tips for Google Docs Strikethrough
- When working collaboratively, use strikethroughs to suggest deletions without erasing text permanently.
- Pair strikethroughs with comments to provide context on why text is being marked.
- Use keyboard shortcuts (Cmd + Shift + X for Mac, Ctrl + Shift + X for Windows) for quicker access.
- Strikethrough can be used creatively in lists to denote completed tasks.
- Be mindful of readability; too many strikethroughs can clutter your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs?
For a quicker way to strikethrough text, use the shortcut Cmd + Shift + X on a Mac or Ctrl + Shift + X on a Windows PC.
Can I strikethrough text on mobile Google Docs?
Yes, on mobile, select text, tap on the "Format" icon (A with lines), and choose strikethrough from the menu.
Can others see the strikethrough when I share my document?
Absolutely! Anyone with access to the document will see the strikethrough, making it a great tool for collaborative editing.
How do I remove a strikethrough from text?
To remove a strikethrough, simply highlight the crossed-out text and select "Strikethrough" from the Format menu again.
Can I use strikethrough in Google Sheets or Slides?
Yes, you can use strikethrough in Google Sheets and Slides, but the steps may vary slightly from Docs.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Highlight the text.
- Access the Format menu.
- Select "Strikethrough."
- Review your changes.
Conclusion
Understanding how to do a strikethrough on Google Docs is like having a Swiss army knife for document editing. It lets you communicate changes clearly without losing the original text. Whether you’re tackling a team project or just organizing your thoughts, this feature helps you keep track of ideas with ease. Plus, with keyboard shortcuts and mobile functionality, it’s never been easier to use. Don’t let your documents become a cluttered mess; strikethrough can help you create order in chaos. Explore other features in the Format menu to further enhance your document management skills. And remember, practice makes perfect! So go ahead, dive into Google Docs, and strike through to your heart’s content.
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.