Strikethrough in Google Docs is a handy tool when you want to visually indicate that certain text is no longer relevant, without actually deleting it. To do this, simply highlight the text you want to strike through, then go to the Format menu, select "Text," and click on "Strikethrough." This quick action will put a line through the highlighted text, making it easy for you and others to see what has been changed or should be ignored.
How to Do Strikethrough on Google Docs
If you’re looking to master the art of striking through text in Google Docs, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can easily mark text as "done" or "outdated" in your documents.
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
First, open the document where you want to use strikethrough.
Make sure you’re logged into your Google account, and you’ve navigated to Google Docs. If your document isn’t created yet, just click on the "+" sign to start a new one. Either way, get your document ready for editing.
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Next, click and drag your mouse to highlight the text you want to strike through.
This is a crucial step because Google Docs needs to know which text you’re aiming to modify. Ensure you only highlight the text you want to change, as this will help avoid any unnecessary changes to other parts of your document.
Step 3: Go to the Format Menu
Then, at the top of the screen, click on "Format."
This menu houses a variety of options for modifying your text, such as changing fonts, sizes, and other attributes. It’s the hub for all your formatting needs.
Step 4: Select Text from the Drop-Down Menu
After clicking on "Format," hover your cursor over "Text" in the drop-down menu.
You’ll notice a secondary menu appears, showcasing various text formatting options. This is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Click on Strikethrough
Finally, click on "Strikethrough" from the text options.
Your selected text will now have a line through it. This visual cue is great for showing text that has been revised or is no longer needed.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll see your text with a line through it. This indicates that the content has been stricken through, making it clear to readers that this text is not part of the main content anymore.
Tips for Using Strikethrough in Google Docs
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: On a PC, use "Alt + Shift + 5"; on a Mac, use "Command + Shift + X" for a quicker way to apply strikethrough.
- Be Mindful: Use strikethrough sparingly to ensure clarity. Too much can make your document hard to read.
- Combine with Comments: If you’re collaborating, use comments to explain why text was struck through.
- Undo Easily: If you make a mistake, simply press "Ctrl + Z" or "Command + Z" to undo the action.
- Cross-Platform Access: You can do this on any device with Google Docs access, making it versatile and convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I strikethrough on Google Docs using my phone?
Yes, you can. Open the app, select your text, and use the formatting menu to find the strikethrough option.
Is there a way to strikethrough multiple sections at once?
Yes, just select all the sections you want to modify and apply the strikethrough action.
Will strikethrough show up when I print my document?
Yes, the strikethrough will appear on your printed document as it does on screen.
Can I remove strikethrough once applied?
Absolutely, just re-select the text and click on "Strikethrough" again to remove it.
Does strikethrough work with all fonts?
Yes, it works with any font available in Google Docs.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc.
- Highlight the text.
- Go to the Format menu.
- Select Text.
- Click on Strikethrough.
Conclusion
Mastering the simple yet effective tool of strikethrough in Google Docs can be a game-changer for your document management. Whether you’re working solo or collaborating with a team, this feature helps you keep track of changes without losing sight of what was originally there. Think of it as your document’s personal editor’s red pen, elegantly crossing out what doesn’t need to be in the spotlight anymore.
Being able to strike through text with just a few clicks or shortcuts can streamline your editing process and save time. It’s also a subtle way of keeping your workflow transparent, especially in collaborative settings. Imagine you’re working on a group project; instead of deleting entire sections, you strike through them to signal that changes are being made. This keeps everyone on the same page without losing the history of what came before.
So, the next time you’re tweaking a Google Doc, remember this nifty tool. Give strikethrough a try and see how it can add clarity to your work. And don’t forget, practice makes perfect. The more you use it, the more natural it will become. 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.