how to make crossed out text google docs
Struggling to add a strikethrough in Google Docs? No worries—it’s a breeze! Just highlight the text you want crossed out, go to the "Format" menu at the top, and hover over "Text." Then, click "Strikethrough." That’s it! Your text will now have a line through it, making it easy to show edits or ideas you’re reconsidering.
How to Make Crossed Out Text in Google Docs
Making crossed out text in Google Docs is super simple and can be done in just a few clicks. Let’s dive into the steps to get this done efficiently.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open the Google Docs document where you want to cross out text.
Launch Google Docs and access the document you need. Make sure you’re signed into your Google account. If you’re not, you won’t be able to edit the document.
Step 2: Highlight Your Text
Next, select the text you want to cross out.
Click and drag your mouse over the text you want to strike through. This is important because only the highlighted text will be affected by the formatting change.
Step 3: Go to the Format Menu
Click on "Format" at the top of the screen.
You’ll find this option on the menu bar. Hovering over it will show you additional text editing options, which is exactly what we need for strikethrough.
Step 4: Hover Over Text
In the dropdown menu, hover your cursor over "Text."
This will expand a secondary menu with more options related to text formatting. You’ll see options like bold, italic, and our target—strikethrough.
Step 5: Select Strikethrough
Click on "Strikethrough" to apply the effect.
Once you click on "Strikethrough," your highlighted text will have a line through it. This change is instant and can be undone with a simple Ctrl+Z.
After completing these steps, your selected text will have a line through it, showing that it’s been crossed out. This makes it easy to indicate revisions, deleted sections, or ideas that are no longer relevant.
Tips for Making Crossed Out Text in Google Docs
- Use keyboard shortcuts: On Windows, use Alt+Shift+5. On a Mac, try Command+Shift+X for a quicker approach.
- Undo mistakes: If you strike through the wrong text, simply press Ctrl+Z or Command+Z to undo.
- Customize your toolbar: Add the strikethrough option directly to your toolbar for faster access.
- Combine with other formats: You can bold or italicize crossed-out text if needed for emphasis.
- Practice makes perfect: Spend some time experimenting with other format options to become more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough?
Yes, on Windows, press Alt+Shift+5. On a Mac, use Command+Shift+X.
How do I remove strikethrough from text?
Highlight the text and go through the same process: Format > Text > Strikethrough to toggle it off.
Can I strikethrough text in the mobile app?
Currently, the mobile app does not support the strikethrough format directly.
Is it possible to cross out text in Google Sheets?
Yes, you can use Format > Strikethrough in Google Sheets too.
Can I cross out text in comments?
No, strikethrough is not available for comments in Google Docs.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Highlight your text.
- Go to the Format menu.
- Hover over Text.
- Select Strikethrough.
Conclusion
Crossing out text in Google Docs is as easy as pie once you know the steps. With just a few clicks, you can visually communicate changes, deletions, or revisions in your text. It’s an invaluable tool for writers, editors, and anyone who works with documents regularly.
By mastering this simple feature, you can enhance your document’s clarity and professionalism. Take advantage of the keyboard shortcuts to make your editing process even quicker. And don’t stop here—explore other formatting options available in Google Docs to fully utilize its potential.
Whether you’re revising a school essay or collaborating on a business proposal, knowing how to make crossed out text in Google Docs will streamline your workflow and keep your documents organized. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how this small feature can make a big difference!
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.