Strikethrough is a text style that creates a line through the middle of the selected text. It’s used to show that something is deleted or no longer relevant without actually removing it from the document. In Google Docs, adding strikethrough to text is a simple process that can be done in a few clicks.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Strikethrough in Google Docs
Before we delve into the steps, it’s important to know that following these instructions will allow you to cross out text in your Google Docs, making your document editing process more efficient.
Step 1: Highlight the Text
Click and drag your cursor over the text you want to strikethrough.
Once you’ve highlighted the text, it’s ready to be formatted. Make sure you only highlight the text you want to strike out, as any formatting changes will apply to everything within the highlight.
Step 2: Click the ‘Format’ Button
Look in the top menu bar and click on ‘Format’.
This will open a dropdown menu with various text formatting options. ‘Format’ is located between ‘Insert’ and ‘Tools’ in the menu bar.
Step 3: Select ‘Text’
In the dropdown menu, hover over ‘Text’ to reveal more options.
You’ll see a side menu appear with different text formatting styles, including bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough.
Step 4: Click on ‘Strikethrough’
In the ‘Text’ submenu, click on ‘Strikethrough’.
After clicking, you’ll immediately see the highlighted text get crossed out with a line. It’s that simple!
After you’ve completed these steps, the text you selected will have a line through it, signifying that it’s been strikethrough. You can easily remove the strikethrough by repeating the process or using the undo shortcut (Ctrl + Z on Windows or Command + Z on Mac).
Tips for Strikethrough in Google Docs
- Use keyboard shortcuts to save time. For strikethrough, it’s Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows and Command + Shift + X on Mac.
- Strikethrough can be a useful way to show edits or updates in a shared document without losing the original text.
- To quickly remove strikethrough, highlight the text and press the same keyboard shortcut again.
- Remember that strikethrough formatting will be visible to anyone you share the document with, so use it appropriately.
- Combine strikethrough with other formatting options like bold or italic for emphasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I strikethrough multiple sections of text at once?
Yes, you can highlight multiple sections by holding down the Ctrl key (or Command key on Mac) while selecting the text.
Will strikethrough formatting show up when I print the document?
Absolutely, any strikethrough formatting will appear in the printed version of your document just as it does on screen.
Can I use strikethrough in Google Docs on mobile?
Yes, you can. Just select the text and tap the format icon (it looks like an ‘A’ with horizontal lines) and then tap ‘Strikethrough’.
Is there a way to apply strikethrough to an entire paragraph?
Sure, just highlight the entire paragraph and follow the same steps.
Can I undo strikethrough formatting?
Yes, you can either repeat the strikethrough process to remove it or use the undo function in Google Docs.
Summary
- Highlight the text you want to strikethrough.
- Click on ‘Format’ in the top menu bar.
- Hover over ‘Text’ and click on ‘Strikethrough’.
Conclusion
Strikethrough in Google Docs is a handy tool for anyone who’s involved in editing or collaborative work. It allows you to visually communicate changes, suggestions, or deletions without altering the original text. This feature is particularly useful in shared documents where multiple people are making contributions, as it provides a clear record of what’s been revised.
By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily apply strikethrough formatting to your text. And with the additional tips and FAQs, you should now feel confident using this feature to enhance your document editing skills. Remember, strikethrough is just one of many text formatting options available in Google Docs, each designed to help you create professional and organized documents. So, go ahead and strike through that outdated text, and make your Google Docs shine!
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.