How to Strikethrough on Google Docs Shortcut
Strikethrough text in Google Docs is a handy feature for showing edits or revisions without deleting text. It’s like crossing out words with a pen, but digitally. You can do this quickly using a keyboard shortcut. All you need to do is highlight the text you want to strikethrough, then press Alt + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. Voilà, your text is instantly crossed out!
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Strikethrough on Google Docs Shortcut
In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple steps to strikethrough text in Google Docs using a shortcut. This will save you time and make your document editing more efficient.
Step 1: Highlight the Text
Select the text you want to strikethrough by clicking and dragging your mouse over it.
Highlighting the text ensures that only the selected portion will be affected by the strikethrough formatting.
Step 2: Use the Shortcut
Press Alt + Shift + 5 on your keyboard.
This keyboard combination is the magic wand that will apply the strikethrough effect to your highlighted text. Remember, this works for both Windows and Mac users, although Mac users will use Option instead of Alt.
Step 3: Check Your Work
Look at your selected text to see the strikethrough effect.
Once you’ve pressed the shortcut, your text should appear crossed out. If it doesn’t, make sure you highlighted the text correctly and used the right keys.
Step 4: Repeat as Needed
Use the same shortcut for any other text you want to strikethrough.
You can repeat this process for any sections you need, making your editing process smooth and efficient.
Step 5: Remove Strikethrough
To remove it, highlight the text again and press the same keys.
The shortcut isn’t just for adding strikethrough—it removes it, too. This makes toggling the effect on and off incredibly easy.
After completing these steps, you’ll see your text neatly crossed out, indicating edits or changes without removing the original content.
Tips for Strikethrough on Google Docs Shortcut
- Practice the Shortcut: Familiarize yourself with Alt + Shift + 5 to speed up your workflow.
- Use for Revisions: Strikethroughs are great for showing edits or ideas you’ve decided against.
- Combine with Other Formatting: You can use strikethrough alongside bold or italic to emphasize changes.
- Know the Mac Equivalent: Mac users should remember to use Command + Shift + X instead.
- Explore the Toolbar: If you forget the shortcut, the strikethrough option is also available under the Format menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is strikethrough used for?
Strikethrough is used to indicate text that is not meant to be included in the final version, often for showing edits or revisions.
Can I strikethrough on mobile?
Currently, there’s no direct shortcut for mobile, but you can find the option under formatting tools in the app.
Does strikethrough affect document sharing?
No, strikethroughs are merely formatting and do not impact sharing settings or permissions.
Is there a visual indicator for the shortcut?
Google Docs doesn’t show a visual guide for the shortcut, so practicing the key combination is essential.
Can I customize the shortcut?
No, Google Docs does not allow customization of built-in shortcuts.
Summary
- Highlight the text.
- Use Alt + Shift + 5.
- Check your work.
- Repeat as needed.
- Remove strikethrough by repeating the shortcut.
Conclusion
Mastering the strikethrough on Google Docs shortcut is a simple yet powerful tool in any writer’s toolbox. Whether you’re editing a collaborative document or simply organizing your thoughts, knowing how to quickly cross out text can be a game-changer. It keeps your work neat and allows others to see your edits clearly.
If you’re new to Google Docs, spend a little time practicing these shortcuts. It’s like learning to ride a bike—once you’ve got the hang of it, it becomes second nature. With strikethroughs, you can maintain transparency in your edits, helping everyone involved in a project stay on the same page.
As you become more comfortable, try incorporating other shortcuts and formatting tools. The more you explore, the more efficient you’ll become. If you’re hungry for more tips, Google Docs offers a world of possibilities. So go ahead, give this strikethrough method a try and make your document editing a breeze!
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.