Boost Your Productivity: Learn the Strikethrough Shortcut

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the strikethrough shortcut of various popular word processors, so you can quickly and effectively use this feature to enhance your documents.

Here is a quick step guide on how to apply the strikethrough shortcut:

• Microsoft Word: Select the text and press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog, then check “Strikethrough.” Alternatively, use Ctrl + Shift + X for a quick strikethrough.

• Google Docs: Select the text and press Alt + Shift + 5 (or Option + Shift + 5 on Mac).

• Excel: Select the text and press Ctrl + 5.

• Markdown: Use double tildes: ~~text~~ for strikethrough.

Continue reading the full blog, as this is just an overview of the steps. Further in the blog, we have mentioned more methods with detailed step-by-step instructions for applying strikethrough in various documents and apps.  

What is Strikethrough, its uses, and benefits ?

Strikethrough is a text formatting option that displays a line through the center of a word or phrase. Specifically, it visually indicates that the text is no longer relevant, has been edited, or is meant to be disregarded.

Moreover, this formatting is commonly used in word processing software, online platforms, and coding environments.

Uses of Strikethrough

Editing and Revision:

• Primarily, Strikethrough is often used in editing to show changes or deletions in a document. Additionally, it allows writers to keep track of what has been removed without permanently deleting the text.

Task Management:

• Furthermore, in to-do lists or project management tools, strikethrough can indicate completed tasks. Consequently, this provides a clear visual cue that helps users track their progress.

Highlighting Errors:

• Moreover, when reviewing documents, strikethrough can be used to mark errors or sections that need revision, thereby making it easier for collaborators to see what needs attention.

Humor and Emphasis:

• In addition, in informal writing, strikethrough can add a humorous touch or emphasize a point by showing a contradiction. For example, “I love broccoli. I hate broccoli” can convey a playful tone.

Markdown and Coding:

• Lastly, in Markdown, strikethrough is used to indicate text that should be treated as deleted or irrelevant. This is particularly useful in collaborative environments where changes are tracked.

Also Check: How to apply strikethrough in Google Docs ?

Benefits of Strikethrough

Clarity:

• Firstly, Strikethrough provides a clear visual representation of changes, making it easier for readers to understand what has been modified or removed.

Organization:

• Secondly, by using strikethrough, users can keep their documents organized without losing information. This is especially helpful in collaborative settings where multiple revisions occur.

Efficiency:

• Thirdly, Strikethrough allows for quick edits without the need for extensive rewriting. As a result, this can save time during the editing process.

Enhanced Communication:

• Furthermore, it helps convey messages more effectively, especially in informal contexts where tone and intent matter. In other words, Strikethrough can add nuance to written communication.

Visual Appeal:

• Finally, the use of strikethrough can enhance the visual appeal of a document, making it more engaging and easier to read.

What is keyboard shortcut for Strikethrough ?  

The strikethrough shortcut is Ctrl + ~ (tilde). However, this may vary slightly depending on the specific software you’re using. Here’s a breakdown for some common programs:

Strikethrough shortcut for Microsoft Word

• Firstly, Ctrl + D (to open the Font dialog) and check “Strikethrough”.

• Alternatively, Ctrl + Shift + X (for a quick strikethrough).

Steps:

• To begin, open Microsoft Word and type your text.

• Next, highlight the text you want to strikethrough.

• For the quick method, press Ctrl + Shift + X. The selected text will have a line through it.

• Alternatively, press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box.

• Then, in the Font dialog, check the box next to “Strikethrough.”

• Finally, click “OK” to apply the formatting.

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Google Docs Strikethrough shortcut

• In contrast, for google Docs, use Alt + Shift + 5 (or Option + Shift + 5 on Mac).

Steps:

• Firstly, open Google Docs and create or open a document.

• Secondly, highlight the text you want to strikethrough.

• Lastly, press Alt + Shift + 5 (or Option + Shift + 5 on Mac). The selected text will now have a strikethrough.

Strikethrough shortcut for Microsoft Excel

• For Excel the shortcut is simply Ctrl + 5.

Steps:

• To start, open Microsoft Excel and select the cell containing the text you want to strikethrough.

• Next, highlight the text within the cell (if applicable).

• Finally, press Ctrl + 5. The text will be formatted with a strikethrough.

Strikethrough shortcut for PowerPoint

• Similar to Word, use either:

• Ctrl + D (to open the Font dialog) and check “Strikethrough” or

• Ctrl + Shift + X (for a quick strikethrough).

Steps:

• First, open PowerPoint and select the text box containing the text you want to strikethrough.

• Then, highlight the text.

• For the quick method, press Ctrl + Shift + X.

• Alternatively, press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog.

• Lastly, check the “Strikethrough” option and click “OK.”

Markdown Strikethrough Shortcut (for web content)

• In Markdown, use the following Syntax: Use double tildes: ~~text~~.

Steps:

• To begin, open your Markdown editor or platform that supports Markdown.

• Next, type your text with double tildes around it. For example: ~~This text will be strikethrough~~.

• Subsequently, when rendered, the text will appear with a strikethrough.

Strikethrough Shortcut for Other Applications (e.g., Notepad++, Slack)

• Notepad++: Although there is no direct keyboard shortcut, but you can use the menu: Select text, then go to Edit > Format > Strikethrough.

• Slack: Use the syntax ~text~ to create strikethrough in messages.

These shortcuts and steps allow you to quickly apply strikethrough formatting to various applications, thereby enhancing your editing and presentation capabilities.

Whether you’re working in a word processor, a spreadsheet, or an online platform, strikethrough can help you communicate changes effectively.

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Conclusion

Mastering the strikethrough shortcut can greatly increase your productivity and improve your document editing skills.

Moreover, whether you use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, or even Markdown, you now have the tools to quickly apply strikethrough formatting.

Furthermore, this feature isn’t just about striking out text; it’s a powerful way to track changes, manage tasks, highlight errors, and even add a touch of humor to your writing.

By incorporating strikethrough into your workflow, you improve clarity, organization and communication in your documents.

Finally, remember that the exact shortcut may vary depending on your software, but with a little practice, you’ll be using strikethrough like a pro in no time.

Source: [ adobe, microsoft, howtogeek, shortcutkiller ]

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