The Ultimate Guide to Strike through in Google Docs

Creating documents in Google Docs is very simple, but sometimes you need to go beyond the basics, like using strikethrough in Google Docs, to make the text stand out.

Whether you’re editing a draft, checking off items on a checklist, or showing changes in a collaborative document, the strikethrough feature is a useful tool to have in your arsenal.

Here is a quick step guide to use strikethrough feature in google docs:

  • First, open your Google Document or create a new one.
  • Next, highlight the text you want to cross out.
  • Then, click the “Format” menu on the top toolbar.
  • After that, hover over “Text” to expand the submenu.
  • Finally, select “Strikethrough” (indicated by an S with a line through it).

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll discover the secrets of strikethrough formatting in Google Docs, making it easier to cross out text and up your writing game.

Consequently, whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who appreciates a well-formatted document, this tutorial will streamline your strikethrough process, saving you time and effort.

How to apply strikethrough in Google Docs ?

Strikethrough is a useful formatting option in Google Docs that allows you to draw a line through selected text without deleting it. These are the methods to apply the strikethrough:

Using the text formatting tool

  • Firstly, launch the Google Docs in your web browser or on your computer.
  • Secondly, locate and open the specific Google Docs file that contains the text you want to format with a strikethrough line. This can be done by clicking on the file name in your Google Drive or using the recent files list.
  • Next, once the file is open, highlight the text you want to apply strikethrough formatting to.
highlight the text to apply strikethrough google docs
  • After that, look at the top of the Google Docs window to see the menu toolbar. Click the “Format” tab or option on this toolbar.
select format tab to apply strikethrough google docs
  • A drop-down menu will appear showing various text formatting options. Hover over the “Text” option without clicking on it yet.
select the text option from the menu
  • Subsequently, a submenu will appear from the “Text” option. In this submenu, find and click on the “strikethrough” option.
click on the strikethrough option from the menu to apply on google docs
  • As a result, the text you had previously highlighted will now have a strikethrough horizontal line down the middle, effectively crossing it out and keeping the text visible.
strikethrough applies on selected text
  • Finally, you can continue formatting other parts of the text in the same document by repeating the highlighting and strikethrough process as necessary.

Keyboard shortcut for Windows

  • To begin, open the document, email, or program where you want to add strikethrough formatting to some text.
  • Then, use your mouse or trackpad to position the cursor at the start of the text you want to strikethrough.
  • Next, click and drag your mouse while holding the left button, or double-tap and drag your trackpad, to highlight and select the text.
  • After that, with the text highlighted, hold down “Alt+shift+5” key together.
  • Finally, the selected text should now have a horizontal strikethrough line drawn through the middle of it.

Keyboard shortcut for Mac

  • Firstly, open the document, you must cross out the text.
  • Secondly, place the cursor at the beginning of the text segment.
  • Then, click and drag the cursor or double-tap and drag to highlight text.
  • Finally, once highlighted, hold down the “Command+Shift+X” keys together

Note: Strikethrough is useful for collaborations, to-do lists, and emphasizing text without removing it completely. Enjoy using this feature in Google Docs!   

Also Check: How to insert Checkbox in Google Docs ?

How to remove strike through in Google Docs ?

Accidentally crossed out some text in your Google Doc? Strikethrough formatting can be a helpful editing tool, but sometimes you need to remove it. Here’s how to quickly get rid of the strikethrough effect and get your document looking exactly how you want it.

Highlight the text

  • To begin, locate the specific text within your Google Docs document that currently has strikethrough formatting applied to it and you want to remove it.
  • Next, place the cursor at the beginning of that text segment.
  • Then, click and hold the left mouse button, then drag the cursor to the end of the text while holding down the mouse button.
  • Finally, release the mouse button once you have highlighted the entire section of strikethrough text from start to finish.

Open the Format menu

  • First, at the top of the Google Docs window, find the horizontal menu toolbar.
  • Next, locate the “Format” option or tab on the toolbar of this menu and click on it with the mouse cursor.
  • Firstly, a drop-down menu will appear showing various text formatting options.
  • Secondly, move your mouse cursor over the “Text” option in this menu without clicking yet.
  • After that, a submenu will appear from the “Text” option with additional formatting options.
  • Next, in this submenu, look for the “Scratch Out” option which currently has a check mark next to it.
  • Finally, click “Scratch Through” to remove the check mark and deselect this format.

Alternatively, use a keyboard shortcut

  • For Windows users, first highlight the text, then press and hold the Alt and Shift keys, and while holding them down, tap the 5 key (Alt+Shift+5).
  • For Mac users, highlight the text, then press and hold the Command and Shift keys, and tap the X key (Command+Shift+X).

Following the menu steps or using the keyboard shortcut will remove the formatting from the highlighted strikethrough text.

Also Check: How to insert Word Art in Google Docs ?

How do I add a stroke to text in Google Docs ?

Adding a stroke to text, which is also known as an outline or border, is not a feature natively supported by Google Docs.

However, you can simulate a stroke effect by changing the color of the text and highlighting it with a contrasting color, or alternatively, by inserting a table with a single cell and adjusting its borders to create a stroke-like appearance around the text.

On the other hand, if you want to apply a strikethrough (a line through the text), you can do so easily. That is how:

  • First, select the text you want to cross out.
  • Next, click the Format tab on the toolbar.
  • Then, hover over the Text option and then select Strikethrough from the submenu.

Note:  These are workarounds, as Google Docs does not currently offer a direct way to add a stroke to text. For more advanced text effects, like actual stroke or outline, you may need to use a different program like Google Slides or a graphic design tool.

Also Check: How to insert text box in Google Docs ?

Conclusion

With this guide, you now have the power to easily cross out text in your Google Docs. Whether you’re editing drafts, creating checklists, or collaborating with others, the strikethrough feature is a versatile tool that can help you communicate more effectively.

Moreover, remember, applying strikethrough is just a few clicks or keystrokes away. And if you ever need to remove it, simply follow the same steps in reverse.

Finally, embrace strikethrough and improve your writing and organization skills in Google Docs.

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)   

How to strikethrough text in Google Docs ?

To strikethrough text in Google Docs, simply highlight the text you wish to edit, then click on Format > Text > Strikethrough. This will instantly apply the line-through effect to your selected text.

What is the shortcut for strikethrough ?

The shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs is Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows and Command + Shift + X on Mac. Just select the text and use these combinations to apply or remove the strikethrough effect.

Can you outline letters in Google Docs ?

To outline letters in Google Docs, use the Word Art feature: Insert a drawing, add Word Art, type your text, and adjust the border color and thickness for the outline effect.


Content Writer

Smith Ron, the writer at Assistme360. He has extensive experience in crafting straightforward, step-by-step guides for technical issues. His broad knowledge ensures accurate solutions. Kindly spare a moment to drop a comment down and express your opinions. Your feedback can be valuable in assisting others who may come across similar problems.


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