The strikethrough function in Google Docs allows users to retain parts of the text they aren’t ready to delete right away. Writers can hold onto crossed-out sections that can be used later while improvising a text document.

Using strikethrough in Google Docs is helpful during team collaborations and can be used in place of suggesting mode. It displays all the revisions carried out on a document before finalizing edits.

What Is Strikethrough?

The strikethrough function lets writers strike out parts of their Google document by drawing a line through select sections. Besides getting rid of a writing piece’s irrelevant parts, it can also add punch or draw readers’ attention. It’s an additional tool in the writer’s toolkit to make the text stand out.

Modern-day writers use it to show updated ideas and emphasize their constantly evolving train of thought. It can also convey an honest opinion without being explicit or add humor to a blog or an online piece.

When strikethrough is visible in the final version of a document, its inclusion makes it more personal and connects directly with readers. It adds subtext and pulls readers towards the inner workings of a writer’s mind. Bloggers also use it to add sass or snark while commenting on a hot topic.

Here are some reasons why the strikethrough function is useful:

• Crossing Out Items: It can help you visualize progress by crossing completed items off an electronic list.
• Retaining Text: Strikethrough lets you retain words or sentences that you may or may not want to delete in the future. You can revisit crossed-out portions during final editing and decide whether to keep them or not.
• Thought Evolution: The function lets writers indicate an update or evolution in their thought process on a subject. It is also a subtle method to add humor and sub-context, and draw readers to an online post.

Steps to Strikethrough in Google Docs

Desktop

The ability to cross out unnecessary text elements isn’t directly visible in the Google Docs toolbar. However, you can accomplish the task in two ways:

1. Using the Toolbar.
2. Using keyboard shortcuts.

Both the options are fairly easy to perform but can appear difficult at first if you don’t know the prompts. Here’s how you can do both:

Using the Toolbar

Step 1: Drag the cursor across the text you want to strikethrough in your Google Document to select it. It should appear blue.
Step 2: Click the Format option in the toolbar at the top of the page.

Step 3: In the menu that appears, select or hover over the Text option.
Step 4: In the sub-menu, click on Strikethrough.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If the above steps are hard for you to remember, you can use keyboard shortcuts to strikethrough in Google Docs instead:

• For Windows, once you have selected the text you want to cross out, press Alt+Shift+5
• For Mac, press Command+Shift+X

You can use the same keyboard shortcuts to remove strikethrough as well.

• For Windows, press Ctrl + \
• For Mac, press Command + \

Mobile

Follow the instructions below to strikethrough text on the Google Docs mobile app:

Step 1: Select the text you want to strikethrough and click on the A icon at the top of the page.

Step 2: A menu will pop up at the bottom with two columns: Text and Paragraph. Under the Text column, click on the S symbol to strikethrough the selected text.

Removing Strikethrough from Text

Desktop

You can use the Clear Formatting option under Format in the toolbar to remove strikethrough from text.

Alternatively, you can go to Format > Paragraph Styles > Normal Text > Apply Normal Text to undo the strikethrough.

Keep in mind that using the Clear Formatting or Normal Text options will remove all types of formats you’ve applied from your text, like underline, bold, highlight and italics.

Mobile

You can use the same steps to strikethrough or remove the strikethrough effect from text on mobile.

Alternatively, you can also select Style > Normal Text > Normal Text or select Clear Formatting at the bottom of the menu (under the Text column) to clear the strikethrough. Doing both will remove all existing formatting from the text, including underlining, italics and bold.

Things To Remember

While performing strikethrough, there are two things to remember:

1. The crossed-out text remains in the final word count. So, if you are looking to meet a certain word count, you’ll need to omit these sections.
2. Strikethrough formatting carries over when converting the file into an alternate format. However, it will be missing in .txt file formats that use plain text.
3. The color of the strikethrough is the same as the text. For example, if your text is red, the strikethrough will appear red.

FAQs

What is the shortcut for strikethrough on Google Sheets?
Press Alt + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command (⌘) + Shift + X (Mac).

Where is the strikethrough in Google Slides?
Highlight the text, then click Format in the top menu bar. Hover over Text to reveal a submenu, and select Strikethrough (a preview will appear as you hover for clarity). This will apply the line through your chosen text.

How do you check a box in Google Docs without strikethrough?
Locate the insertion point (the blinking vertical line on your doc) before the desired text. Click the downward-facing arrow on the right side of the toolbar to locate the Checklist. Click the right-side icon to apply the checklist without the strikethrough.

How do you add a strikethrough to a checkbox in Google Docs?

Locate the insertion point (the blinking vertical line on your doc) before the desired text. Click the downward-facing arrow on the right side of the toolbar to locate the Checklist. Click the left-side icon to apply the checklist with the strikethrough.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re revising information, highlighting changes or indicating completed tasks, now you should have all the knowledge you need to properly strikethrough text in your Google Docs.

Did we miss any quick tricks for using strikethrough in Google Docs? Let us know in the comments below!