Strikethrough in Google Docs is a formatting feature that allows you to cross out text. Itโs a visual cue that something has been completed, removed, or is no longer relevant. Hereโs a quick guide on how to strikethrough text in Google Docs: highlight the text you want to strikethrough, go to the โFormatโ menu, select โText,โ and then click on โStrikethrough.โ Thatโs it โ youโve got your text crossed out!
Step by Step Tutorial: Google Docs Strikethrough
Before we dive into the steps, remember that strikethrough is a handy tool to show changes or updates in a document without completely erasing the original text. Letโs learn how to apply it.
Step 1: Highlight the text
Start by selecting the text you want to strikethrough.
Once youโve highlighted the text, itโs ready to be formatted. Make sure you only select the text you want to strikethrough โ if you select too much or too little, it wonโt look right.
Step 2: Open the Format menu
Click on the โFormatโ menu in the toolbar at the top of the page.
The โFormatโ menu is where all the magic happens. Youโll find options for font style, size, text color, and more. But for now, weโre focused on strikethrough.
Step 3: Select โTextโ
Hover over the โTextโ option in the โFormatโ menu.
A sub-menu will appear with different text formatting options. If you donโt immediately see โStrikethrough,โ donโt panic โ itโs there!
Step 4: Click on โStrikethroughโ
Choose โStrikethroughโ to apply the formatting to your selected text.
And voilร ! Your text will now have a line through it, indicating that itโs been stricken through.
After completing these steps, the strikethrough formatting will be applied to your selected text. It will remain that way until you decide to either remove the strikethrough or edit the text further.
Tips for Google Docs Strikethrough
- Use strikethrough to show edits or updates in shared documents, so colleagues can easily see changes.
- Combine strikethrough with other formatting options, such as bold or italics, for emphasis.
- Strikethrough can be a fun way to show a change of plans in a personal document, like a to-do list or a calendar.
- To quickly remove strikethrough, select the text and repeat the process โ it works like a toggle.
- Remember that strikethrough is a visual tool and doesnโt actually delete the text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs?
Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows or Command + Shift + X on Mac to apply strikethrough.
Is strikethrough available on Google Docs mobile app?
Yes, strikethrough is available on the Google Docs mobile app. The process is similar โ select the text and find the strikethrough option in the text formatting tools.
Can I strikethrough multiple sections of text at once?
Absolutely, as long as you highlight all the sections you want to strikethrough before applying the formatting.
Will strikethrough be visible when I print my document?
Yes, any strikethrough formatting in your document will show up in the printed version.
Can I customize the color or style of the strikethrough line?
No, Google Docs does not currently offer the option to customize the appearance of the strikethrough line. It will always match the color and style of the text itโs applied to.
Summary
- Highlight the text you want to strikethrough.
- Click on the โFormatโ menu.
- Hover over the โTextโ option.
- Choose โStrikethroughโ from the sub-menu.
Conclusion
Mastering the Google Docs strikethrough feature can make you a wizard of document editing. Whether youโre collaborating with a team, managing your personal tasks, or updating a document, strikethrough is the perfect way to visually communicate changes without losing the original text. Itโs straightforward, but donโt underestimate the power of this simple line through text. With the steps and tips shared here, youโll be able to use strikethrough like a pro. So go ahead, strike that text out, and keep your documents looking sharp and organized. For more tips and tricks on Google Docs, keep exploring and experimenting with all the features this powerful tool offers. Happy editing!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelorโs and Masterโs degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.