How to Strikethrough in Google Docs

Strikethrough is a super convenient formatting feature in Google Docs that lets you visually show a text’s deletion without permanently removing it from the document.

This feature is especially useful when working on collaborative projects and editing drafts with multiple team members. With the help of this feature, you can easily track the revisions made to a document in Google Docs.

To help you make the most of this feature, I have designed this tutorial to discuss various methods you can use to apply and remove strikethrough in Google Docs.

How To Strikethrough in Google Docs using the Format Option

You can use the strikethrough using the format option, which is a very an easy method. You simply need to follow these steps:

1. First, open the document in which you want to use the strikethrough feature.
2. Next, highlight the exact text on which you want to apply the strikethrough.

3. Once you have selected the text and highlighted it, go to the ‘Format’ option present in the top menu bar.

4. On clicking the Format option, a drop-down menu will appear.
5. In the drop-down menu, you will find a ‘Text’ option. Hover over it and then click on the ‘Strikethrough’ option.

You will now see that your highlighted text has a line through it. It means it has been struck through.

How to Strikethrough Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Not everyone is a fan of using the menu option to strikethrough the text in their document. If you are one of them, I have the keyboard shortcuts that you can use to get the job done. This method is quicker and highly efficient.

For Windows:

1. Highlight the text that you want to strike through in your document.
2. Next, press ‘Alt+Shift+5’ at a time, and the highlighted text will be immediately struck through.

For Mac:

1. If you are working on a Macbook, you first have to highlight the text on which you want to apply the strikethrough feature.
2. Then, press ‘Command+Shift+X’, and the selected text will be struck through.

Removing Strikethrough in Google Docs

Now that I have already taken you through how to apply strikethrough in Google Docs, it is also essential I show you how to remove it. You just need to follow these simple steps and it will be done in no time.

       1. First things first, you need to highlight the text on which the strikethrough feature is applied.

       2. Then, go to the ‘Format’ option on the top menu bar.

3. A drop-down list will appear. On this drop-down list list, you will find the ‘Text’ option. Hover over it and you will find Strikethorough.

4. When clicking the strikethrough option, the line that was going through your highlighted text will be removed.

Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts for this as well. Highlight the text struck through and press ‘Alt+Shift+5’ if you are working on a Windows device. And if you are working on a MacBook, press ‘Command+Shift+X’. This will help you remove the strikethrough on your selected text. 

Adding Customized Strikethrough in Google Docs

Yes, you heard me right. With the help of the ‘Drawing’ tool, you can add a customized strikethrough to your document. This is particularly helpful when you find the standard strikethrough option insufficient for your project needs. To use it, follow these simple steps:

1. When your document is open, head directly to the ‘Insert’ tool on the top menu bar.

2. Click on it, and a drop-down menu will appear. Select ‘Drawing’ on this menu and then click ‘+New’.

3. In the dialogue box that appears, click on the ‘Line’ icon and draw a line by dragging your cursor.

4. Next, adjust the line length to match the text on which you want to place the strikethrough. You can also make use of the blue handles to rotate or resize the line according to your requirements.

5. Then, click on ‘Save and close’.

6. After that, position the line over the text to get a strikethrough effect. To place the line above the text, use the text wrapping option.

7. Once you are happy with the placement, group the line and text together to ensure they get locked together.

Points to Remember When using Strikethrough Feature in Google Docs

When you’re using the strikethrough feature in Google Docs, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

1.    Increase Edit Clarity

You can use the strikethrough feature to mark texts that are not needed in the document without having to permanently delete them. This is a useful feature as it allows your other team members to see the exact changes you are suggesting.

2.    Consistent Usage

If you are using the strikethrough feature, always try to focus on consistency. Unless you apply it consistently throughout your document, it might end up looking unorganized and unprofessional. So, always make sure that you maintain consistency when it comes to size, color, and style.

3.    Track Changes

When using strikethrough, make sure you use the Google Doc’s version history to track all the edits that have been made to the document, including the strikethroughs. This feature enables you to view all the changes made to the document, and you can easily see how it has evolved and also all the past revisions.

4.    Accessibility

Keep in mind that using the strikethrough feature on texts can make it difficult to read for certain readers. Using too many strikethroughs in a document reduces its readability. So, I suggest that you use it sparingly and only when necessary. This will keep your text clear and easy to read.

Conclusion

By mastering the various methods of applying strikethrough in Google Docs, you can make your documents look more professional and also improve the collaborative work you do with your team.

Whether you use the format option, the keyboard shortcuts, or get creative using the drawing tool, adding strikethrough to your editing process will make your workflow much simpler.

And with that, it’s time for me to say goodbye. Until next time, happy editing!