Striking through text in Google Docs is a breeze. Highlight the text you want to strike through, click on ‘Format’ at the top, select ‘Text,’ and then click ‘Strikethrough.’ Voila! Your text is now struck through.
When you complete the strikethrough action in Google Docs, the selected text will have a line running through its center. This visual alteration indicates that the text has been marked for deletion, correction, or serves as an annotation, without actually removing it from the document.
Introduction
Strikethrough in Google Docs is a simple yet powerful tool that comes in handy in various scenarios. Whether you’re editing a document, collaborating with others, or just trying to make a point clearer, knowing how to use strikethrough is essential.
It’s a formatting option that adds a horizontal line through the selected text, indicating that the text should be disregarded or has been revised. This feature is especially useful for writers, editors, and anyone who works collaboratively on documents. It allows you to show changes and suggestions without permanently deleting any text, making the editing process transparent and efficient.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to apply strikethrough in Google Docs and discuss the pros and cons of using this feature. By the end, you’ll be striking through text like a pro, and your collaborative work on documents will be smoother and more efficient.
Related: How to Add Page Numbers in Google Docs
A Step by Step Tutorial
This section will guide you through each step needed to apply strikethrough to text in Google Docs.
Step 1: Open Your Google Docs Document
Access Google Docs and open the document you want to edit.
Before you can strike through text, you obviously need to have your document open and ready. Navigate to Google Docs in your web browser and open the document you want to work on. Make sure you’re logged in to your Google account to access all your saved documents.
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Select the text you want to strike through.
Click and drag your mouse over the text that you want to apply strikethrough to. Ensure that you have selected the exact text you want to strike through to avoid any mistakes.
Step 3: Access the Format Menu
Go to the ‘Format’ menu at the top of the screen.
Once your text is highlighted, look at the top of the screen and find the ‘Format’ menu. Click on it to open a dropdown menu that will give you various formatting options.
Step 4: Select ‘Text’ and Then ‘Strikethrough’
Choose ‘Text’ from the dropdown menu and then click ‘Strikethrough’.
In the dropdown menu under ‘Format,’ hover your mouse over ‘Text’ to bring up another side menu. Here, you will find various text formatting options. Look for ‘Strikethrough’ and click on it.
Step 5: Check Your Text
Ensure that your text is now struck through.
After clicking ‘Strikethrough,’ you should immediately see a line through the text you highlighted. If everything looks good, you’ve successfully applied strikethrough to text in Google Docs!
Pros
Using strikethrough in Google Docs comes with several benefits.
Clarity in Editing
It helps to clarify edits and suggestions in a document.
Strikethrough provides a clear visual indication of changes, suggestions, or deletions in a document without actually removing the text. This is especially helpful when multiple people are working on a document as it ensures everyone is on the same page regarding edits.
Non-Permanent Deletion
Allows for text to be marked for deletion without permanently removing it.
By striking through text instead of deleting it, you have the option to easily revert changes if needed. This ensures that no important information is lost during the editing process.
Easy to Use
It’s a simple and straightforward feature.
The process of striking through text in Google Docs is quick and easy, even for those who are not tech-savvy. This makes it an accessible tool for everyone, regardless of their level of expertise.
Cons
While strikethrough is a useful feature, it has its limitations.
Can Clutter the Document
Too much strikethrough text can make a document hard to read.
If a lot of text in a document is struck through, it can become cluttered and difficult to navigate. This can make the editing process more confusing and less efficient.
Not Always Obvious
The strikethrough might not be immediately noticeable.
In some cases, especially if the strikethrough text is short or the document is very text-heavy, the strikethrough might not stand out. This could lead to struck through text being overlooked.
Limited Formatting Options
There are limited options for customizing the strikethrough.
Google Docs does not provide options to change the style or color of the strikethrough line, which can be a limitation for users who require more customization for their documents.
Additional Information
Strikethrough is a feature that can be found in most word processors, and Google Docs is no exception. It’s a versatile tool that can be used in various ways to improve the clarity and efficiency of the editing process. While we’ve covered the basic steps to apply strikethrough in Google Docs, there are also keyboard shortcuts available for those who prefer using them. For Windows and Chrome OS users, the shortcut is Alt + Shift + 5, and for Mac users, it’s Command + Shift + X.
Another handy tip is to add strikethrough to your toolbar for quicker access. To do this, click on ‘Format’ at the top, select ‘Text,’ and then ‘Strikethrough’ while holding down the mouse button. Drag it to your toolbar, and voila! You now have strikethrough readily available for future use.
Remember, while strikethrough is a fantastic tool for marking text for deletion or revision, it’s important to clear up any struck through text once the final decisions have been made to ensure your document is clean and professional-looking.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Highlight the text you want to strike through.
- Access the ‘Format’ menu at the top of the screen.
- Select ‘Text’ and then ‘Strikethrough’.
- Check that your text is now struck through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs?
Yes, you can use Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows and Chrome OS, or Command + Shift + X on Mac.
Can I change the color or style of the strikethrough?
No, Google Docs does not currently offer options to customize the strikethrough’s color or style.
Is strikethrough available on the Google Docs mobile app?
Yes, the strikethrough feature is also available on the Google Docs app for both Android and iOS devices.
Can I add strikethrough to my toolbar for quick access?
Yes, you can add strikethrough to your toolbar by dragging it from the ‘Format’ menu.
Can strikethrough be used collaboratively?
Yes, strikethrough is an excellent tool for collaborative work as it clearly indicates edits and suggestions without removing text.
Conclusion
Strikethrough in Google Docs is a simple yet powerful tool that enhances the editing and collaborative process. It provides clarity, ensures no information is permanently lost, and is accessible to users of all levels. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily apply strikethrough to your text and take advantage of its benefits. Remember to clear up any struck through text once final decisions have been made, and consider using keyboard shortcuts or adding strikethrough to your toolbar for even quicker access. Embrace the power of strikethrough and make your Google Docs experience smoother and more efficient.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.