Zane Blackwood 
Table of Contents
Need to cross out text in your Google Doc, but not sure how? Trying to create a virtual to-do list, but those messy checkboxes just won’t cooperate? Strikethrough is the solution! In this guide, we’ll reveal all the secrets to mastering strikethrough in Google Docs, from lightning-fast shortcuts to advanced techniques. Get ready to edit and format like a pro!
Strikethrough on Google Docs: Step-by-Step Guides
The Fastest Way: Keyboard Shortcuts (Platform-Specific)
Let’s get straight to the point. Here are the keyboard shortcuts for applying strikethrough, tailored to your operating system:
- Windows/Linux: Alt + Shift + 5
- Mac: ⌘ + Shift + X
Strikethrough Using the Menu: A Visual Guide
Prefer a visual approach? Here’s how to apply strikethrough using the Google Docs menu:
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
2. Go to the “Format” menu in the top bar.
3. Choose “Text.”
4. Select “Strikethrough.”
Strikethrough on Mobile (Android & iOS)
Applying strikethrough on your phone or tablet is easy:
- Open your Google Doc and select the text.
2. Tap the “A” icon in the formatting toolbar at the top.
3. Choose “Strikethrough.”
Beyond the Basics: Expanding Your Strikethrough Skills
Strikethrough in Other Google Workspace Apps
Need to cross things out in Sheets or Slides? It’s just as easy!
- Google Sheets: Learn how to apply strikethrough in Google Sheets.
- Google Slides: Discover how to use strikethrough in Google Slides.
Strikethrough in Adobe Acrobat
Working with PDFs? Here’s how to apply strikethrough in Adobe Acrobat:
- Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat: Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the PDF file you want to edit.
- Go to the “Comment” tab: Click on the “Comment” tool located in the right sidebar or under the “Tools” menu.
- Select the “Strikethrough” tool: In the commenting tools, find and select the “Strikethrough” option. This is typically represented by an icon that looks like a line crossing through text.
- Click and drag over the text you want to strikethrough: Use your mouse to click and drag over the text you wish to apply the strikethrough effect to. Once you release the mouse button, the selected text will show a strikethrough line.
- Optional – Change the color of the strikethrough: If you want to change the color of the strikethrough line, click on the strikethrough text, and a properties menu will appear, allowing you to select a different color.
Using Markdown or HTML for Strikethrough
For web developers, writers, or anyone working with online content, here’s how to create strikethrough using Markdown and HTML:
Markdown
To create strikethrough text in Markdown, you use two tildes (~~) before and after the text you want to strike through.
Example:
~~This text is strikethrough~~HTML
In HTML, you can use either the <strike> tag or the <del> tag to achieve strikethrough text.
- Using the
<strike>tag (Note: This tag is deprecated in HTML5): Example:
<strike>This text is strikethrough</strike>- Using the
<del>tag (Recommended for semantic meaning): Example:
<del>This text is strikethrough</del>Additional Notes
- Browser Support: While the
<strike>tag may still work in most browsers, it is considered outdated. The<del>tag is preferred as it conveys that the content has been deleted or is no longer relevant. - Styling: If you want to customize the appearance of strikethrough text, you can use CSS. For example:
.custom-strikethrough {
text-decoration: line-through;
color: red; /* Change color as needed */
}This refined explanation provides a clearer understanding of how to implement strikethrough text in both Markdown and HTML, along with important considerations regarding usage and styling.
Troubleshooting: Solving Common Strikethrough Issues
Strikethrough Problems? We’ve Got You Covered!
Here are some quick fixes for common strikethrough woes:
- Accidental Strikethrough: Simply select the strikethrough text and press the strikethrough shortcut again to remove it.
- Strikethrough Not Working: Make sure you have the correct text selected. If the problem persists, refresh Google Docs or try clearing the formatting of the text before reapplying strikethrough.
- Removing Unwanted Strikethrough: Select the strikethrough text and use the strikethrough shortcut or menu option to remove it.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of strikethrough in Google Docs, you can create professional-looking documents, manage to-do lists with ease, and collaborate on projects more effectively. Want to unlock even more formatting power? Check out our free advanced guides:
