Crossing out text in Google Docs is a handy feature for anyone who needs to indicate that something should be ignored or deleted without actually removing it from the document. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll highlight the text you want to cross out, click on the ‘Format’ button, select ‘Text,’ and then click on ‘Strikethrough.’ It’s that simple!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Cross Out Text in Google Docs
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s understand what we’re aiming to achieve. Crossing out text, also known as strikethrough, is a text formatting option that allows you to draw a line through the middle of the selected text. It’s useful for showing edits, marking items off a list, or just adding a visual cue that something is no longer relevant.
Step 1: Open your Google Doc
Open the Google Doc you want to edit.
When you open your document, make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account, especially if you’re using a shared computer.
Step 2: Highlight the text
Use your cursor to highlight the text you want to cross out.
Click and drag your mouse over the text. Only the highlighted text will be affected by the strikethrough formatting.
Step 3: Click on ‘Format’
Find and click the ‘Format’ button in the top menu.
The ‘Format’ button is usually located in the top menu bar between ‘Insert’ and ‘Tools.’ If you can’t see it, make sure you’re in ‘Editing’ mode.
Step 4: Select ‘Text’
In the dropdown menu, hover over ‘Text’ to see more options.
After clicking ‘Format,’ a dropdown menu will appear. Hover your mouse over ‘Text’ to expand the submenu.
Step 5: Click on ‘Strikethrough’
In the expanded menu, click on ‘Strikethrough.’
‘Strikethrough’ is usually located towards the bottom of the ‘Text’ submenu. Once you click it, you’ll see your selected text crossed out immediately.
After completing these steps, the text you’ve chosen will now have a line through it, indicating that it has been crossed out. It’s a non-destructive way of editing, meaning the original text is still there and can be read if needed, but it’s visually marked as removed or completed.
Tips for Crossing Out Text in Google Docs
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process. For Windows, it’s Alt + Shift + 5, and for Mac, it’s Command + Shift + X.
- Remember that strikethrough is a toggle function, meaning if you apply it to text that’s already crossed out, it will remove the line.
- If you need to cross out a large amount of text, consider using the ‘Find and replace’ feature with the strikethrough formatting.
- Strikethrough can also be used for fun, like creating fake redacted documents or adding a humorous touch to your writing.
- Use strikethrough in combination with other formatting options, like bold or italic, to add emphasis in a different way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cross out text using the Google Docs mobile app?
Yes, you can cross out text in the Google Docs mobile app by selecting the text, tapping the formatting icon (A with a line underneath), and then tapping ‘Strikethrough.’
Is there a way to cross out text in bulk?
You can use the ‘Find and replace’ feature to apply strikethrough formatting to multiple occurrences of a specific word or phrase at once.
Can I undo the strikethrough?
Yes, simply highlight the crossed-out text and follow the same steps to toggle off the strikethrough formatting.
Will crossed-out text still show up in printouts?
Yes, any text formatting, including strikethrough, will appear in printed documents just as it does on screen.
Can I apply strikethrough to text in the comments section?
No, the strikethrough formatting is not available for text within the comments section of Google Docs.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc.
- Highlight the text.
- Click on ‘Format.’
- Select ‘Text.’
- Click on ‘Strikethrough.’
Conclusion
Crossing out text in Google Docs is a breeze once you know how, and it can add a layer of clarity to your document editing process. Whether it’s to indicate an item on a checklist you’ve completed or to show text that needs to be disregarded without removing it, strikethrough is a valuable tool. Remember, though, that communication is key; if you’re sharing this document with others, make sure they understand what the crossed-out text means in the context of your work. Keep practicing these steps, and soon enough, you’ll be crossing out text with the ease of a seasoned editor. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how simple and effective it is to cross out text in Google Docs!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.