Striking through text in Google Docs is a simple process that involves just a few clicks. By the end of this brief overview, you should be able to add a strikethrough to your text, giving it a line-through effect that can be used to indicate a deletion or correction.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Strike Through Text in Google Docs
Striking through text in Google Docs is a neat way to show that something has been completed or to visually mark a deletion without actually removing text from the document. It’s like having a digital eraser that doesn’t make any mess!
Step 1: Highlight the text you want to strike through.
Click and drag your cursor over the text that you want to apply the strikethrough to.
Once you’ve highlighted the text, it will be selected and ready for the next step. Make sure you only highlight the text you want to strike through, as the effect will be applied to everything that’s selected.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Format’ menu in the toolbar.
Navigate to the ‘Format’ option in the top menu of your Google Docs interface.
The ‘Format’ menu is where you’ll find a variety of text formatting options, including bold, italic, underlining, and of course, strikethrough.
Step 3: Select ‘Text’ from the dropdown menu.
Hover over ‘Text’ to reveal additional formatting options.
This submenu is where you will find the strikethrough option, along with other text effects like superscript and subscript.
Step 4: Click on ‘Strikethrough’.
Select the ‘Strikethrough’ option to apply it to your highlighted text.
After clicking ‘Strikethrough’, the selected text will immediately have a line through it. If you’ve made a mistake, you can simply undo the action by pressing Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on a Mac).
After you complete these steps, the selected text in your Google Docs document will have a strikethrough. This effect can be removed at any time by repeating the steps and deselecting the ‘Strikethrough’ option.
Tips for Striking Through Text in Google Docs
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process: Alt + Shift + 5 (Option + Shift + 5 on a Mac).
- Strikethrough can be a great way to show edits or updates in a shared document.
- Combine strikethrough with other formatting options like bold or italic for emphasis.
- If you want to strike through multiple non-consecutive pieces of text, hold down the Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) key while you select the different sections.
- Remember that striking through text is different from deleting it; the text remains a part of the document and can still be read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strikethrough in Google Docs on my mobile device?
Yes, you can apply strikethrough formatting in Google Docs on your mobile device using the Google Docs app. The steps are slightly different, but the strikethrough option is available in the text formatting tools.
Can I strike through text in a Google Spreadsheet?
Yes, the option to apply strikethrough is also available in Google Sheets, and the process is similar to Google Docs.
Is there a way to strike through text automatically in Google Docs?
There isn’t a built-in feature for automatic strikethrough, but you can use keyboard shortcuts or create a custom shortcut using Google Docs add-ons or scripts for efficiency.
Can I strike through text in a Google Docs comment?
No, currently, you cannot format text with strikethrough within comments in Google Docs. Comments support only plain text.
Does strikethrough formatting carry over when I download the document as a different file type?
Yes, when you download your Google Docs document as a PDF, Word file, or other formats, the strikethrough formatting will be preserved.
Summary
- Highlight the text you want to strike through.
- Click on the ‘Format’ menu.
- Hover over ‘Text’ in the dropdown.
- Select ‘Strikethrough’.
Conclusion
Striking through text in Google Docs is a cinch once you know where to look. Whether you’re editing a document, tidying up a list, or just want to visually communicate that something has been accomplished or is no longer relevant, the strikethrough feature is the tool for the job. And with a handy keyboard shortcut at your disposal, you’ll be able to format your text with the efficiency of a seasoned editor.
Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that being familiar with various formatting tools like strikethrough adds a level of professionalism to your documents. It allows you to keep track of edits without losing the original text, making it a valuable feature for collaborative work in Google Docs. Remember, the more you practice using these features, the more proficient you’ll become at document editing.
So, the next time you’re working on a Google Docs document and need to show a change or update, don’t hesitate to strike through that text! It’s a simple, non-destructive way to communicate changes and maintain the integrity of your original work. And now that you know how to strike through text in Google Docs, you’re equipped to handle this task with confidence and ease.
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.