Striking through text in Microsoft Word might sound like a tricky task, but believe me, it’s pretty straightforward. All you need is a simple keyboard shortcut, and you’ll be slashing through words like a pro in no time. By the end of this article, not only will you know how to strikethrough text using a shortcut, but you’ll also pick up some handy tips to make your Word documents even more polished. Let’s dive in!
How to Strikethrough in Word Shortcut
Learning how to use the strikethrough feature in Word with a shortcut can save you loads of time, especially if you’re editing documents frequently. Follow these steps to master this skill.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Open Microsoft Word on your computer. This can be done by clicking the Word icon on your desktop or searching for it in your computer’s search bar.
Once Word is open, either create a new document or open an existing one where you want to apply the strikethrough.
Step 2: Select the Text
Highlight the text that you want to strikethrough. Click and drag your mouse over the text or hold the Shift key and use the arrow keys.
By selecting the text first, you’re telling Word exactly what needs to be modified.
Step 3: Use the Shortcut
Press Ctrl + D on your keyboard to open the Font dialog box. This works for both Windows and Mac users.
You’ll see a box pop up with various font settings. This is where you’ll find the strikethrough option.
Step 4: Apply Strikethrough
In the Font dialog box, check the box next to "Strikethrough". Then click OK.
This action will apply the strikethrough effect to the selected text, making it look like a line has been drawn through it.
Step 5: Verify the Changes
Check to make sure the text you selected now has a line through it. If it does, you’ve successfully applied the strikethrough.
If the strikethrough didn’t apply, make sure you highlighted the text correctly and try the steps again.
After completing these steps, your selected text should now have a horizontal line through it, indicating it has been struck through.
Tips for Strikethrough in Word Shortcut
- Use the Ribbon: If you forget the shortcut, remember you can always use the strikethrough button on the Ribbon under the Home tab.
- Double Strikethrough: For an extra emphasis, use the double strikethrough option found in the Font dialog box.
- Customize Shortcuts: Go to Word Options to customize keyboard shortcuts if the default ones don’t suit you.
- Use for To-Do Lists: Strikethrough is great for marking off completed tasks in your Word-based to-do lists.
- Combine with Other Formatting: You can combine strikethrough with other text effects like bold or italic to make changes stand out even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I strikethrough using the mouse?
Yes, you can. Simply highlight the text, go to the Home tab, and click on the strikethrough button in the Font group.
Is there a strikethrough shortcut for Mac?
Yes, the shortcut for Mac users is Command + Shift + X.
Can I undo a strikethrough?
Absolutely! Press Ctrl + Z to undo the action or simply reapply the strikethrough shortcut to remove it.
Can I apply strikethrough to multiple sections of text?
Yes, you can. Just highlight each section of text while holding the Ctrl key, then apply the strikethrough.
Does strikethrough affect the readability of my document?
It can make text harder to read, so use it sparingly and only when you want to indicate changes or completed tasks.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Select the text.
- Press Ctrl + D.
- Check "Strikethrough".
- Verify the changes.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Striking through text in Word is as easy as pie, especially with a handy shortcut like Ctrl + D. Mastering this simple trick can save you precious time, making your document editing tasks much more efficient. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of changes or mark off completed items on your to-do list.
If you found this guide helpful, why not dive deeper into other Word functions? There are countless shortcuts and features just waiting to make your life easier. Happy editing, and good luck with all your Word documents!
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.