How to Strikethrough in Google Docs:
Google Docs is an increasingly popular word-processing software with numerous features designed to enhance writing and editing experiences. One such overlooked yet immensely valuable function of this word-processor tool is its Strikethrough function – whether editing documents, revising content, or managing tasks it helps visually manage text without the need to delete words outright. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about using it including desktop/mobile versions as well as keyboard shortcuts as well as helpful tips.
Strikethrough in Google Docs
Strikethrough is a text formatting feature which places a horizontal line through selected text to visually mark its removal or completion, unlike deletion or cutting text. Strikethrough makes text stay visible but visually signifies what has been removed or completed compared with traditional methods like deletion and cutting text. Strikethrough can be particularly helpful in collaborative environments where changes must be tracked as well as keeping track of tasks or revisions.
Strikethrough can be utilized in several contexts and thus is a reliable, multipurpose editing and writing tool:
Editing and Revising: When editing documents, striking through words no longer relevant but leaving visible is often useful when working as part of a team – this allows others to see exactly which changes have been implemented without losing sight of all that text permanently.
Task Management: Within a to-do list, strikethrough can be used as a visual cue that indicates when tasks have been accomplished – this provides visual confirmation that tasks have been crossed off, without necessarily taking away from its relevance on the list.
Humor and Emphasis: Writers can utilize strikethrough text as an eye-catcher or to emphasize certain parts of their writing, adding an unexpected edge and depth. By crossing out specific words or phrases, writers can suggest they made an error in thinking or have changed their minds, adding depth and nuance to their writing style.
Tracking Changes in Collaborative Documents: For documents created collaboratively by multiple contributors, strikethrough can be used to highlight suggestions or outdated information and allow all involved to track its transformation over time.
How to Strikethrough Text in Google Docs: The Basics
There are two methods available for applying strikethrough to text in Google Docs; using menu option or keyboard shortcut. Both approaches are quick and can be completed within just a few steps.
Method 1: Opening Your Document
Begin by opening the Google Doc you intend to edit.
Use Your Mouse or Trackpad: Selecting text: Your mouse or trackpad can help select what text needs to be highlighted for strike through, repeat this process for every section requiring correction, etc.
Access the Format Menu: Navigating to the top of the page, click “Format,” and accessing that section is easy!
Select Text from Dropdown Menu
Apply Strikethrough: From the expanded menu, click “Strikethrough,” and your selected text will now have a horizontal line through it.
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts
Google Docs has keystroke combinations available that make applying strikethrough easier:
Windows Users: To apply a strikethrough effect to text quickly and seamlessly, highlight it, then press Alt + Shift + 5; the effect will take place almost instantaneously.
Mac Users: To cross out text quickly and immediately, highlight it then press + Shift + X to cross it out immediately.
Utilizing keyboard shortcuts can save time when applying strikethrough to multiple sections of text.
Removing Strikethrough in Google Docs
Applying strikethrough text can be made even simpler using Google Docs’ easy Strikethrough Removal feature, though its removal requires slightly different processes depending on whether or not you use a PC or Mac computer – both methods being straightforward to implement.
Removing Strikethrough with the Menu Option W.
Mark the Text That Needs Removing: Underline or select any text containing strikethrough that needs removing and click Remove in your menu option.
Go To Format Menu: To open, simply click “Format” near the top of your screen.
Select Text: Hover over “Text” in the drop-down menu to access this feature.
Click Strikethrough Again: Reclicking Strikethrough will eliminate any horizontal lines present in your text.
Removing Strikethrough Effect Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows Users: To undo a strikethrough text effect, highlight it and press Alt + Shift + 5 again – this will undo its impact.
Mac Users: To remove a strikethrough text from a line of text highlighted for strikethroughing, highlight it and press + Shift + X (to unstrikethrough it). The strikethrough will disappear.
Additionally, you may use the universal Undo command (Ctrl+Z on Windows or +Z for Mac) to undo any strikethrough action you took recently.
Striking Through Text on Google Docs Mobile App
Google Docs isn’t only accessible via desktop; Android and iOS mobile app versions offer access too! Here is how you can utilize its strikethrough feature with mobile devices.
Steps for Striking Text on Mobile
Open Google Docs App on an Android or iOS Device: Launch Google Docs App from either device and access its features for striking out text.
Choose Your Document: Navigating to your document you intend on editing is key for successful revision.
Highlight the Text: Tap and hold onto any word to select text you would like to strikethrough, then move the highlight markers until all desired text has been highlighted in strikethrough mode.
Access Formatting Options: To open text formatting menu, tap on “A”.
Apply Strikethrough: In the text formatting menu, to apply strikethrough simply tap on “Strikethrough” option which typically represents as an S with a line through it and your selected text will be crossed out.
Removing Strikethrough on Mobile
To remove strikethrough from text on a mobile phone app, simply highlight it again and tap “Strikethrough” from the formatting menu – this will delete the line completely from text.
Once You Know How to Apply and Remove Strikethrough in Google Docs
Now that you understand how to apply and remove strikethrough in Google Docs, here are a few additional tips and tricks for taking full advantage of its feature.
Strikethrough with Checkboxes
One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to manage a to-do list is using checkboxes. In Google Docs, creating a checklist in which each checkmark applies an automatic strikethrough is one method for accomplishing that feat – see here:
Add a Checklist: Navigating to the Insert Menu, choosing “Checkbox,” will result in the appearance of an actual list at your text location.
Mark as Completed: To visually signal that a task has been completed, when you check off a box it will cross out automatically to indicate your success in accomplishing that particular goal.
This feature can be especially beneficial in managing project tasks and keeping an eye on reading lists.
Strikethrough in Collaborative Documents
Strikethrough can serve as an easy yet efficient way to suggest deletions or complete tasks in collaborative documents without completely altering text. Other collaborators can then review your suggested changes before accepting or rejecting them – an efficient yet effortless method of communicating edits in shared documents.
Google Docs Supports Voice Typing for Strikethrough
Those who prefer voice command typing will appreciate that Google Docs offers voice typing support with formatting commands like strikethrough. To utilize this feature:
Enable Voice Typing: Navigating to “Tools” on the menu bar, select “Voice Typing,” and enable voice typing.
Give a Command: With voice typing enabled, after selecting text for formatting simply say, “strikethrough”. Google Docs will apply this formatting automatically.
Voice commands provide an efficient and effortless method of handling document formatting.
Common Strikethrough Issues and How to Solve Them
Strikethrough can often be straightforward to use; however, newcomers to Google Docs might encounter certain difficulties that require their attention. Below are several frequently occurring issues and strategies for fixing them.
Strikethrough Is Not Working
Are your Strikethrough Options Not Showing Up
Does the strikethrough option not appear within your format menu or not work as anticipated? In either instance:
Check Your Selections: Before beginning to strikethrough text, ensure it has been properly highlighted.
Browser Compatibility: Before selecting strikethrough options on Google Docs, ensure your browser supports and updates regularly – Google Docs works best on Chrome, Firefox, and Safari browsers.
Clear Cache: In some instances, clearing your browser’s cache can help solve issues with Google Docs functionality.
Cannot Remove Strikethrough
Are you having difficulties removing strikethrough from text in Google Docs? Typically this issue will arise because something in its structure prevents this feature from working correctly – try clearing Cache or Unable to Remove Strikethrough:
Repeating the Strikethrough Command: Since strikethrough is an on/off switch, applying it again to text should remove its effect. For undoing purposes if strikethrough was your last action press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or +Z (Mac).
See Also: Strikethrough and Other Formatting Issues
If strikethrough text formatting (such as bold or italics) is interfering with other aspects of text layout (such as bold or italics) then you should clear all formatting altogether to restore original font style:
Clear Formatting: To delete all styles applied including strikethrough styles, highlight the text you wish to clear formatting on and navigate to Format > Clear formatting. This will remove them all at once.
Conclusion
Strikethrough in Google Docs is an intuitive yet useful way of managing documents efficiently. From editing drafts, keeping tabs on completed tasks, or working collaboratively on documents – Strikethrough provides flexibility and clarity without losing productivity by crossing out text without actually erasing it – with its various ways of applying, removing, and using strikethrough, you can increase productivity while maintaining greater control of your content.
Utilizing menu items, keyboard shortcuts, or voice command are just some of the many methods for adding strikethrough to your workflow. Furthermore, learning this feature on both desktop and mobile versions of Google Docs ensures efficient working across devices.
Strikethrough can be used in collaborative settings as an invaluable way of keeping track of changes, suggesting edits, and communicating progress without losing original content. While its presence might seem subdued at first, its subtle impact could significantly enhance how users interact with documents.
By following the advice and guidelines outlined here, you’ll be equipped to use strikethrough effectively in Google Docs – helping streamline your editing process and reach your writing goals with ease.