Strikethrough is a useful text formatting feature that lets you cross out words or phrases while keeping them visible. It’s perfect for editing, marking completed tasks, or highlighting changes in documents. If you’ve ever wondered how to add strikethrough in Google Docs, this guide will show you multiple easy ways to do it.
Method 1: Using the Format Menu
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Open your Google Docs document.
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Select the text you want to strikethrough.
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Go to the Format menu at the top.
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Hover over Text → Click Strikethrough.
Your selected text will now have a line through it.
✅ Tip: You can remove strikethrough anytime by repeating the same steps.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
For faster formatting, Google Docs supports keyboard shortcuts:
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Windows / Chromebook:
Alt + Shift + 5 -
Mac:
Command + Shift + X
Simply highlight the text and press the shortcut to apply or remove strikethrough instantly.
Method 3: Using the Toolbar (If Enabled)
Some Google Docs toolbars allow quick access to strikethrough:
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Highlight your text.
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Click on the Format button or the Text Formatting toolbar (if visible).
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Select the Strikethrough icon (a “S” with a line through it).
Note: Toolbar icons may vary depending on updates and settings.
Why Use Strikethrough in Google Docs
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Editing and proofreading: Show corrections without deleting text.
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Task lists: Mark tasks as done while keeping a record.
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Collaborative work: Indicate changes for team members.
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Visual emphasis: Highlight text for emphasis or humor.
Tips for Strikethrough in Google Docs
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Combine formatting: You can use bold + strikethrough or italic + strikethrough for emphasis.
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Undo: Press
Ctrl + Z(Windows) orCommand + Z(Mac) to remove strikethrough quickly. -
Consistent style: Apply strikethrough uniformly in tables, lists, and headings for better readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I strikethrough multiple lines at once?
Yes. Highlight multiple lines or paragraphs and apply strikethrough using any of the methods above.
2. Can I strikethrough in Google Docs on mobile?
Yes. On the Google Docs mobile app:
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Select the text → Tap Format → Text → Strikethrough.
3. Is strikethrough visible when printing?
Yes. Text with strikethrough will appear crossed out in printed documents.
4. Can strikethrough be used in tables?
Yes. You can apply strikethrough in table cells just like regular text.
Final Thoughts
Adding strikethrough in Google Docs is quick and easy using the Format menu, keyboard shortcuts, or the toolbar. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for editing, task management, and collaboration. By mastering strikethrough, you can keep your documents organized and visually clear, whether you’re working alone or with a team.
