So, you're working on a document in Google Docs and need to strike through some text. Maybe you're showing a revision, indicating something is obsolete, or simply want to visually emphasize a point. Whatever the reason, knowing how to strikethrough text in Google Docs is a handy skill. This quick guide will walk you through the process, showing you multiple methods to achieve the desired effect.
Method 1: Using the Menu
This is the most straightforward way to strikethrough text in Google Docs.
- Select the text: Highlight the words or phrases you want to strike through.
- Navigate to "Format": In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on "Format."
- Choose "Text": A dropdown menu will appear. Select "Text."
- Select "Strikethrough": In the submenu, you'll find the "Strikethrough" option. Click on it.
That's it! Your selected text will now have a line running through it.
Method 2: Using the Keyboard Shortcut
For a faster approach, try this keyboard shortcut:
- Select your text.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + 8 (Windows) or Command + Shift + 8 (Mac).
This shortcut will instantly apply the strikethrough formatting. It's significantly quicker than navigating through the menus, especially if you're frequently using this feature.
Method 3: Using the Toolbar (Sometimes!)
Google Docs' toolbar can be a bit dynamic, depending on your settings and the current formatting options. Sometimes, the strikethrough option will appear directly in the toolbar as a button. If you see an icon that looks like a line through text, simply select your text and click the button. This method is the fastest if the button is visible.
Why Use Strikethrough in Google Docs?
The strikethrough formatting offers various applications beyond simple aesthetics. Here are a few common uses:
- Showing revisions: Clearly indicate deleted or changed text in documents undergoing edits.
- Highlighting obsolete information: Mark outdated information to avoid confusion.
- Emphasizing a point (with caution): While bold or italics are more common for emphasis, strikethrough can be used strategically to draw attention to something that's being rejected or removed.
- Creating checklists: Strikethrough completed items to visually track progress.
Important Note: While strikethrough is effective for visual cues, always consider the context. Overusing strikethrough can clutter your document and make it difficult to read. Use it sparingly and purposefully to maximize its impact.
Beyond the Basics: Formatting and Style
Remember, the strikethrough effect works in conjunction with other text formatting. You can easily combine strikethrough with bold, italics, or different font sizes to achieve various stylistic effects. Experiment to find what best suits your document's needs.
Mastering Google Docs: More Than Just Strikethrough
This tutorial has shown you how to effectively use the strikethrough function in Google Docs. But there's much more to explore within the platform. From advanced formatting options to collaborative features, Google Docs offers a powerful suite of tools for document creation and editing. Keep learning and exploring to unlock its full potential!
