How to Do a Strikethrough in Word
Striking through text in Word is a nifty trick that lets you visibly cross out words without deleting them. It’s perfect for editing drafts, showing revisions, or just making a point. To strike through text, simply highlight the desired words, click on the "Home" tab, and then find and click the strikethrough button in the font section. That’s it! Your selected text will now have a line through it.
Strikethrough in Word
Striking through text in Word is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to master it in no time.
Step 1: Highlight the Text
First, select the text you want to strikethrough.
Click and drag your mouse over the words to highlight them. Make sure you highlight everything you want crossed out.
Step 2: Click the "Home" Tab
Next, go to the "Home" tab at the top of the Word window.
The "Home" tab is where most of your text formatting tools live, and this is where you’ll find what you need.
Step 3: Find the Strikethrough Button
Look for the strikethrough button in the font section.
This button looks like "abc" with a line through it. It’s usually right next to the bold, italic, and underline buttons.
Step 4: Click the Strikethrough Button
Click on that strikethrough button once.
Once you click it, your highlighted text will be crossed out, but it will remain on your document.
After completing these steps, your text will have a line through it, indicating that it’s been struck through. You can still read the text, making it great for revisions or when you want to keep the original wording visible.
Tips for Strikethrough in Word
- Use keyboard shortcuts for faster formatting: On Windows, press "Ctrl + D" and then select strikethrough. On Mac, press "Command + Shift + X."
- Customize your toolbar to include the strikethrough button for quicker access.
- Combine strikethrough with other text formats like bold or italic for emphasis.
- Use strikethrough sparingly to avoid cluttering your document.
- Experiment with double strikethrough for even more impact, available in the font settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut for strikethrough in Word?
On Windows, press "Ctrl + D" and select strikethrough, or "Ctrl + Shift + X" for a direct toggle. On Mac, use "Command + Shift + X."
Can I apply strikethrough to a whole paragraph?
Yes, you can highlight an entire paragraph and apply strikethrough in the same way you would for a few words.
Is there a way to remove a strikethrough?
Certainly! Just highlight the struck-through text again and click the strikethrough button to remove it.
Can I change the color of the strikethrough line?
No, the strikethrough line’s color matches the text color by default, but you can change the text color.
How do I use double strikethrough?
Open the font dialog box by pressing "Ctrl + D," then select the double strikethrough option.
Summary
- Highlight the text.
- Click the "Home" tab.
- Find the strikethrough button.
- Click the strikethrough button.
Conclusion
Using a strikethrough in Word is like wielding a red pen over a document. It’s a visual cue that something has changed or needs attention without erasing what was there. Whether you’re editing, collaborating on a project, or just trying to make a point, mastering this feature can add a layer of clarity and professionalism to your work.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore more advanced options like keyboard shortcuts and double strikethroughs to make your workflow even smoother. Getting familiar with these tools is like having a Swiss Army knife for your text editing needs.
So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how it changes the way you interact with your Word documents. You might find that this simple trick turns your editing process into a more efficient and organized endeavor.
Matt has been writing about Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft products since the days of Windows XP. He spends much of his time writing for sites like WindowBrain.com