Striking through text in Word is a handy feature that allows you to show deletions or changes in your document, quite like putting a line through your grocery list. It’s super easy! To do it, simply highlight the text you want to strike through, go to the "Home" tab on the Ribbon, and click the "Strikethrough" button. Voilà! Your selected text is now struck through.
How to Strike Through Text in Word
Learning how to strike through text in Word can make your documents look more professional and help draw attention to edits or suggested changes. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Highlight the Text
Select the text you want to strike through.
When you want to strike through some text, the first thing you do is highlight it. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over the text. If you’re using a touchscreen, simply drag your finger across the screen.
Step 2: Go to the Home Tab
Navigate to the "Home" tab on the Ribbon.
The "Home" tab is where you’ll find most of the basic functions, including text formatting options. This tab is visible on the top ribbon of Microsoft Word.
Step 3: Click the Strikethrough Button
Locate and click the "Strikethrough" button on the Ribbon.
In the "Font" group under the "Home" tab, you’ll find the "Strikethrough" button, represented by the letters "abc" with a line through them. Click this button, and your highlighted text will instantly have a line through it.
Step 4: Review Your Changes
Make sure your text is struck through.
Double-check that your text looks exactly how you want it. If not, you can always undo the action by pressing Ctrl + Z on your keyboard.
Step 5: Save Your Document
Don’t forget to save your changes!
Always remember to save your document after making changes. You can do this by clicking the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl + S.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the text you selected will have a line through it, indicating it’s been struck through. This is a useful technique for making notes about what to remove or change in your Word document.
Tips for Striking Through Text in Word
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box and apply strikethrough more quickly.
- Apply double strikethrough for extra emphasis by clicking "Font" and selecting "Double Strikethrough."
- Strikethrough can be combined with other formatting options like bold or italic for added clarity.
- Customize the Quick Access Toolbar to include the Strikethrough button for easier access.
- Consider using Track Changes for more collaborative editing options in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a strikethrough from text in Word?
Highlight the struck-through text and click the "Strikethrough" button again to remove the line.
Can I apply strikethrough to multiple sections of text at once?
Yes, hold the Ctrl key while selecting different text areas to apply strikethrough simultaneously.
Is it possible to use a double strikethrough in Word?
Yes, open the Font dialog box (Ctrl + D) and choose "Double Strikethrough."
Can I use strikethrough in Word Online?
Yes, select your text, go to the Home tab, and click on the Strikethrough button.
How do I add the Strikethrough button to the Quick Access Toolbar?
Right-click the Strikethrough button and select "Add to Quick Access Toolbar."
Summary
- Highlight the text.
- Go to the Home tab.
- Click the Strikethrough button.
- Review your changes.
- Save your document.
Conclusion
Striking through text in Word is a surprisingly useful tool that extends beyond simple text editing. Whether you’re a student marking up a draft, a professional editing a report, or just someone wanting a clear way to show deletions, mastering this feature can be a game-changer. Remember, this isn’t just about crossing out words—it’s about clearly communicating changes and thoughts in a manner that’s both professional and easy to understand.
If you’re new to Word or even a seasoned user, there’s always more to explore. The strikethrough feature is just one small part of Word’s rich tapestry of tools designed to make your documents more effective and professional. So, what’s next? Perhaps delve into other formatting options like Track Changes, or explore the world of macros for automating repetitive tasks.
As you continue to explore, remember that Word is like a Swiss Army knife for documents. Each feature you learn to use, like striking through text, adds another tool to your arsenal, empowering you to create documents that are both clear and visually appealing. So, go ahead, strike through that text with confidence!
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