How to Cross Out Text in Google Docs (Strikethrough with 2 Methods)
Mastering Strikethrough in Google Docs
When you’re working on Google Docs, you might need to show changes. The strikethrough feature is great for this. It lets you cross out text without deleting it.
This feature is super helpful for teamwork. It makes it easy to see who made changes. It’s perfect for projects or when you’re making changes based on feedback.

How to Cross Out Text in Google Docs (Strikethrough with 2 Methods)
In this article, we’ll show you two simple ways to use strikethrough in Google Docs. It makes working on documents and teamwork easier.
Key Takeaways
- Learn two easy methods to apply strikethrough formatting in Google Docs.
- Understand the benefits of using strikethrough for document revisions.
- Improve collaboration by clearly indicating changes in your documents.
- Enhance your document editing skills with Google Docs’ formatting features.
- Discover how to efficiently manage revisions and feedback.
What is Strikethrough and Why Use It?
Strikethrough is a formatting feature in Google Docs. It lets users cross out text. This shows changes, cancellations, or deletions in a document.
This feature is great for document editing. It clearly shows the text’s status.
Using strikethrough helps track revisions. It also makes it easy to share changes with others.

Strikethrough formatting in Google Docs
How to Cross Out Text in Google Docs: Method 1 – Format Menu
The Format Menu in Google Docs is easy to use. It’s user-friendly and straightforward. This makes it great for people of all skill levels.
Selecting the Text, You Want to Strike Through
To start, select the text you want to cross out. Highlight it with your cursor. This tells Google Docs which text to format.
Cross Out Text

Navigating to the Format Menu
With your text highlighted, go to the Format Menu. It’s in the top toolbar. Clicking it opens a menu with many formatting choices.
Applying the Strikethrough Formatting
In the Format Menu, look for “Text”. Then, find the Strikethrough option. Clicking it will make your text cross out.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Strikethrough
Google Docs has keyboard shortcuts for strikethrough. This is great for those who like typing more than using menus. It makes editing faster and easier.
Windows and Chrome OS Shortcut: Alt+Shift+5
To use strikethrough on Windows or Chrome OS, pick the text you want. Then, press Alt+Shift+5. It’s simple and quick, making your work better.
Mac Shortcut: ⌘+Shift+X
Mac users, press ⌘+Shift+X for strikethrough. This way, you can quickly mark text as done. It keeps your work flowing smoothly.
Platform Shortcut
Windows/Chrome OS Alt+Shift+5
Mac ⌘+Shift+X
Applying Strikethrough in Google Docs Mobile App
Using strikethrough in the Google Docs Mobile App is easy. It works the same on Android and iPhone/iPad. This lets you change your documents on the move.
Android Device Instructions
To use strikethrough on Android, open the Google Docs App. Pick the text you want to change. Then, tap the ‘Format’ icon, which looks like an ‘A’ with a pencil.
Go to ‘Text’ and choose ‘Strikethrough’ from the list.
iPhone and iPad Instructions
For iOS, it’s pretty much the same. Open the Google Docs app and choose your text. Tap the ‘Pencil’ icon to edit, then the ‘Format’ icon.
Click ‘Text’ and pick ‘Strikethrough’ to add the formatting. This keeps your documents looking the same on all devices.
Practical Applications for Strikethrough Text
The strikethrough feature in Google Docs is not just for crossing out text. It has many uses that make editing, managing tasks, and showing data better.
Document Editing and Revision Tracking
In editing, strikethrough text is very helpful. It lets editors show changes without deleting the old text. This keeps everything clear during the editing process.
Creating Interactive To-Do Lists
Strikethrough marks tasks as done in to-do lists. It shows how much work is left. This is great for team projects where everyone needs to see the progress.
Displaying Price Changes or Discounts
In sales documents, strikethrough shows the original price before a discount. It’s clear how much you save. You see this in sales and emails.
Here’s a quick look at how strikethrough text is used:
Application Description Benefit
Document Editing Tracking revisions and changes Maintain transparency
To-Do Lists Marking completed tasks Visual progress tracking
Price Changes Showing original prices before discounts Highlights customer savings
Removing Strikethrough Formatting
Removing strikethrough formatting from your text in Google Docs is easy. Just follow the same steps you used to add it.
First, select the text with the strikethrough you want to remove. Then, go to the “Format” menu. Click on “Text” and then “Strikethrough.” Or, use the keyboard shortcuts Alt+Shift+5 on Windows or ⌘+Shift+X on Mac.
- Select the text with strikethrough formatting.
- Use the “Format” menu or keyboard shortcuts to remove it.
Troubleshooting Common Strikethrough Issues
Having trouble with a strikethrough in Google Docs can be annoying. But troubleshooting is easy. You might find that the strikethrough option is missing or keyboard shortcuts don’t work.
Format Menu Option Not Visible
If you can’t find the strikethrough option, it could be an old version of Google Docs or a glitch. Make sure your Google Docs is current. Or, try refreshing the page. As Google says, “keeping your Docs updated gives you the newest features and fixes.”
Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working
Shortcuts for strikethrough, like Alt+Shift+5 on Windows or ⌘+Shift+X on Mac, might not work. This could be because of wrong keyboard settings or browser extensions. Check your keyboard settings and turn off any browser extensions that might be causing trouble. A
“shortcut guide,” says setting up your shortcuts right can really help you work better.
Conclusion
Learning to cross out text in Google Docs makes editing easier. We talked about two ways to do this. You can use the Format menu or keyboard shortcuts.
Strikethrough formatting is great for editing, tracking changes, and making to-do lists. This article helps you use it well. Now, you can make your documents better and work more efficiently.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, worker, or just a Google Docs user. Knowing how to use strikethrough formatting helps a lot. It makes your work on documents better.
FAQ
What is the purpose of using strikethrough formatting in Google Docs?
Strikethrough formatting shows that text is cancelled or outdated. It’s great for editing and tracking changes in documents.
Can I apply strikethrough formatting using keyboard shortcuts on both Windows and Mac devices?
Yes, you can use keyboard shortcuts for strikethrough on Windows and Mac. On Windows and Chrome OS, it’s Alt+Shift+5. On Mac, it’s ⌘+Shift+X.
How do I remove strikethrough formatting from text in Google Docs?
To remove strikethrough, use the Format Menu and turn off Strikethrough. Or, use the same shortcut you used to apply it.
Is it possible to apply strikethrough formatting in the Google Docs Mobile App?
Yes, you can use strikethrough in the Google Docs Mobile App. The steps are a bit different for Android and iPhones/iPads, but it works on both.
What are some practical applications of strikethrough text besides document editing?
Strikethrough text is also good for interactive to-do lists and showing price changes. It’s very versatile.
Why is the strikethrough option not visible in the Format Menu?
If a strikethrough is missing, it might be because the text can’t be formatted or there’s a glitch. Try selecting the text again or refreshing the page.