How to Add Strikethrough to the Toolbar in Google Docs

Google Docs is a go-to tool for many when it comes to writing and editing documents. Yet, there are small tweaks that can make your experience even smoother, like adding strikethrough to your toolbar. Why would you want to do that? Well, it saves you from having to navigate menus just to cross something out. Handy for editing drafts or making to-do lists. Let's walk through how you can add this feature to your toolbar and make your Google Docs experience a bit more user-friendly.

Understanding the Strikethrough Feature

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of adding strikethrough to your toolbar, let's clarify what strikethrough is and why it's useful. Strikethrough is a text formatting option that draws a line through your text. It's like having your own digital red pen when you want to mark something as done or no longer relevant without deleting it completely. Think of it as the digital equivalent of crossing off items on a checklist.

Strikethrough can be especially useful in collaborative settings. It lets you show others what changes have been considered and what items have been addressed without removing them entirely. This can make team edits and reviews much clearer. But if you're constantly diving into menus to apply strikethrough, it starts to feel like a hassle. That's where adding it to your toolbar comes in handy.

Adding Strikethrough to Your Toolbar

Now, let's get to the main event. Adding strikethrough to your toolbar. Unfortunately, Google Docs doesn't allow you to customize the toolbar directly by adding new buttons like some other programs do. However, there's a workaround using a combination of keyboard shortcuts and custom menus.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

First, the simplest method to apply strikethrough is using a keyboard shortcut. Here's how it works:

• On Windows: Press Alt + Shift + 5.
• On Mac: Press Command + Shift + X.

This method is quick, but it does require you to remember the shortcut. If you're like me and have a memory like a sieve, then you might want to consider the next option.

Creating a Custom Menu

For a more permanent solution, you can create a custom menu in Google Docs using Google Apps Script. This lets you add a menu item that applies strikethrough to selected text. Here's how to do it:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Click on Extensions in the menu, then select Apps Script.
3. In the Apps Script editor, delete any code in the script editor and paste the following:

function onOpen() {
var ui = DocumentApp.getUi(),
ui.createMenu('Custom')
.addItem('Strikethrough', 'applyStrikethrough')
.addToUi(),
}
 
function applyStrikethrough() {
var body = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody(),
var selection = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getSelection(),
 
if (selection) {
var elements = selection.getRangeElements(),
for (var i = 0, i < elements.length, i++) {
var element = elements[i].getElement(),
var startOffset = elements[i].getStartOffset(),
var endOffset = elements[i].getEndOffsetInclusive(),
if (element.editAsText) {
element.editAsText().setStrikethrough(startOffset, endOffset, true),
}
}
} else {
DocumentApp.getUi().alert('Please select some text first.'),
}
}

4. Click the disk icon or go to File > Save to save your script.
5. Close the Apps Script tab.
6. Back in your Google Doc, refresh the page.

After refreshing, you'll see a new menu item labeled Custom in your toolbar. Under this menu, you'll find Strikethrough. Now you can select some text and use this custom menu to apply strikethrough instantly.

Why a Custom Menu Is a Game Changer

Creating a custom menu might seem like a bit of work upfront, but it pays off in the long run. By adding strikethrough to your toolbar, you save time and reduce frustration. You won't have to break your workflow to format text. You'll keep your focus on the content rather than on fiddling with formatting menus.

This method is particularly beneficial for those who frequently edit documents with lots of revisions. Strikethrough becomes a visual cue for what's been updated or needs further attention. It can also serve as a polite way to suggest edits to collaborators without fully removing their contributions.

Interestingly enough, if you're someone who works with a lot of text, you might find Spell quite useful. Spell offers a more seamless experience by integrating AI directly into the document editor, which can save you even more time. Imagine creating and editing documents without having to constantly switch between your text and different formatting tools. Spell makes that possible.

Collaborative Benefits of Strikethrough

Let's talk about collaboration for a moment. In a team setting, strikethrough can be more than just a personal tool for keeping track of your thoughts. It becomes a way to communicate with others. When multiple people are editing the same document, keeping track of changes can be tricky. Strikethrough allows everyone to see what's been considered and agreed upon, without deleting any part of the original text.

For example, if you're working on a group report, and a section needs updating, using strikethrough to mark unnecessary information can guide your teammates in making the necessary changes. It keeps everyone on the same page without losing the historical context of why something was changed. And because it's so straightforward, everyone in the team can easily adopt this method without a steep learning curve.

Strikethrough in Different Contexts

You might wonder, "When would I use strikethrough outside of editing documents or making lists?" Well, it's more versatile than it might seem. Let's consider a few scenarios where strikethrough might come in handy:

• Project Management: Use strikethrough to mark tasks as completed in a project plan. This gives a clear visual indicator of progress without removing the task from the list entirely.
• Event Planning: If you're organizing an event and have a checklist of tasks, strikethrough can help you see what's done and what's pending at a glance.
• Brainstorming Sessions: When jotting down ideas, you might want to strike out less feasible options while keeping them visible for future reference.

These examples show that strikethrough isn't just about removing text. It's an effective tool for organizing information and maintaining transparency. And with tools like Spell, you could even automate some of these processes, making text management even more efficient.

Alternative Methods for Applying Strikethrough

Although adding strikethrough to your toolbar using a custom menu is effective, it isn't the only method. If you're not keen on using scripts or shortcuts, there are alternative ways to get the job done:

Using the Format Menu

The traditional way to apply strikethrough in Google Docs is via the Format menu:

1. Select the text you want to cross out.
2. Go to Format in the menu bar.
3. Hover over Text.
4. Click on Strikethrough.

While this method works, it can feel cumbersome if you need to apply strikethrough frequently. You'll find yourself navigating through multiple menu layers, which can interrupt your workflow.

Using Add-ons

Google Docs supports a variety of add-ons, some of which offer enhanced text formatting options. While these add-ons might not specifically add a toolbar button for strikethrough, they often include other useful features that could improve your document workflow.

To explore available add-ons:

1. Click on Extensions in the menu bar.
2. Select Add-ons > Get add-ons.
3. Search for formatting tools and explore the options available.

While these add-ons can be useful, they often come with extra features you might not need, which can clutter your toolbar and settings. If you prefer a clean, focused workspace, sticking with a custom menu or keyboard shortcuts could be more beneficial.

Keeping Your Workspace Efficient

The more you work with Google Docs, the more you realize the importance of maintaining an efficient workspace. It's easy to become bogged down by unnecessary features or cumbersome processes that take you out of your flow. Here are some tips to keep your Google Docs experience streamlined:

• Customize Your Toolbar: While Google Docs' customization options are limited, use keyboard shortcuts for frequently used features to save time.
• Use Simple Scripts: Scripts like the one we used to add a custom menu can automate repetitive tasks and enhance your productivity.
• Limit Add-ons: Only use add-ons that directly contribute to your productivity. Too many add-ons can slow down your Google Docs and overwhelm your workspace.
• Organize Your Documents: Keep your documents organized in folders and use consistent naming conventions for easy retrieval.

By applying these tips, you can keep your Google Docs experience fast and efficient, focusing on your work rather than wrestling with the tools you're using. If you're looking for even more ways to streamline your document creation and editing, you might want to check out Spell. It offers integrated AI to help you create and polish documents quickly and efficiently.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

As you work toward making strikethrough more accessible in your toolbar, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. Knowing these can save you from unnecessary frustration:

Over-Reliance on Custom Scripts

While custom scripts are powerful, over-relying on them can lead to problems, especially if Google updates its platform. Always keep a backup of your scripts and be prepared to make adjustments if something stops working.

Feature Overload

Adding too many features or shortcuts can clutter your workspace. Focus on what you truly need, and remember that sometimes less is more. Streamlining your tools can improve focus and productivity.

Forgetting Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are handy only if you remember them. Consider keeping a cheat sheet next to your workspace or using sticky notes to remind you of the shortcuts you frequently use.

By staying aware of these pitfalls, you can keep your Google Docs experience smooth and efficient. Plus, if you find yourself struggling with document creation or management, Spell might just be the tool you need. Its AI-driven approach can handle many tasks in seconds, freeing you up to focus on what really matters.

Final Thoughts

Adding strikethrough to your toolbar in Google Docs may seem like a small tweak, but it can significantly enhance your efficiency, especially for frequent editors. Whether you use keyboard shortcuts or custom scripts, having quick access to strikethrough changes the game. And if you're looking for ways to make document editing even faster, consider trying Spell. Our AI-powered document editor turns hours of work into minutes, making your life easier.