Spencer Lanoue
Google Docs is a fantastic tool for collaboration and document creation, but sometimes we all need to strike through text without reaching for the mouse. Whether you're marking tasks as completed or editing drafts, knowing how to quickly cross out text with a simple shortcut can save you a lot of time. Let's talk about this handy feature and explore how you can use it effortlessly in your documents.
Why Would You Want to Cross Out Text?
At first glance, striking through text might not seem like the most glamorous feature, but it offers some real benefits. Imagine you're working on a group project. As tasks get completed, crossing them out can visibly track progress without deleting the original entries. Or maybe you're editing a draft. Striking through sections keeps them visible for reference or review, so you can revisit them later if needed.
Crossing out text can also be a great way to suggest edits without making permanent changes. For example, if you're reviewing a colleague's work, you might want to offer suggestions without erasing their original content. This keeps the flow of ideas intact and provides a visual cue for revisions.
Additionally, strikethroughs can be useful for maintaining a log of changes. This can be incredibly useful in professional settings, where tracking changes and suggestions is part of the workflow. So, whether you're organizing, editing, or collaborating, knowing how to strike through text with a shortcut can be a small yet powerful tool in your Google Docs toolkit.
Getting to Know the Strikethrough Shortcut
Let's cut to the chase. The shortcut for striking through text in Google Docs is straightforward, but it differs slightly depending on whether you're using a Windows PC or a Mac. Don't worry. I'll walk you through both options, so you're covered no matter what device you're on.
For Windows Users
If you're on a Windows machine, you'll use a combination of keys that includes Alt. Here's how it works:
- Highlight the text you want to cross out.
- Press Alt + Shift + 5.
That's all there is to it! Your selected text should now have a line through it, indicating it's been struck through.
For Mac Users
Mac users, your shortcut is similar but with a slight twist because of the different keyboard layout. Here's what you'll do:
- Highlight the text you want to cross out.
- Press Command + Shift + X.
As with the Windows shortcut, this will apply a strikethrough to your highlighted text.
Making the Most of Strikethrough in Your Workflow
Now that you're equipped with the shortcut, let's look at some ways you can incorporate strikethrough into your everyday workflow. It's more versatile than you might think!
Editing and Revisions
In document editing, making revisions is a big part of the process. Strikethroughs allow you to mark text for deletion or change without losing the original content. This is particularly useful in collaborative settings where multiple people might be suggesting changes.
For instance, if you're drafting a report and a team member suggests removing a section, you can strike through it rather than deleting it. This way, if the team decides to keep the section, it's easy to restore.
Tracking Tasks
Strikethroughs are a simple yet effective way to track completed tasks in a running list. If you're managing a to-do list in Google Docs, striking through items as you complete them gives a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Plus, it keeps a record of your progress, which can be motivating in itself.
For example, if you're planning an event, you might have a list of tasks like "send invitations," "book venue," and "order catering." As you finish each task, you can cross it out, leaving a clear visual trail of what's been done and what still needs attention.
Using Strikethrough for Creative Purposes
Who said strikethroughs are only for the mundane? They can also add a creative flair to your documents. Here are some interesting ways to use them:
Storytelling and Humor
In creative writing, strikethroughs can be used to convey humor or sarcasm. They can show a character's internal monologue or a writer's second thoughts. Imagine a passage like this:
He was completely happy with his decision to stay home and ~watch TV~ read a book instead of going out.
Here, the strikethrough adds a layer of humor by highlighting the character's real intentions versus their stated ones.
Highlighting Changes
In creative projects, you might want to show the evolution of an idea. Strikethroughs can illustrate how a concept has changed over time. For example, in a brainstorming document, you might strike through old ideas as new ones take precedence, offering a visual history of your creative process.
Strikethrough in Other Google Workspace Apps
While we're focusing on Google Docs, the strikethrough feature isn't exclusive to it. You can use similar shortcuts in other Google Workspace tools, which can be a real boon if you're toggling between apps.
Google Sheets
In Google Sheets, the strikethrough tool can help manage data lists, such as inventory or tasks. Although the shortcut is slightly different, the concept remains the same. Here's how:
- Select the cell or range of cells you want to format.
- Press Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows or Command + Shift + X on Mac.
This is particularly useful for marking items as out of stock or tasks that are done, keeping your data organized and easy to read.
Google Slides
In presentations, striking through can be a great way to illustrate changes or updates to information. For example, if you're showing a project timeline and some dates have shifted, using strikethrough can visually show what's been updated without erasing the history.
How Spell Can Help You Write Faster
Before we wrap up, let's talk about how Spell can make your document editing even more efficient. Spell is an AI-powered document editor that not only helps you write and edit quickly but also integrates AI directly into the document creation process.
With Spell, you can draft entire documents in seconds and use natural language prompts to edit them. Imagine having an assistant that understands your writing style and helps you refine your work in real time. This can be a game-changer, especially if you're under tight deadlines or managing multiple projects.
Plus, Spell offers real-time collaboration, so you and your team can work on documents together without missing a beat. It's like having Google Docs with a built-in AI to handle the heavy lifting for you.
Customizing Your Google Docs Toolbar
If you find yourself using the strikethrough feature often, you might want to customize your Google Docs toolbar to include it. This way, it's always within easy reach, and you don't have to rely solely on the shortcut.
Adding Strikethrough to the Toolbar
Unfortunately, Google Docs doesn't currently allow you to directly add custom buttons to the toolbar. However, you can use Google Docs Add-ons to improve your workflow. While this doesn't replace the need for a shortcut, it can offer additional functionality that complements your use of strikethrough.
Creating Custom Shortcuts
While Google Docs doesn't support custom keyboard shortcuts natively, there are browser extensions that can help. Extensions like AutoHotkey for Windows or Karabiner for Mac allow you to create custom shortcuts for any function within Google Docs, including strikethrough.
This can be particularly useful if your workflow involves repetitive tasks that could benefit from quicker access to formatting options like strikethrough.
Advanced Tips for Mastering Google Docs
Beyond strikethrough, there are countless features and shortcuts in Google Docs that can boost your productivity. Let's explore a few advanced tips that might make your life easier:
Using Voice Typing
If you're tired of typing, Google Docs offers a voice typing feature that can be a real time-saver. This is especially handy for jotting down ideas quickly or drafting long documents without wearing out your fingers.
- To activate voice typing, go to the Tools menu and select Voice typing...
- Click the microphone icon to start dictating your text.
Keep in mind that voice typing works best in a quiet environment and may require a bit of editing to clean up punctuation and typos.
Using the Explore Tool
The Explore tool is like having a mini search engine within Google Docs, allowing you to research and find information without leaving your document. This is perfect for those moments when you need a quick fact or reference but don't want to break your writing flow.
Collaborative Commenting and Editing
Google Docs' collaborative features are second to none. You can share documents with your team, allow editing or comment-only access, and track changes in real time. This makes it easy to gather feedback and make revisions based on multiple contributors' input.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any tool, the more you practice using the strikethrough shortcut, the more naturally it will come to you. Try incorporating it into your daily tasks, whether it's crossing off completed items in a to-do list or marking changes in a draft.
Over time, you'll find that this simple feature can make a big difference in how you manage and organize your documents, helping you work more efficiently and effectively.
Final Thoughts
We've covered how to use the strikethrough shortcut in Google Docs and why it can be a valuable tool for editing, organizing, and even adding a touch of creativity to your work. Using Spell, you can enhance your document editing with AI, creating polished documents in a fraction of the time. Whether you're collaborating with a team or working solo, these tools can make your workflow smoother and more efficient.
