How to Put Lines Through Words in Google Docs

Ever found yourself staring at a Google Doc, wishing you could easily cross out some text without deleting it entirely? This feature is called strikethrough, and it's perfect for when you want to visually remove text without losing it completely. Whether you're editing a draft or making notes, knowing how to strike through words can be a handy tool in your document-editing arsenal. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps to use this feature effectively and even touch on a few shortcuts and tricks to make your Google Docs experience smoother.

Why Use Strikethrough?

First, let's talk about why you might want to use a strikethrough. It's not just for style. Though it can add a certain flair to your text. The strikethrough function is a practical tool for collaboration, editing, and note-taking.

• Editing and Revising: When you're revising a document, strikethrough lets you mark text for deletion without losing it. This way, you can keep track of changes and see what's been revised.
• Collaborative Work: If you're working with a team, using strikethrough can help others see your thought process and edits. It's a way of saying, "Hey, I think this part should go," without removing it entirely.
• To-Do Lists: Crossing off items on a to-do list feels satisfying, doesn't it? You can use strikethrough to mark completed tasks without losing the record of what was done.

With these benefits in mind, let's get into the specifics of how to apply strikethrough in Google Docs.

Applying Strikethrough Using the Menu

The most straightforward way to apply strikethrough in Google Docs is through the menu. Here's how you can do it:

1. Select the Text: Highlight the text you want to strike through. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over the text or holding down the Shift key while using the arrow keys.
2. Navigate to the Menu: Go to the top of the screen and click on the Format tab.
3. Choose Text Option: In the dropdown menu, hover over the Text option to reveal more choices.
4. Select Strikethrough: Click on Strikethrough. Your selected text should now have a line through it.

And there you have it! Your text is now struck through. This method is simple and works well if you're not in a hurry. But what if you want to move faster?

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

For those who love efficiency, keyboard shortcuts are a real time-saver. Here's how you can use them to apply strikethrough in Google Docs:

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

These shortcuts work like magic for quickly striking through text. Once you get the hang of them, you'll be breezing through your documents in no time. Just highlight the text you want to strike through and hit the shortcut keys. Easy peasy!

Strikethrough for Mobile Users

Working on the go? No problem. You can apply strikethrough using the Google Docs app on your mobile device. Here's how:

1. Select Your Text: Tap and hold to select the text you want to strike through.
2. Open Formatting Options: Tap on the A icon at the top of the screen to open the formatting menu.
3. Access Text Formatting: In the text formatting section, look for and tap the Strikethrough button.

It's that simple! Whether you're on a train or sitting in a cafe, you can strike through text on your phone just as easily as on your computer.

Strikethrough in Google Sheets

While we're focusing on Google Docs, it's worth mentioning that strikethrough is available in Google Sheets too. This can be useful for crossing out items in a spreadsheet. Here's a quick guide:

1. Select the Cell: Click on the cell you wish to strike through.
2. Use the Menu: Go to the Format tab at the top, hover over Text, and select Strikethrough.
3. Keyboard Shortcut: Alternatively, use the same keyboard shortcuts as Google Docs (Alt + Shift + 5 for Windows/Linux or Command + Shift + X for Mac).

There you go! Your cell content now has a line through it, marking it as complete or no longer needed.

Strikethrough with Spell

Now, let's talk about how Spell can make this process even easier. Spell is an AI-enhanced document editor that simplifies tasks like applying strikethrough.

With Spell, you can:

• Use Natural Language: Instead of navigating through menus, simply tell Spell what you want to do. "Strike through the last paragraph," and it's done!
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work with your team and see changes live, strikethroughs included, just like in Google Docs but with AI assistance.
• Streamlined Workflow: Spell keeps your document editing smooth and efficient. No more jumping between tools.

It's like having an extra pair of hands to help you manage your documents, increasing productivity and saving time.

Reversing Strikethrough

Made a mistake or changed your mind? Reversing a strikethrough is just as easy as applying it. Here's what you need to do:

1. Select the Text: Highlight the text that has the strikethrough applied.
2. Use the Same Menu or Shortcut: Go back to the Format menu and click Strikethrough again, or use the keyboard shortcuts.

And just like that, your text is back to normal. This feature is perfect for when you're experimenting with changes and want the flexibility to revert them.

Combining Strikethrough with Other Formatting

Strikethrough can be combined with other text formatting options to emphasize your edits or notes. Here's how you can mix and match:

• Bold and Strikethrough: Make the text bold to highlight that it was important but is now outdated.
• Italic and Strikethrough: Use this combination for text that's been removed, but you still want it to be read with nuance.
• Color and Strikethrough: Change the text color to red or grey, along with strikethrough, to indicate deletions or deprecated items.

Mixing these styles can help convey different meanings and intentions, enhancing your document's readability and usefulness.

Creating a Custom Toolbar Button

If you frequently use strikethrough, adding a custom toolbar button can save you time. Here's a simple way to do it using Google Docs add-ons or extensions:

1. Install an Extension: Search for Google Docs extensions that allow for custom toolbar buttons.
2. Configure the Button: Set up the button to apply strikethrough to selected text. This typically involves some initial setup but can be a huge timesaver in the long run.

With a custom button, you'll have the strikethrough option right at your fingertips whenever you need it.

Practical Examples of Strikethrough Use

Let's look at some practical scenarios where strikethrough can be particularly useful:

• Meeting Notes: During meetings, use strikethrough to mark completed agenda items or decisions made.
• Draft Edits: When drafting a report, cross out sections that are considered for removal, allowing you to review them before making a final decision.
• Goal Tracking: In personal goal-setting documents, strikethrough can be used to mark goals that have been achieved or revised.

These examples illustrate how versatile the strikethrough function can be, enhancing both personal and professional document workflows.

Final Thoughts

Strikethrough is a simple yet powerful feature in Google Docs that can improve your editing and collaboration efforts. Whether you're marking changes or crossing off tasks, it helps you keep track of your thoughts without permanently deleting anything. For an even smoother experience, Spell offers AI-enhanced document editing, allowing you to apply strikethrough and other formatting options quickly and efficiently. With these tools at your disposal, you'll be managing your documents like a pro in no time.