How to Remove the Cross Out in Google Docs

Strikethrough text can be a handy tool when you're editing, but sometimes you just need to get rid of it without a fuss. Whether you accidentally crossed out a chunk of text, changed your mind about an edit, or just want to tidy up your document, removing the strikethrough in Google Docs is straightforward. Let's look into how you can do this and a few more tips to keep your document looking neat and professional.

Why Strikethrough Happens

Before we get into fixing it, let's quickly chat about how the strikethrough function gets used in the first place. You might use it to show changes in a document, cross off completed tasks, or just for emphasis. It's like telling your document, "This was here, but not anymore." While it's helpful, it can clutter the page if left unchecked. So, understanding why it's there can help you decide whether to keep or remove it.

Removing Strikethrough: The Basics

Taking out the strikethrough from your text is a piece of cake once you know where to go. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Select the Text: Click and drag your mouse over the text that's crossed out.
• Navigate to Format: Head up to the menu bar and click on Format.
• Find the Strikethrough Option: Hover over Text and then click on Strikethrough. This will toggle off the strikethrough effect.

And just like that, your text is back to its unblemished self. Easy, right? It's all about knowing where to look!

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you're a fan of shortcuts like me, you'll be glad to know there's a quicker way to remove strikethrough using your keyboard. Depending on your operating system, you can use these shortcuts:

• On Windows: Select the text and press Alt + Shift + 5.
• On Mac: Select the text and press ⌘ + Shift + X.

These shortcuts not only remove strikethrough but can also apply it, making toggling back and forth a breeze. Once you get the hang of these, you'll find yourself editing documents faster than ever.

Multiple Selections

Sometimes, you end up with strikethroughs scattered throughout your document. Instead of fixing each one individually, you can select multiple sections at once and remove them all together. Here's how:

• Select Non-Adjacent Text: Hold down Ctrl (or ⌘ on a Mac) and click on each section of crossed-out text.
• Remove Strikethrough: Use the Format menu or your keyboard shortcut to toggle off the strikethrough.

This method saves time, especially in larger documents where strikethroughs might be peppered throughout several pages.

Strikethrough in Collaboration

Google Docs is a fantastic tool for collaboration. It can sometimes lead to a bit of chaos. If you're sharing a document with several people, you might find strikethroughs popping up more often. Here's how to manage it:

• Use Comments Instead: Encourage collaborators to use comments for suggestions rather than strikethroughs. It keeps the document cleaner.
• Track Changes: Use the Suggesting mode to track edits without permanently altering the text. This way, you can accept or reject changes as needed.

Keeping communication clear and consistent among your collaborators will make your documents more manageable and reduce the need for constant editing.

Cleaning Up Your Document

After editing, it's always good to give your document a quick once-over. Here are some tips to keep your document tidy:

• Check for Strikethroughs: Scroll through and make sure there aren't any stray crossed-out sections.
• Use the Find Function: Press Ctrl + F (or ⌘ + F on a Mac) to search for specific words or phrases that might still be crossed out.
• Review Formatting: Ensure that your fonts and styles are consistent throughout the document.

A neat, consistent document not only looks professional but is also easier to read and understand.

Helpful Tools Like Spell

Sometimes, keeping track of all these edits can be overwhelming. That's where tools like Spell come in handy. We designed Spell to work like a supercharged version of Google Docs, with AI helping you draft and edit your documents in seconds. It's perfect for professionals and teams who need to produce high-quality work quickly without the hassle of manual edits.

When to Keep the Strikethrough

Remember that strikethrough isn't always a bad thing. It can be useful for showing the evolution of a document or highlighting ideas that might be revisited later. Here are a few times when you might want to keep it:

• Revision History: It's a clear way to show which parts of a document have changed.
• Task Management: Use it to indicate completed tasks in a list.
• Creative Processes: Sometimes, it's helpful to see old ideas, especially in brainstorming sessions.

In these cases, strikethrough can be a helpful visual tool rather than an annoying formatting quirk.

Polishing Your Final Document

Once you've finished removing and adjusting your strikethroughs, it's time to polish up your document. Here are a few final tips:

• Proofread: Check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Tools like Spell can help streamline this process.
• Consistency: Make sure headings, fonts, and styles match throughout.
• Final Read-Through: Give your document one last read to ensure everything flows smoothly.

With these finishing touches, your document will be ready to share with the world, looking as professional and polished as ever.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of the strikethrough in Google Docs is a quick fix that can make a big difference in the readability of your document. From using menus to keyboard shortcuts, you now have the tools to manage those pesky cross-outs efficiently. If you're looking to save even more time, consider trying Spell, our AI document editor that makes creating high-quality documents faster and easier. Happy editing!