Spencer Lanoue
Strikethrough text in Microsoft Word is more than just a way to cross off items on your to-do list. Whether you're editing a document, making a point, or simply keeping track of progress, knowing how to apply and use strikethrough can be incredibly helpful. Let's explore how you can make this feature a part of your Word toolkit, with easy steps and practical examples to guide you along the way.
Why Use Strikethrough?
Strikethrough might seem like just another formatting tool, but it has some unique benefits. It allows you to visibly track changes without erasing content. Think of it as a digital red pen for your text. You can cross out completed tasks, mark changes, or indicate that something is outdated without permanently deleting the text. This ability to "see through" your edits can be a lifesaver. Especially during collaborative projects where keeping everyone on the same page matters.
Let's say you're working on a team project and need to indicate tasks that have been completed or ideas that have been revised. Strikethrough offers a non-intrusive way to keep everyone informed. Plus, it can be a fun way to show progress visually. Giving you that little dopamine hit as you see your list of crossed-off tasks grow.
Basic Strikethrough in Word
Applying strikethrough in Word is as straightforward as it gets. Here's how you can do it:
- Open your Word document.
- Select the text you want to strike through.
- Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon.
- In the Font group, click on the Strikethrough button (it looks like 'abc' with a line through it).
And just like that, your text should have a line through it. If you make a mistake or change your mind, just click the strikethrough button again to remove it.
This method works great for one-off uses, but if you find yourself using strikethrough frequently, you might want to explore keyboard shortcuts for even faster formatting.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Strikethrough
If you're anything like me, keyboard shortcuts are your best friend. They save time and make you look like a wizard to anyone watching over your shoulder. To apply strikethrough using a shortcut, follow these steps:
For Windows users, the shortcut is:
Ctrl + D
After pressing this combination, a font dialog box appears. From here, press the Alt + K to check the strikethrough option, then hit Enter to apply.
For Mac users:
Command + Shift + X
These shortcuts are handy for quick edits and save you from constantly reaching for the mouse. Once you get used to them, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Double Strikethrough: When One Line Isn't Enough
Sometimes, a single line just doesn't cut it, and you need to double down on your strikethrough. Whether you're emphasizing a point or simply prefer the look, Word has got you covered with the double strikethrough option.
- Select the text you want to apply the double strikethrough to.
- Go to the Home tab and open the Font dialog box by clicking the small arrow in the bottom right corner of the Font group.
- In the Font tab of the dialog box, check the Double Strikethrough option.
- Click OK to apply.
This feature can add a bit more flair to your documents and help your edits stand out even more. While it's not something you'll use every day, knowing it's there is like having a secret tool in your editing arsenal.
Strikethrough with Spell: A Game Changer
While Word offers great options for applying strikethrough, using Spell can make this process even more seamless. Spell's AI-powered document editor allows you to edit documents using natural language prompts, meaning you can apply strikethrough simply by typing what you want to do.
For example, instead of navigating through menus, you could highlight your text in Spell and tell it to "apply strikethrough." It's a faster, more intuitive way to manage document editing, especially when working on collaborative projects where time is of the essence.
Using Strikethrough to Collaborate
Collaboration is vital in many projects. Strikethrough provides a non-destructive way to make changes visible to everyone involved. Whether you're editing a proposal or working on a shared document, strikethrough can help keep track of modifications without losing the original text.
Here's a quick tip: when collaborating, it's a good idea to use comments alongside strikethroughs. This allows you to explain why something was crossed out, offering context to your teammates. It's like leaving a little note in the margins that says, “Hey, this is why I did that!”
And if you're using Spell, collaboration becomes even more streamlined. You can share documents with your team, see their edits in real-time, and apply changes in seconds. It's like having a conversation within your document, making teamwork smoother and more productive.
Strikethrough in Different Versions of Word
While the basic strikethrough feature remains consistent across Word versions, some minor differences exist depending on your software edition. Whether you're using Word 2010, 2016, or the latest version, the process is generally similar, but here are some tips if you encounter any hiccups:
- Word 2010: The strikethrough button is in the same place, but the interface might look slightly different.
- Word 2016 and later: These versions introduced the “Tell me what you want to do” feature, which can guide you directly to strikethrough if you type it into the search box.
- Word for Mac: The functionality is similar, but keyboard shortcuts differ, as mentioned earlier.
Keeping your software updated ensures you have the latest features and fixes, which can make using tools like strikethrough even easier.
Strikethrough in Word Online
For those working in Word Online, you might wonder if strikethrough is still an option. Good news—it is! While the interface is slightly different from the desktop version, the functionality is there, ready to help you edit on the go.
- Select your text in Word Online.
- Go to the Home tab.
- Look for the Strikethrough button in the Font group and click it.
Word Online is great for quick edits and sharing documents without needing the full desktop application. Just remember that some advanced features might be more limited than in the desktop version. However, for basic strikethrough needs, it gets the job done.
Advanced Strikethrough: Combining with Other Formatting
Strikethrough doesn't have to stand alone. Combining it with other formatting options can make your text even more informative and engaging. Imagine crossing out text while highlighting it or changing its color to add layers of meaning to your edits.
- Highlight the text you want to format.
- Apply strikethrough as you normally would.
- While the text is still selected, apply other formatting options like bold, italics, or color.
Experimenting with different combinations can help emphasize your message in creative ways. Just be cautious not to go overboard, as too much formatting can make your text hard to read.
Final Thoughts
Strikethrough is a simple yet powerful tool in Microsoft Word that can make your editing process more transparent and efficient. Whether you're keeping track of changes or adding emphasis, the ability to strike through text offers flexibility and clarity. And if you're looking for a way to speed up your document creation and editing, consider trying Spell. Its AI-powered features let you manage your tasks faster, turning what could take hours into mere minutes.
