Striking through text in Microsoft Word is a great way to show edits or indicate completed tasks. It’s a simple process that involves selecting the text you want to cross out and using the strikethrough formatting tool. By following a few straightforward steps, you can easily apply this feature to your documents.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Do Strikethrough in Word
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps to strikethrough text in Microsoft Word. Whether you’re using Word for Windows or Mac, these directions will guide you in formatting your text effortlessly.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open the Word document where you want to use the strikethrough feature.
Having your document open and ready makes it easier to select the text you wish to modify.
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Next, click and drag your cursor over the text you want to strikethrough.
Ensure the text you want is fully highlighted. This selection is necessary for applying any kind of formatting changes.
Step 3: Access the Home Tab
Navigate to the Home tab in the Word toolbar at the top of your screen.
The Home tab is your gateway to basic formatting tools, including the strikethrough option.
Step 4: Click the Strikethrough Button
Find and click the strikethrough button, which looks like a small "abc" with a line through it.
This action will immediately apply the strikethrough format to your selected text. The button is usually located in the Font group of the Home tab.
Step 5: Save Your Document
Finally, save your document to ensure your changes are not lost.
Saving your work frequently ensures that all your edits, including the strikethroughs, are preserved.
After you strike through your text, the words will have a horizontal line through the middle. This visual cue indicates a change, highlighting sections that are no longer needed or have been completed.
Tips for Using Strikethrough in Word
- Use strikethrough for tracking changes to make edits noticeable without deleting the original text.
- Combine strikethrough with comments to explain why a change was made.
- Remember, you can undo strikethrough by selecting the text again and clicking the strikethrough button.
- Use keyboard shortcuts for faster formatting: "Ctrl + D" on Windows or "Cmd + D" on Mac opens the Font dialog box with the strikethrough option.
- Customize your toolbar to include the strikethrough button for quick access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strikethrough with other formatting styles?
Yes, strikethrough can be combined with bold, italic, and underline formatting to enhance your document’s readability.
How do I remove strikethrough from text?
Simply highlight the affected text and click the strikethrough button again to remove it.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough?
Yes, "Ctrl + D" for Windows and "Cmd + D" for Mac opens the Font dialog where you can select strikethrough.
Can I use strikethrough in Word Online?
Yes, the web version of Word also supports the strikethrough feature through similar steps in the toolbar.
How do I strikethrough in Word using styles?
You can create a new style that includes strikethrough by modifying an existing style or creating a new one through the Styles pane.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Highlight the text.
- Access the Home tab.
- Click the strikethrough button.
- Save your document.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to do strikethrough in Word, you can easily enhance your document editing and formatting skills. This feature is incredibly useful for showing edits or marking tasks as done without actually removing them from your document. By mastering this simple tool, you can make your Word documents clearer and more professional.
Remember that strikethrough is not just a way to express deletion; it can be a strategic way to keep track of your thoughts and progress. Whether you’re editing a manuscript or updating a to-do list, this feature provides a visual cue that can help you stay organized.
Feel free to explore Word’s other formatting options to enrich your documents further. If you’re interested in learning more about Word features or need help troubleshooting, Microsoft’s support website offers a wealth of information. Happy editing, and may your documents be as polished as a diamond!
Matthew Young has been writing tutorials about Microsoft Word and other Office applications for many years. His writing can be found on dozens of websites.