Striking through text in Word is a straightforward task that lets you visually mark words as incorrect or unnecessary without completely removing them. This feature is especially handy for editing, creating lists, or emphasizing changes. With just a few clicks, you can strike through your selected text, giving it a lined-out appearance, all while keeping it visible for reference.
How to Strike Through Text in Word
In this section, you’ll learn how to use Word’s built-in tools to apply a strikethrough to your text. Follow these steps to efficiently strike through words or phrases in your document.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
First, launch Microsoft Word by clicking on its icon on your desktop or finding it in your applications list.
Once Word is open, you can either create a new document or open an existing one where you need to strike through text.
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Select the text you wish to strike through by clicking and dragging your cursor over it.
Make sure the text you want to edit is fully highlighted, as this will ensure only that portion of text is affected by the strikethrough.
Step 3: Access the Font Group
Navigate to the "Home" tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen, then locate the "Font" group.
The "Font" group contains various text formatting options, including the strikethrough feature, allowing you to easily modify the appearance of your text.
Step 4: Click the Strikethrough Button
In the "Font" group, click on the strikethrough button, which looks like a letter "abc" with a line through it.
Upon clicking, the selected text will immediately have a line drawn through it, indicating it’s struck through.
Step 5: Save Your Document
Finally, save your document by clicking on the "File" menu and selecting "Save" or "Save As."
Saving ensures that your changes, including the strikethrough formatting, are kept intact and can be accessed later.
After completing these steps, the selected text in your Word document will have a line through it, indicating it has been struck through. This visual change allows others reading the document to see which parts are marked for removal or reconsideration.
Tips for Striking Through Text in Word
- Keyboard Shortcut: Use "Ctrl + D" to open the Font dialog box and select strikethrough for a quicker method.
- Multiple Selections: Hold "Ctrl" while selecting non-adjacent text to apply strikethrough to multiple sections at once.
- Double Strikethrough: For a more pronounced effect, find the double strikethrough option in the Font dialog box.
- Undo Strikethrough: Simply select the text again and click the strikethrough button to remove the line.
- Styling: Combine strikethrough with other styles like bold or italic to convey different meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut for strikethrough in Word?
The shortcut "Ctrl + D" opens the Font dialog box, where you can activate strikethrough.
Can I strike through multiple lines at once?
Yes, you can select and strike through multiple lines simultaneously by highlighting them before applying the format.
How do I remove a strikethrough?
To remove a strikethrough, highlight the text again and click the strikethrough button, or uncheck the option in the Font dialog box.
Is there a way to apply double strikethrough?
Yes, in the Font dialog box, there is an option for double strikethrough for a bolder effect.
Will strikethrough affect my document’s readability?
Strikethrough can make text difficult to read, so use it sparingly and ensure it doesn’t interfere with the comprehension of the document.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Highlight the text.
- Access the Font group.
- Click the strikethrough button.
- Save your document.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of text editing can sometimes feel like walking through a maze, but knowing how to strike through text in Word equips you with a powerful tool for clarity and communication. Whether you’re editing a draft or collaborating with colleagues, this skill can streamline your work process by visually indicating changes or suggestions without losing the original content.
The ability to apply strikethrough effectively is like having a Swiss army knife in your editing toolbox; it’s versatile and can be paired with other formatting options to create a document that meets your precise needs. If you haven’t used this feature much before, take some time to experiment with it in your next Word document. You might find it saves you time and helps you communicate more clearly.
As you become more familiar with Microsoft Word’s many features, you’ll find your efficiency and confidence growing, turning your digital documents into polished, professional pieces. So, go ahead, try it out, and see how striking through text can enhance your writing and editing endeavors.
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.