Striking through text in Microsoft Word is a handy feature when you want to show text that has been completed or needs to be removed. To do this, simply highlight the text and click the strikethrough button in the toolbar. Voilà! The text gets a line through it, making it look crossed out. This method doesn’t delete the words but makes them appear as if they are. Easy, right? Now, let’s dive into the details.
How to Strikethrough in Word
In this section, you’ll learn how to apply the strikethrough format to text in Microsoft Word. Once you’re familiar with these steps, using this feature will become second nature.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
First, fire up Microsoft Word and open the document where you need to strike through text.
You can either start with a new document or work on an existing one. Make sure you’ve got the text ready that you want to cross out.
Step 2: Select the Text
Highlight the word or phrase you want to strike through by clicking and dragging your mouse over it.
If you want to select more than one non-consecutive word, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting each word.
Step 3: Locate the Strikethrough Button
Go to the Home tab on the toolbar and find the strikethrough button, which looks like "abc" with a line through it.
It’s usually found in the Font section of the toolbar, along with options like bold, italics, and underline.
Step 4: Apply Strikethrough
Click the strikethrough button, and watch as your selected text gets a line through it.
If you change your mind, simply click the button again to remove the strikethrough.
Step 5: Save Your Document
After editing, don’t forget to save your document to keep your changes intact.
You can hit Ctrl + S on your keyboard or go to File > Save.
Once you’ve applied the strikethrough, your text will appear crossed out, making it clear which parts are no longer needed or are marked for deletion. It’s a visual cue that helps organize thoughts or edits within your document.
Tips for Striking Through in Word
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: On most systems, pressing Ctrl + D opens the Font menu where you can tick strikethrough.
- Customize your Toolbar: Add the strikethrough button to your Quick Access Toolbar for even quicker access.
- Apply Multiple Formats: Combine strikethrough with other text formats like bold or italics for emphasis.
- Use with Track Changes: When tracking changes, strikethrough can signify deletions.
- Know the Limitations: Strikethrough isn’t supported in all email clients or older Word versions, so check compatibility when sharing documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I strikethrough text in Word using a shortcut?
You can press Ctrl + D to open the Font menu and select strikethrough, or directly press Ctrl + 5 on most keyboards.
Can I strikethrough text in Word Online?
Yes, you can. Highlight the text and use the strikethrough button under the Home tab in Word Online.
Is it possible to remove strikethrough?
Absolutely! Just highlight the text with strikethrough and click the strikethrough button again to remove it.
Can I apply strikethrough to only part of a word?
Yes, you can. Simply highlight the specific letters in the word you want to strike through.
Is there a double strikethrough option?
Yes, in the Font settings under the Home tab, you can choose a double strikethrough option for a bolder line.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Select the text you want to strike through.
- Find the strikethrough button in the Home tab.
- Click to apply the strikethrough.
- Save your document to keep changes.
Conclusion
Now you know how to strikethrough text in Word, a simple yet effective way to manage your documents. Whether you’re revising a school essay or editing a business report, this tool offers a visual way to show changes without deleting content outright.
Using strikethrough can seem like wielding a red pen, marking edits with a decisive line. It’s a perfect way to keep track of revisions and changes while still seeing the original text. Be sure to explore other formatting options in Word to enhance your documents further.
Now, why not give it a try? Open up a Word document and practice applying strikethrough to some text. With a little practice, you’ll make this tool a staple in your Word-processing repertoire. And if you’re in the mood for more learning, explore Word’s rich array of features, from styles to tables, to take your document game to the next level.
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.