Typing strikethrough text allows you to cross out words on your computer or other digital devices. This can be useful for editing documents or making revisions. There are a few different ways to type strikethrough text depending on what program you are using.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The easiest way to type strikethrough text is by using keyboard shortcuts. This allows you to quickly cross out words without having to access extra menus or options.
On Windows computers, you can strikethrough text by highlighting the desired words and pressing Ctrl + Alt + S. For Mac users, the keyboard shortcut is Command + Shift + X.
For example, these words have been struck through by using the keyboard shortcut.
This will work in most word processors and text editors like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages, etc. The main benefit of using keyboard shortcuts is speed and convenience – just highlight and press the keys to immediately strikethrough.
Using Menus and Toolbars
If you prefer clicking buttons over keyboard shortcuts, most programs also have strikethrough options in the menus or formatting toolbars.
In Microsoft Word, you can go to the Home tab and click the Strikethrough button (it looks like an A with a line through it).
In Google Docs, go to the Format menu and select Strikethrough. You’ll see the same type of icon.
This will apply strikethrough formatting to any text you have selected. The menu/toolbar options essentially do the same thing as the keyboard shortcuts but give you a button to click instead.
Using HTML Tags
For web pages and other online text, you can use HTML tags to type strikethrough text.
The strikethrough tag is <s> for opening and </s> for closing. For example:
<s>Strikethrough text</s> looks like Strikethrough text when displayed on a web page.
Make sure to use both the opening and closing tags or else all the following text will be struck through. The <s> tag is simple but very useful for showing revisions or changes on websites.
Using Chat and Messaging Apps
Many chat, messaging, and email apps also allow you to type strikethrough text when composing messages.
On Slack, surround text with tildes (~) to strikethrough. For example:~text to strike~ becomes ~text to strike~ when sent in Slack.
On Discord, use double tildes. So ~~strikethrough~~ will appear as ~~strikethrough~~.
Gmail also has a strikethrough button in the formatting toolbar when composing messages. Look for the icon that looks like an A with a line through it.
The specific characters might vary between apps but they generally offer an easy option for applying strikethrough to text.
Using Character Codes
Some programs also allow you to type strikethrough text by inserting special character codes around the text you want to strike out:
| Windows | ALT + 0 1 5 1 |
| Mac | Option + Shift + X |
| HTML | ! |
For example, in Word you could highlight text, hold down ALT and type 0151 on the numeric keypad to strikethrough. Or use the HTML code ! in web documents.
The benefit of character codes is they work in virtually any program on any device. But you do have to memorize the codes for each operating system.
Using Style Formatting
Some word processors also let you create and apply custom styles that include strikethrough formatting.
For example, in Google Docs you can create a “Strikethrough” style and apply it to text to quickly cross things out without having to manually toggle the formatting each time.
Styles save time if you regularly need to apply the same formatting in a document. Just set it up once and then apply the style going forward.
Conclusion
Strikethrough text is easy to generate across platforms with just a few clicks or key presses. The most universal options are using keyboard shortcuts on Windows/Mac, HTML tags for web text, and character codes that work in any program.
Styles can save time for frequent use in word processors. And most chat/messaging apps have their own special characters for strikethrough formatting while composing messages.
So try out a few different methods and see which is fastest and most convenient based on the type of work you’re doing. With today’s digitally-connected world, being able to clearly communicate revisions and changes is crucial – and strikethrough text can convey that information in a simple visual way.
Once you get in the habit of quickly striking through words, you may find yourself using it to edit everything you type! It’s one of those handy text formatting options that, while simple, can make a big difference in how clearly your messages and documents communicate intent.
Whether you are collaborating on group projects, requesting information corrections, or signaling outdated information, consider using strikethrough text as a tool to enhance clarity and readability.
In summary:
- Use keyboard shortcuts on Windows (Ctrl + Alt + S) and Mac (Command + Shift + X) to quickly strikethrough highlighted text
- Look for the strikethrough button in menus and formatting toolbars of common word processors and apps
- On the web, HTML tags <s> and </s> can strikethrough text
- Messaging apps have their own strikethrough text characters like ~text~ or ~~text~~
- Insert special alt character or HTML codes to strikethrough text in any program
- Set up and apply custom styles with strikethrough formatting to save time
With so many options, you can cross out words virtually anywhere. So go ahead – start strikethroughing today!
Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of strikethrough text:
Use sparingly
Strikethrough text is most effective when used sparingly. Don’t cross out huge chunks of text as it will make the document messy and hard to read. Just strike through a word here and there to efficiently indicate small changes.
Double check interactions
In some programs, using strikethrough together with other formatting like bold or italics can produce strange effects. If things look weird, try toggling off any other formatting before applying strikethrough.
Check appearance
The appearance of strikethrough can vary depending on font type and size. Make sure it’s clearly legible for your purposes. A heavier weight font will cross out more boldly.
Use color for emphasis
Try changing the color of the strikethrough line to stand out even more. Red is commonly used. This draws extra attention to the crossed out text.
Clarify intent
Keep in mind that strikethrough alone doesn’t indicate why text was crossed out. Add a brief note if needed to clarify if something is wrong, outdated, replaced, etc.
Check compatibility
Strikethrough display can vary across devices and browsers. Test to make sure it’s rendering properly on screen before printing or sharing documents widely.
Consider alternatives
For formal published documents, double parentheses ((text)) may be used instead to indicate revisions more subtly. Strikethrough is fine for informal contexts.
And those are some pro tips for mastering strikethrough text! With the ability to easily cross out words in today’s digital interfaces, this simple formatting tool packs a lot of pragmatic punch.
Whether you are marking up edits on a draft document, indicating outdated information on a website, or signaling revisions in an instant message, the humble strikethrough text format helps clarify your intent.
So tap those strikethrough hotkeys early and often as you compose. It’s one of those rare formatting techniques that manages to be both elegant and efficient at the same time. Break out the digital red pen and start line crossing for improved communications!