Strikethrough text, often represented with a line running through the middle of words, is a popular way to edit, emphasize, or add style to digital text. Whether you’re drafting an online post, a social media update, or simply messaging a friend, strikethrough text can add a unique layer of expression. Instead of just deleting words, strikethrough allows you to show what you intended to say originally, giving context to edits or humorously adding emphasis by “canceling” certain words.
This text effect is widely used in various fields and platforms:
- Editing and Drafting: Writers and editors use strikethrough to mark out unnecessary or incorrect content without fully removing it. This is especially helpful in collaborative documents where it’s essential to see changes.
- Social Media and Messaging: Strikethrough text is often used on social media to add a playful or ironic tone. It can also serve as a visual “correction” or as a humorous way to convey what you almost said.
- Design and Aesthetics: Strikethrough text can also add a stylish effect, especially when used creatively in social media captions, memes, or digital art.
Strikethrough text not only allows for a unique way to convey meaning, but it can also make your writing stand out in a sea of digital content. Whether you’re looking to add a simple effect to a post or bring humor into a conversation, this guide will help you understand and easily create strikethrough text that you can copy and paste wherever you like.
In the sections that follow, you’ll learn exactly how to generate and use strikethrough text, including tips for making it work seamlessly across different platforms, from Word documents to Twitter and more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- What is Strikethrough Text?
- Strikethrough text is a formatting style where a line runs through the middle of words, often used for editing, emphasizing humor, or marking changes in text.
- How to Create Strikethrough Text:
- Use online strikethrough text generators to convert regular text into strikethrough format quickly.
- Apply strikethrough in Microsoft Word or Google Docs using built-in formatting options.
- On platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Discord, you can manually add strikethrough by using special symbols like tilde (
~
). - Copy and Paste Methods:
- Copy the generated strikethrough text and paste it into various platforms (social media, messaging apps, documents). Different devices (desktop or mobile) may require slightly different steps, but the process remains simple across all platforms.
- Using Unicode for Strikethrough:
- Unicode characters can be used to create strikethrough text, especially for more universal or advanced uses, such as on websites or in web development.
- Advantages of Strikethrough Text:
- It helps clarify edits, adds humor or irony, highlights changes, and provides visual appeal, making your content more engaging and dynamic.
- Limitations of Strikethrough Text:
- Not all platforms support strikethrough text, and overuse can make content visually cluttered. Formatting issues may arise when copying and pasting between different apps or systems.
- Alternative Methods:
- If strikethrough is not available or doesn’t work as expected, alternatives like bold, italics, or parentheses can serve as effective replacements for edits or emphasis.
How to Create Strikethrough Text (Copy and Paste)
Creating strikethrough text may seem complicated, but it’s actually very straightforward with the right tools. In this section, we’ll cover a few easy ways to generate strikethrough text that you can copy and paste into your posts, messages, and documents.
Using Online Strikethrough Text Generators
One of the simplest ways to create strikethrough text is by using an online generator. These tools are free, quick, and require no installation. They allow you to enter any text you want and instantly convert it to strikethrough text, which you can then copy and paste wherever you need.
Steps to Use an Online Strikethrough Text Generator:
- Search for an Online Generator: Open a search engine and look up “strikethrough text generator.” There are several options available, and most function in a similar way.
- Enter Your Text: Type or paste the text you want to convert into the generator’s input box.
- Convert and Copy: The generator will automatically add a strikethrough effect to your text. Once the conversion is complete, simply copy the text.
- Paste Your Strikethrough Text: You can now paste the strikethrough text into social media posts, messages, or any other text fields that support this formatting.
Strikethrough Text on Different Platforms
Different platforms have different formatting options, and many of them allow you to add strikethrough text directly. Here’s a quick guide to using strikethrough on some popular platforms:
- Microsoft Word and Google Docs
- In Microsoft Word: Highlight the text you want to format, then go to the “Home” tab. Look for the strikethrough icon (often a small “abc” with a line through it) and click it to apply strikethrough formatting.
- In Google Docs: Highlight your text, click on “Format” in the top menu, then select “Text” and click on “Strikethrough” from the dropdown. This will apply the effect to the selected text.
- Social Media Platforms
- WhatsApp: To add strikethrough in WhatsApp, simply type a tilde (~) on either side of your text. For example, typing
~this is strikethrough~
will display as this is strikethrough once sent. - Twitter and Facebook: While Twitter and Facebook do not natively support strikethrough, you can use a strikethrough text generator to create the text and then paste it into your post or comment.
- WhatsApp: To add strikethrough in WhatsApp, simply type a tilde (~) on either side of your text. For example, typing
- Messaging Apps
- Discord: To use strikethrough on Discord, place two tildes (
~~
) on each side of the text you want to strike through. For example, typing~~example~~
will display as example once you send the message. - Telegram: Telegram also supports strikethrough text. Simply highlight the text you want to format, and a formatting menu should appear with a strikethrough option.
- Discord: To use strikethrough on Discord, place two tildes (
These tips allow you to easily create and use strikethrough text across various platforms without needing a special generator every time.
How to Copy and Paste Strikethrough Text Across Devices
Once you’ve created your strikethrough text, the next step is to copy and paste it wherever you need. The process is simple, but it can vary slightly depending on whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Let’s go over how to copy and paste strikethrough text across different devices to ensure smooth usage.
Desktop/Laptop Instructions
On a desktop or laptop, copying and pasting strikethrough text is easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Generate the Strikethrough Text: Use an online text generator or apply strikethrough formatting in a word processor (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs).
- Copy the Text: Highlight the text that has the strikethrough effect, and then right-click and select Copy or press Ctrl + C (on Windows) or Cmd + C (on macOS).
- Paste the Text: Navigate to the application or platform where you want to use the strikethrough text (e.g., social media, email, etc.). Right-click and select Paste, or use Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (macOS) to paste the text.
This process will work seamlessly for most desktop applications, including email, messaging platforms, and online forms that support the strikethrough effect.
Mobile Device Instructions
Copying and pasting strikethrough text on mobile devices is just as easy, though it requires a few extra steps since mobile apps may not always support strikethrough formatting directly.
For Android and iOS:
- Generate the Strikethrough Text: Use an online generator or copy text from a document or messaging app that already has the strikethrough effect applied. On mobile devices, the most convenient way is often using a strikethrough text generator via your browser.
- Copy the Text: Tap and hold on the strikethrough text until you see selection handles. Adjust the selection if needed, then tap Copy in the action menu that appears.
- Paste the Text: Open the app where you want to paste the strikethrough text (such as WhatsApp, Instagram, or a social media post). Tap and hold in the text field and select Paste from the options. The text will be pasted with the strikethrough effect.
Tips for Mobile Users:
- On WhatsApp or other apps that support strikethrough, you can manually add the strikethrough using special characters like the tilde (
~
) before and after the text. - Keep in mind that some mobile apps (like Facebook or Instagram) may not fully support the pasting of special formatting, and the strikethrough might appear as regular text.
Whether you’re using a desktop or a mobile device, copying and pasting strikethrough text is quick and easy once you get the hang of it. It’s an excellent way to add emphasis, humor, or style to your messages or posts on various platforms.
Using Unicode Characters for Strikethrough Text
In addition to online generators and platform-specific formatting tools, another effective way to create strikethrough text is by using Unicode characters. Unicode is a universal character encoding standard that includes characters from nearly all writing systems, as well as special formatting options like strikethrough text.
What is Unicode and How Does it Enable Strikethrough?
Unicode enables a variety of text styles and characters to be represented digitally across different systems and platforms. It includes many special symbols, including ones that allow you to apply strikethrough formatting to your text. These characters are typically used for specific purposes, like mathematical symbols, arrows, or even text effects like strikethrough.
When you use strikethrough Unicode characters, you’re essentially using a pre-defined character set that visually appears as if a line is drawn through your text, without the need for special formatting tools like those in word processors or text generators. The Unicode version of strikethrough is actually a special character rather than a “style” or “effect” applied to existing text.
Creating Unicode Strikethrough Text for Social Media
Here’s how you can generate strikethrough text using Unicode characters for use across social media, messages, and other online platforms:
- Find a Unicode Strikethrough Generator: Many websites provide Unicode strikethrough converters that let you input text and receive the strikethrough Unicode characters in return. A simple search for “Unicode strikethrough generator” will yield several results.
- Input Your Text: Once you’ve found a generator, type or paste your regular text into the tool. The tool will output a version of your text using the strikethrough Unicode character. This is often a combination of U+0336, the “combining long stroke overlay,” and the text you input.
- Copy and Paste the Text: After generating your strikethrough text, simply copy the output and paste it into your social media posts, messages, or documents.
Example of Unicode Strikethrough Text:
- Normal text: “I love coding.”
- Strikethrough text: “I love c̶o̶d̶i̶n̶g̶.”
By using Unicode strikethrough text, you can bypass the limitations of specific platforms and apply the effect anywhere that allows text input.
How to Use Unicode Strikethrough in Code or Programming
For those who are familiar with coding or web development, Unicode can also be useful in adding special text effects to websites or applications. The Unicode strikethrough character can be included in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it a versatile option for web developers who want to apply unique text effects programmatically.
For example, you can include strikethrough Unicode characters in HTML using the ̶
code. This can be combined with other text elements to create dynamic, visually appealing pages.
Resources for Advanced Users
If you want more control over your strikethrough text formatting or need to integrate it into a design or website, you can explore more complex Unicode-based solutions, such as:
- JavaScript or CSS libraries for manipulating text.
- Custom text effects using advanced Unicode characters combined with CSS.
- Web tools and resources that allow you to copy Unicode text directly or generate it based on specific styles.
While using Unicode characters might seem a bit more advanced, it offers flexibility, especially for web developers or those looking for a more “universal” solution to strikethrough text formatting. It’s also a great option for those who need precise control over the appearance of their text, especially when dealing with cross-platform compatibility.
Advantages and Limitations of Strikethrough Text Copy-Paste
While strikethrough text is a fun and effective way to add emphasis, humor, or clarity to your messages, posts, and documents, it’s essential to understand its advantages and limitations. In this section, we’ll break down the key benefits and potential drawbacks of using strikethrough text, helping you decide when and where to use it.
Pros of Using Strikethrough Text
- Clarity and Transparency in Edits
Strikethrough text is commonly used in editing and proofreading to indicate that a particular part of the text has been removed or replaced. It shows the reader what was originally written, maintaining the transparency of changes. This is particularly useful for collaborative projects, where multiple people may be involved in revising a document. - Emphasizing Humor and Irony
One of the most popular uses of strikethrough text is to add humor or irony. For example, when writing something that contradicts the intended message, you can use strikethrough to create a playful tone. In social media posts or casual conversations, it can be a fun way to convey sarcasm or exaggeration. For instance:
“I am so excited for this meeting…I’d rather be sleepingready to tackle new ideas!” - Drawing Attention to Changes or Alternatives
Strikethrough text allows you to offer alternatives without deleting content completely. For example, in a blog post, if you want to change a product name or pricing, you can strike through the old text and leave the updated one visible. This helps readers see what has changed without losing track of previous versions. - Crossed-out Aesthetic for Visual Appeal
Beyond its functional uses, strikethrough text can simply add a unique visual effect to your writing. In the world of memes, creative writing, or graphic design, strikethrough text is sometimes used for stylistic purposes to create a distinct look.
Limitations of Strikethrough Text
- Not Universally Supported on All Platforms
While many popular apps and platforms support strikethrough text, there are still some where it doesn’t display as expected. For instance, older versions of social media apps or specific web forms might not render strikethrough text properly. As a result, what looks great in one app may appear as normal text or even unformatted when pasted elsewhere. - Potential for Formatting Issues
Depending on the platform, strikethrough formatting may not always remain intact when text is copied and pasted between different tools or systems. This can result in broken formatting or text appearing without the strikethrough effect, especially in places that don’t support Unicode or special characters. - Too Much Strikethrough Can Be Distracting
While strikethrough text can be fun, using it too frequently or in long stretches of text can make your message harder to read. If overused, strikethrough can create visual clutter, making it difficult for your audience to focus on the important content. It’s best used sparingly for emphasis, humor, or specific context. - Limited Formatting Options in Some Generators
Most strikethrough text generators are simple and functional but may not offer a wide range of customization. If you’re looking to make the strikethrough effect part of a larger design or need more control over how it looks, the basic generators may not meet your needs. For more advanced designs, you might need to explore coding or design software options.
Conclusion
Strikethrough text offers several advantages, from providing transparency in edits to adding humor or style to your content. It’s an effective tool for editing, communicating ironic messages, or simply making your writing more engaging. However, it’s important to be mindful of its limitations, such as platform compatibility and potential formatting issues. By understanding both the strengths and drawbacks of strikethrough text, you can use it strategically to enhance your writing without overwhelming your readers.
FAQs on Strikethrough Text Copy-Paste
To help you further understand how to use strikethrough text effectively and address any remaining questions, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. How can I make strikethrough text on my phone?
To make strikethrough text on your phone, you can use a few different methods:
- Using a Strikethrough Generator: Open a browser on your phone and search for a “strikethrough text generator.” Type in your text, copy the output, and paste it into your messaging app or social media platform.
- Using Specific Formatting in Apps: Some apps, like WhatsApp, allow you to create strikethrough text by typing tildes (
~
) before and after the text (e.g.,~strikethrough~
). - Strikethrough on Word Processors: In word processing apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Word, you can select the text and apply the strikethrough format from the formatting options.
2. Is strikethrough text supported on all social media platforms?
No, not all social media platforms support strikethrough text directly. While platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Discord allow for the use of strikethrough through specific formatting commands (such as using tildes or copying and pasting from a generator), others like Facebook or Instagram may not natively support it. In these cases, you can use a strikethrough generator to create the effect and then paste the text into your post or message.
3. How do I remove strikethrough formatting after pasting?
If you’ve pasted strikethrough text and want to remove it, the method depends on the platform you’re using:
- In Word or Google Docs: Select the strikethrough text, go to the formatting options, and either deselect the strikethrough button or use the shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Z on a desktop) to undo the action.
- On Social Media or Messaging Apps: If you pasted text with strikethrough, simply retype the text without using the strikethrough generator or formatting. You can also remove the tilde (
~
) manually if you used it for formatting.
4. Why doesn’t strikethrough text always work in certain apps?
Strikethrough text may not work in certain apps because some platforms or applications don’t support the Unicode characters or formatting used for strikethrough. In these cases, the text might appear as regular characters without the line crossing through it. To ensure compatibility, always check whether the platform supports strikethrough before using it, or use a text generator and paste the output directly.
5. Are there alternatives to strikethrough text for indicating edits or humor?
Yes, there are several alternatives to using strikethrough text:
- Using Parentheses or Brackets: Instead of striking out text, you can put unwanted or incorrect words in parentheses or brackets to indicate an edit.
- Highlighting: Some platforms allow you to highlight text to show changes or emphasis. This can work as an alternative when strikethrough is not available.
- Bold or Italics for Emphasis: If you want to emphasize text without strikethrough, consider using bold or italic formatting. These can also be used for humor or irony.
- Crossed-Out Text in Graphics: In design tools or image editing software, you can overlay a “crossed-out” effect on text to create a visual strikethrough.
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