Strikethrough Text Word

In the world of document editing, formatting tools play a vital role in making text clearer, more organized, and easier to navigate. One such tool is strikethrough text in Microsoft Word. While it might not always be the first formatting option you think of, strikethrough is a powerful feature that allows you to visually represent text that has been deleted, edited, or is no longer relevant. Whether you’re proofreading a document, tracking changes in a collaborative project, or simply want to cross out certain information, strikethrough is an excellent tool to have at your disposal.

Strikethrough text is characterized by a horizontal line drawn through the middle of the text, indicating that it is no longer valid or has been removed, while still remaining visible for reference. This feature is commonly used in editing processes to show deleted text, making it easier for writers and reviewers to track changes. In addition to its practical uses in proofreading and revisions, strikethrough can also serve as a stylistic tool, helping to emphasize certain points in informal or creative writing.

Understanding how to use and apply strikethrough text in Word will streamline your editing process and improve your document’s clarity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about strikethrough text in Word, from how to add it to your document, to when and why you might use it. Whether you’re working on a professional report, a school essay, or even a personal project, mastering this tool can save you time and help you present your ideas more effectively.

What is Strikethrough Text in Word?

Strikethrough text in Microsoft Word is a formatting feature that draws a horizontal line through selected text. This line visually indicates that the text has been removed, altered, or is no longer relevant, but it still remains visible in the document. The text itself is not deleted; it’s simply “crossed out” to show that it has been superseded, edited, or canceled. This feature makes it especially useful for editing and revision purposes.

For example, imagine you are editing a report or a paper and need to suggest a change or removal of a word or phrase without permanently deleting it. By applying the strikethrough format, you can show your suggested deletion without erasing the text entirely. This gives the document’s reviewer or reader the ability to understand what was originally written, making it easier to compare the revised content with the original.

Strikethrough text can be particularly helpful in the following scenarios:

• Editing and proofreading: When revising text, it’s often necessary to indicate content that should be removed or replaced. Strikethrough allows you to keep the original text visible while signaling that a change is needed.
• Collaboration: In team projects or collaborative documents, strikethrough can be used to track changes made by different contributors. It allows everyone involved to see what was added, modified, or discarded in the document’s evolution.
• Task lists and planning: Strikethrough can be used in to-do lists or schedules to mark off completed tasks or removed items without losing their history.

Although strikethrough text is primarily associated with editing, its uses go beyond simple corrections. In some cases, it can be a design choice, used to convey a sense of cancellation or emphasis. For instance, in informal or creative writing, crossing out words might serve as a visual cue to the reader or help add a playful tone to the content.

How to Add Strikethrough Text in Word

Adding strikethrough text in Microsoft Word is quick and simple, with several methods to choose from. Whether you’re working on a Windows PC, a Mac, or the web-based version of Word, the process is largely the same. Below, we’ll walk through the different ways you can apply the strikethrough formatting to your text in Word.

Using the Ribbon Toolbar

1. Highlight the text you want to apply strikethrough to.
2. Go to the Home tab in the Ribbon at the top of the screen.
3. In the Font group, locate the Strikethrough button (it looks like “abc” with a line through it).
4. Click the Strikethrough button, and the selected text will immediately have a line drawn through it.

This method is straightforward and easy to use, especially if you’re already working in the Home tab while editing your document.

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

For a faster, more efficient approach, you can use a keyboard shortcut to apply strikethrough in Word.

• Windows: Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box, then check the box next to Strikethrough. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + T to directly apply a simple strikethrough.
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + X to instantly apply the strikethrough formatting.

This method is especially useful when you’re editing quickly or working on a document without wanting to leave your keyboard.

Using the Format Text Menu

If you want more customization or need to access other font options, you can use the Font dialog box:

1. Highlight the text you want to apply strikethrough to.
2. Right-click the selected text and choose Font from the context menu.
3. In the Font dialog box, check the box next to Strikethrough under the Effects section.
4. Click OK, and the strikethrough effect will be applied.

This method gives you access to additional options, such as double strikethrough, and allows you to fine-tune other formatting choices at the same time.

Using the Right-click Context Menu

Another simple method is through the right-click context menu:

1. Highlight the text you want to strike through.
2. Right-click the selected text and choose Font from the menu.
3. In the Font dialog box, check the Strikethrough box under the Effects section.
4. Click OK, and the text will be crossed out.

This method is especially useful if you prefer to work with the mouse and need quick access to font options.

Types of Strikethrough Options in Word

Microsoft Word offers more than just a simple single strikethrough effect. In fact, there are multiple strikethrough options you can use depending on your needs, whether it’s for simple text deletions or more complex formatting. Here’s a breakdown of the different strikethrough options available in Word:

1. Basic (Single) Strikethrough

The most common and straightforward option is the Basic Strikethrough, which applies a single line through the middle of the text. This is typically used to show text that has been crossed out or deleted but is still visible for reference.

When to use:

• When you want to show deleted text or revisions in a draft document.
• For proofreading purposes, indicating that a word or phrase should be removed without permanently deleting it.

How to apply:

• As described in earlier sections, you can apply basic strikethrough by using the Ribbon toolbar, keyboard shortcut, or the Font dialog box.

2. Double Strikethrough

The Double Strikethrough option applies two lines through the selected text, which can help emphasize deletions or indicate a stronger level of removal or crossing out. This option is particularly useful when you need to distinguish between different types of edits or when you want to make the strikethrough effect more visually prominent.

When to use:

• To draw additional attention to removed or deleted text.
• For situations where you want to differentiate between basic deletions and those that are more significant.

How to apply:

1. Highlight the text you want to strikethrough.
2. Right-click on the highlighted text and choose Font from the context menu.
3. In the Font dialog box, under Effects, select the Double Strikethrough option.
4. Click OK to apply the double strikethrough.

Alternatively, you can follow the same steps as for the basic strikethrough, but check the Double Strikethrough box instead.

3. Strikethrough and Subscript

A lesser-known feature in Word is combining strikethrough with subscript. This is useful in scientific writing or for indicating special text that should be both crossed out and formatted as a subscript (e.g., chemical formulas or mathematical notations).

When to use:

• For technical or scientific writing, such as in chemistry or physics, where both deletion and subscript formatting are needed.

How to apply:

1. Select the text you want to format.
2. Right-click and open the Font dialog box.
3. In the Font tab, check both the Strikethrough and Subscript options.
4. Click OK, and both formats will be applied to your text.

4. Strikethrough and Superscript

Similar to the subscript combination, you can also combine strikethrough with superscript formatting. This is useful in situations where you want to show a deletion and indicate that the text is also elevated (like in footnotes or mathematical exponents).

When to use:

• For footnotes or references in academic writing that need to show deleted content in superscript form.

How to apply:

1. Highlight the text you want to apply both strikethrough and superscript.
2. Right-click and select Font from the context menu.
3. In the Font dialog box, check both the Strikethrough and Superscript options.
4. Press OK, and the text will be formatted with both effects.

Common Uses of Strikethrough Text in Word

Strikethrough text in Word is a versatile tool that can serve many practical purposes beyond just marking deletions. Below, we explore some of the most common uses of strikethrough text in both professional and informal contexts. Understanding these uses will help you apply this feature more effectively in your documents.

1. Editing and Revision Tracking

One of the most common uses of strikethrough text is in the editing and proofreading process. When you’re reviewing or editing a document, strikethrough allows you to show text that should be removed or altered without actually deleting it. This makes it easier for others (or yourself) to see what has been changed, edited, or removed, which is especially useful when working on drafts or multiple versions of a document.

For example, in collaborative environments like academic papers or business reports, strikethrough can indicate suggestions or edits made by various contributors, allowing the team to track the evolution of the document and review the changes in context.

When to use:

• When revising a document and suggesting deletions or changes.
• For proofreading text, where you want to show the text to be removed but keep it visible for review.

2. Highlighting Deletions Without Removing the Text

In legal documents, contracts, or academic papers, you may need to show that certain text is no longer valid or has been removed but still want to preserve the original wording. Strikethrough allows you to visually “cross out” content without permanently deleting it, which can be important when the original text needs to be referenced or preserved for legal reasons.

This is particularly useful in environments that require maintaining the integrity of original documents, such as when you’re finalizing drafts, handling revisions, or reviewing content for accuracy and compliance.

When to use:

• In legal, contract, or regulatory documents where text must be crossed out but not deleted entirely.
• When maintaining an archive of deleted content is important for historical record-keeping.

3. Marking Completed Tasks in To-Do Lists or Schedules

Strikethrough is also a popular tool for managing to-do lists, project plans, or personal schedules. Marking a task with a line through it is a quick and easy way to indicate completion without deleting the task entirely. This can be helpful in both work and personal settings, as it gives you a visual representation of completed items while keeping them in context for future reference.

For example, if you’re organizing a project or working on a checklist, strikethrough allows you to see which tasks have been completed, while still leaving a record of the items you’ve worked on. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay organized and track progress.

When to use:

• When managing to-do lists, task schedules, or project planning.
• For marking tasks or objectives that have been completed, but still want to maintain a record of them.

4. Indicating Changes in Collaborative Documents

In collaborative work environments, such as shared documents or team projects, strikethrough can be invaluable in showing changes or deletions made by different people. This helps team members understand what has been added, edited, or removed and ensures clarity during the review process. For instance, in a document shared between co-authors or between a manager and their team, strikethrough text allows everyone to track modifications and verify if all necessary adjustments have been made.

When to use:

• In collaborative documents, where multiple people are reviewing and editing the text.
• When tracking the history of changes or revisions in a document, especially in work environments.

5. Creating Visual Emphasis in Creative Writing

In more informal or creative contexts, strikethrough can be used as a stylistic tool. Writers sometimes use strikethrough to add a playful or dramatic effect to their writing, such as by crossing out words or phrases for emphasis or to convey hesitation or a change of mind. This technique can give readers a sense of the writer’s thought process, adding an additional layer of meaning to the text.

For example, in a personal blog, story, or creative project, you might use strikethrough to reflect inner dialogue, self-editing, or a character’s second thoughts. The crossed-out text can convey a sense of imperfection, change, or conflict, helping to enrich the narrative.

When to use:

• In creative or informal writing to reflect character thought processes or changes of mind.
• When trying to convey humor, hesitation, or a self-correction in your writing.

How to Remove Strikethrough from Text in Word

If you’ve applied strikethrough to text but later decide you no longer want it, removing the effect is just as easy as applying it. There are several methods you can use to remove strikethrough formatting in Microsoft Word, depending on your preference and the version of Word you’re using.

1. Using the Ribbon Toolbar

1. Highlight the text that has strikethrough applied.
2. Go to the Home tab in the Ribbon.
3. In the Font group, click the Strikethrough button (the button with “abc” and a line through it).
4. Clicking the button again will remove the strikethrough from the selected text.

This is the quickest and most intuitive method, especially if you’re working in the Home tab and already have the text selected.

2. Using the Keyboard Shortcut

Just as you can apply strikethrough using a keyboard shortcut, you can also remove it using the same method:

• Windows: Simply press Ctrl + T to toggle the strikethrough effect on and off.
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + X to remove the strikethrough.

This shortcut is fast and efficient, especially for those who prefer keyboard commands over using the mouse.

3. Using the Font Dialog Box

For a more detailed approach, or if you need to make additional font adjustments, you can use the Font dialog box to remove strikethrough.

1. Highlight the text with the strikethrough effect.
2. Right-click the selected text and choose Font from the context menu.
3. In the Font dialog box, uncheck the Strikethrough option under the Effects section.
4. Click OK, and the strikethrough will be removed from the text.

This method is useful if you want to access other font formatting options at the same time, such as changing the font style or size.

4. Using the Right-click Context Menu

If you prefer working with the right-click context menu for convenience:

1. Select the text that has strikethrough applied.
2. Right-click on the selected text and choose Font from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Font dialog box, simply uncheck the Strikethrough box and click OK to remove the effect.

This method provides another quick option if you’re already working in the document and want to make changes without navigating away from the content.

What If the Strikethrough Effect Won’t Go Away?

Sometimes, you may encounter situations where the strikethrough effect doesn’t seem to be removed, even after following the steps outlined above. Here are a few things to check:

• Check for Style Overrides: If your text is using a custom style, that style might have strikethrough formatting applied by default. Try clearing the formatting by selecting the text and pressing Ctrl + Spacebar (Windows) or Command + Spacebar (Mac).
• Check for Paragraph Formatting: In some cases, strikethrough may be applied to entire paragraphs rather than individual words or lines. Ensure that you’re not accidentally applying strikethrough to the whole paragraph, and double-check your formatting settings.
• Ensure No Track Changes: If you’re working in a document with Track Changes enabled, strikethrough might be part of the revision history. You may need to accept or reject the changes in the Review tab to remove the formatting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Strikethrough Text in Word

While strikethrough text is a simple and effective tool in Microsoft Word, there are a few common issues users may encounter when applying or removing it. Below are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these problems quickly and efficiently.

1. Strikethrough Not Appearing

Sometimes, you may apply the strikethrough formatting but the line doesn’t appear over the text. If this happens, consider these potential causes and solutions:

• Check Font Compatibility: Some fonts may not support strikethrough formatting properly. If you’re using a custom font or a font that doesn’t support certain formatting features, try switching to a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman to see if the strikethrough appears.
• Ensure Strikethrough is Applied Correctly: Double-check that you have applied the strikethrough formatting correctly. Follow the instructions from the previous sections to make sure the text is selected and the strikethrough option has been properly activated.
• Clear Formatting: If the strikethrough effect is still not showing, the text might have conflicting formatting settings. Try clearing the formatting (by selecting the text and pressing Ctrl + Spacebar on Windows or Command + Spacebar on Mac) to reset it, then reapply the strikethrough.

2. Strikethrough Appearing on the Whole Paragraph Instead of Selected Text

If you apply strikethrough, but the effect appears on an entire paragraph instead of just the selected words or lines, this might indicate a paragraph formatting issue.

Solution:

• Highlight just the text you want to format, making sure no extra paragraph spaces are selected.
• If the problem persists, check the paragraph settings by selecting the text and going to the Paragraph dialog box (right-click and choose Paragraph). Ensure that no special paragraph-level formatting, such as strikethrough in a style or layout, is applied.

3. Strikethrough Is Not Removing

If you’ve tried to remove the strikethrough but it persists, here are some things to consider:

• Track Changes Feature: When Track Changes is turned on in a document, Microsoft Word automatically marks deleted text with a strikethrough. To remove this, you’ll need to either accept or reject the changes in the Review tab.
  • Go to the Review tab in the Ribbon.
  • In the Changes group, use the Accept or Reject buttons to accept or reject changes.
• Check for Formatting Styles: If you’re using a custom style, it may include strikethrough formatting by default. To remove the strikethrough, you’ll need to modify the style or apply a different style to the text. You can modify a style by selecting the text, right-clicking it, and choosing Modify.
• Check for Character Formatting Conflicts: Sometimes, hidden formatting or character styles can prevent strikethrough from being removed. Clear all formatting by selecting the text and pressing Ctrl + Spacebar (Windows) or Command + Spacebar (Mac) to reset the text and remove any conflicting formatting.

4. Strikethrough Not Working in Tables or Text Boxes

If you’re working within a table or text box and find that strikethrough isn’t applying or removing as expected, try these fixes:

• Ensure the Text is Fully Selected: In tables or text boxes, sometimes only part of the text is selected. Make sure the entire section of text you want to format is highlighted.
• Check for Object Formatting: Tables and text boxes may have additional object-level formatting applied. Right-click the object and check for specific formatting that could be overriding your text formatting.

5. Strikethrough Looks Different in Print View or PDF

If your strikethrough looks fine on screen but appears differently in print or when converted to PDF, this could be due to font rendering issues or printer settings.

• Check Printer Settings: Ensure that your printer is not using a simplified or altered font rendering style that might not show strikethrough text properly.
• Check PDF Export Settings: If you’re converting your document to PDF, verify that the PDF export settings don’t adjust or remove the formatting. Some PDF creators may alter the appearance of strikethrough text, especially if using custom fonts.

6. Strikethrough Doesn’t Appear Consistently Across Devices

If you’re working on a document across different devices or versions of Word, the strikethrough effect may not appear consistently. This can happen due to different font versions, software updates, or rendering issues on various platforms.

Solution:

• Make sure you are using a widely supported font and that your Word software is updated to the latest version.
• If you’re sharing the document with others, ensure they are also using a compatible version of Word to maintain formatting consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Strikethrough Text in Word

1. Can I apply strikethrough to only part of a word in Word?

Yes, you can apply strikethrough to part of a word in Microsoft Word. Simply select the specific letters or characters you want to strike through, and then apply the strikethrough formatting. This will only affect the selected portion of the word.

Example:
If you have the word “overcome” and want to strike through “over,” highlight only “over” and apply the strikethrough. The result will be “overcome.”

2. Is there a way to apply strikethrough to text across multiple paragraphs?

Yes, you can apply strikethrough to text across multiple paragraphs in Word. Just select the desired text across the paragraphs you want to affect, and then apply the strikethrough formatting. Word will apply the line through the text across the selected range, even if it spans multiple paragraphs.

3. How do I apply strikethrough in Word for Mac?

The process for applying strikethrough in Word for Mac is the same as in Windows. You can use the Font dialog box, Ribbon Toolbar, or keyboard shortcuts:

• Keyboard shortcut: Press Command + Shift + X to toggle strikethrough on and off.
• Alternatively, you can highlight the text and click the Strikethrough button in the Font group under the Home tab.

4. Can I use strikethrough in Word Online?

Yes, you can apply strikethrough in the online version of Microsoft Word (Word for the web). The process is similar to the desktop version:

1. Highlight the text you want to strike through.
2. Go to the Home tab and click the Strikethrough button in the Font section.

Strikethrough text works seamlessly in Word Online, allowing for cloud-based editing and collaboration.

5. How do I remove strikethrough from text if it’s not working?

If you’re unable to remove strikethrough from your text, try the following:

• Check for Track Changes: If Track Changes is enabled, you may need to accept or reject the change to remove the strikethrough. Go to the Review tab and choose Accept or Reject in the Changes section.
• Clear Formatting: You can clear all formatting by selecting the text and pressing Ctrl + Spacebar (Windows) or Command + Spacebar (Mac) to remove any overriding styles.
• Use the Font Dialog Box: Right-click the text, choose Font, and ensure the Strikethrough option is unchecked.

6. Is there a way to use multiple strikethroughs (e.g., for each word in a sentence)?

Yes, you can apply strikethrough to multiple words or parts of a sentence by selecting each word individually or by selecting the entire sentence and applying strikethrough. If you want individual words struck through separately, you’ll need to select each word one by one and apply the formatting.

7. Can I use strikethrough for entire sentences or paragraphs in Word?

Yes, you can apply strikethrough to an entire sentence or paragraph. Simply highlight the sentence or paragraph, and then apply the strikethrough effect using any of the methods discussed above. Word will apply the effect to all the text within the selection.

8. How can I combine strikethrough with other formatting options (like superscript or subscript)?

You can combine strikethrough with other text effects, such as superscript or subscript. Simply highlight the text and open the Font dialog box (either via right-click or the Ribbon). From there, you can check both the Strikethrough and Superscript or Subscript boxes, depending on your needs.

This combination is often useful in scientific or mathematical contexts, where a change is being made to an equation or formula.

9. Is there a way to automate strikethrough for revisions or edits?

Yes, if you’re using Track Changes in Word, any deletions you make will automatically be displayed with strikethrough formatting. This is helpful in collaborative writing or editing, as the deleted text remains visible for review but is crossed out for clarity.

To enable Track Changes:

1. Go to the Review tab.
2. Click on Track Changes in the Tracking group.
3. Make your changes, and Word will automatically mark deletions with strikethrough.

10. How do I change the appearance of the strikethrough line?

While Microsoft Word doesn’t allow for customization of the strikethrough line itself (e.g., changing its thickness or color), you can create a custom effect by using a line shape or other text effects in combination with strikethrough. If you need a more customized line, you could also use drawing tools or insert special characters like the tilde (~) to simulate a different type of line over your text.

Conclusion

Strikethrough text in Microsoft Word is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used in a variety of contexts, from editing and proofreading to creative writing and task management. Whether you are working on a professional document, managing a project, or simply editing a report, knowing how to use and remove strikethrough text can significantly enhance the clarity and organization of your content.

Throughout this article, we’ve explored:

• How to apply and remove strikethrough text in Word.
• The common uses of strikethrough text for editing, highlighting deletions, and organizing tasks.
• Troubleshooting tips to resolve common issues that might arise when using strikethrough formatting.
• Answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand this feature and make the most of it.

By mastering the strikethrough function, you can efficiently edit documents, collaborate with others, and visually organize your work. Whether you are editing a draft, marking a task as complete, or simply highlighting changes, the ability to cross out text provides a quick and effective way to communicate revisions.

As you become more familiar with Word’s strikethrough feature, you’ll discover even more creative and practical ways to incorporate it into your daily workflow. Whether you’re using it for professional, academic, or personal purposes, this simple tool can make your documents more organized, readable, and visually appealing.

Remember, the more you explore and practice with strikethrough in Word, the more adept you’ll become at using it to its full potential. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with the different methods of applying and removing strikethrough text until it becomes second nature in your document creation and editing process.