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Add strikethrough or cross out text in Word

Author: Sun Last Modified: 2024-08-30

Strikethrough is a text formatting feature in Microsoft Word that allows you to draw a line through text. It is useful for indicating deletion, changes, or completed tasks in a document. This article will guide you through various methods to apply and remove strikethrough in Word. Strikethrough formatting is typically used to show that something has been removed while keeping the original text visible. It serves as a practical tool in editing documents, managing task lists, or even in creating specific visual styles.

Strikethrough applied on text

Add strikethrough in Word

Add double strikethrough in Word

Remove strikethrough

Change strikethrough color


Video: Add Strikethrough in Word

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Add strikethrough in Word

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In Word, you can quickly apply strikethrough using either the ribbon command or keyboard shortcuts.


Use the Strikethrough command in the Ribbon

To apply strikethrough using the Ribbon:

Step 1. Select the text that you want to strike through
Step2. Navigate to the Home tab in the Ribbon
Step 3. In the Font group, click on the Strikethrough button (represented by a letter with a line through it).

Strikethrough button on the ribbon


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Use the shortcuts

Applying strikethrough can be done quickly using keyboard shortcuts:

  • For Windows: Select the text and press Ctrl + D keys to open the Font dialog, then press Alt + K keys to tick the Strikethrough option, then press Enter key.

    Font dialog

  • For Mac: Highlight the text and press Command + Shift + X to directly apply strikethrough.


Add double strikethrough in Word

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For a more emphasized strikethrough effect, Word also offers a double strikethrough style:

Step 1. Select the text you wish to modify
Step 2. Right-click to select Font from the context menu

Font option on the context menu

Step 3. Tick Double strikethrough option in the Font dialog, and click OK.

Font dialog

Double strikethrough applied on text


Remove strikethroughs

If you need to remove strikethrough from text:

Highlight the text with the strikethrough.

Either use the Strikethrough button in the Ribbon again or use the shortcut keys mentioned above to toggle it off.


Change strikethrough color

While Word does not directly allow you to change the strikethrough color, you can achieve it in a roundabout way.

Step 1. Go to the Insert tab, and choose a line from the Shapes dropdown

A line selected from the Shapes dropdown

Step 2. Draw the line upon the text

A strikethrough is drawn on text


Understanding how to effectively use the strikethrough feature enhances your ability to edit and review documents within Word. By mastering these tools, you can ensure that your documents convey the right information in the style you prefer, all while maintaining professional aesthetics and functional design. Whether you are marking completed items or indicating text changes, strikethrough is an essential tool in your Word formatting toolkit..

For additional transformative Word strategies that can significantly enhance your data management, explore further here.

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