Google Docs is an incredibly modern word processor that provides a compact user interface for a distraction-free typing experience. But sometimes the web app can feel very constrained. Unlike competing Microsoft Word, you don’t have access to many of the text formatting options in the Google Docs toolbar. And one notable omission is the method of adding or removing strikethrough text.
The ability to strikethrough text can be incredibly useful when you want to keep the original text on any revision fixed before you complete any edits. Strikethrough formatting comes in handy when collaborating on documents with others, especially if you don’t like the Suggest mode in Google Docs.
Despite the lack of a visible option, Google Docs supports the functionality of strikethrough text. Let’s start by checking out what you need to do to add or remove strikethrough text in the Google Docs web app on desktop. Next, we’ll look at doing the same in the Google Docs mobile app for Android and iOS.
Add Strikethrough Text – Google Docs
There are several ways to switch between text in Google Docs on Windows and macOS. The first method involves diving into the word processor’s Format menu – it’s pretty tedious to use when doing strikethrough on repetition. However, it’s always better to get an idea of where the formatting option is located in the web app. The second method is much faster, especially if you like using keyboard shortcuts.
1. Use Format Menu
Start by highlighting the part of the text you want to strikethrough.
Once you’ve done that, open the Format menu, hover over Text and click Strikethrough.
And voila! Google Docs formats the highlighted text appropriately.
Note: Unlike Microsoft Word, you cannot overlap multiple nonadjacent parts of text at once in Google Docs.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcut
Highlight the part of the text that needs formatting. If you are using a Windows PC, perform the keyboard shortcut Alt+Shift+5 to strikethrough text. On a Mac, use the Command+Shift+X keystroke instead.
Remove Strikethrough Text – Google Docs
Removing strikethrough text involves performing the same actions you would use to add them in the first place. You can use the Strikethrough option in the Format menu or the keyboard shortcut to remove strikethrough text.
1. Use Format Menu
Highlight the part of the strikethrough text.
Open the Format menu, point to Text and click Strikethrough.
Google Docs will remove strikethrough formatting.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Highlight the text, and then press Alt+Shift+5 (Windows) or Command+Shift+X (Mac) to get rid of strikethrough formatting.
Stunning Over Text in Google Docs on Android and iOS
In the Android and iOS versions of Google Docs, switching between texts can be easy or a bit complicated, depending on whether you’re using a tablet or smartphone.
If you’re using Google Docs on a tablet (like an iPad), you’ll likely see a special Strikethrough icon (the letter S with a line in the middle) at the top of the screen. Highlight the required part of the text and then tap the Strikethrough icon to strikethrough the text.
On smartphones, you need to tap on the Format icon (four-line letter A) located in the upper right corner of the screen. This should bring up the Strikethrough option; Tap it to add strikethrough formatting.
Removing strikethroughs from text is similar to adding them; Highlight the text and then tap the Strikethrough icon at the top of the screen or the Strikethrough option in the Format menu.
Strikethrough Text – What to Consider
When traversing through text, there are two things that are checked. First, the text is still included in the final word count. If your document needs to meet a certain number of words, you must delete the strikethrough text to get an accurate word count.
Second, if you plan to convert a document to an alternative file format, you can expect strikethrough formatting to continue. However, the TXT format is an exception where you’ll find the strikethrough parts are missing. Plain text cannot carry any formatting, so this is something you should know. But you don’t have to worry about other output formats (DOCX, PDF, EPUB etc.) that Google Docs supports.
Submit Your Feedback to Google
Switching between texts in Google Docs is pretty seamless once you get the hang of things. However, you may not like diving into the Format menu or using the three-key shortcut every time you add or remove strikethrough text. While there’s nothing you can do to get a special Strikethrough icon on the Google Docs toolbar, the best you can hope for is to send your feedback to Google and file a feature request.
Next: Having problems using Google Docs in Chrome? Click on the next link to learn how to clear the cache and restore your document.