Google Docs is a widely used tool for creating and editing documents, offering a host of formatting options to enhance your work.
One useful feature is the ability to strikethrough text, which is perfect for showing edits, crossing out completed tasks, or emphasizing specific content. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to strikethrough text in Google Docs, step by step.
What Is Strikethrough?
Strikethrough is a text formatting style that places a horizontal line through the middle of selected text. It’s commonly used to:
- Indicate edits or deletions without removing the original text.
- Highlight completed tasks in a checklist.
- Draw attention to revisions or ideas being reconsidered.
How to Strikethrough / Cross Out Text in Google Docs
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying strikethrough / cross out in Google Docs:
Method 1: Using the Format Menu to Strikethrough Text on Google Docs
- Open Your Document
Launch Google Docsand open the document where you want to use strikethrough.
- Select the Text
Highlight the text you want to strikethrough by clicking and dragging your cursor over it. - Access the Format Menu
- Go to the toolbar at the top of the page and click on Format.
- From the dropdown menu, hover over Text to expand more options.
- Apply Strikethrough
- Click on Strikethrough from the menu. The selected text will now appear with a line through it.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Strike Through Text in Google Docs
For a quicker method, you can use keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows: Select the text and press
Alt + Shift + 5
. - Mac: Select the text and press
Command + Shift + X
.
This shortcut is especially handy when you’re working on larger documents and need to apply strikethrough frequently.
How to Remove Strikethrough Text on Google Docs
If you want to remove the strikethrough from text, simply repeat the same steps:
- Highlight the text with the strikethrough.
- Use the Format Menu or the keyboard shortcut again to toggle the strikethrough off.
Creative Uses for Strikethrough
Strikethrough isn’t just for crossing out text; it can be used creatively in a variety of ways:
- Editing and Proofreading: Show edits without deleting text to maintain transparency in collaborative documents.
- To-Do Lists: Cross out completed tasks while keeping them visible for reference.
- Revisions and Notes: Highlight changes or emphasize ideas under consideration.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Shortcut Not Working: Ensure your keyboard language settings are correct and that you’re using the right combination for your operating system.
- Option Missing in Menu: Check if your Google Docs interface is updated to the latest version.
Strikethrough is a simple yet effective formatting tool in Google Docs that can enhance your document editing and organization.
Whether you’re marking edits, managing tasks, or emphasizing points, knowing how to apply and remove strikethrough can streamline your workflow.