Introduction
Strikethrough text is a useful formatting option that allows you to indicate that a piece of text is incorrect, outdated, or meant to be ignored. Whether you’re using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, or other text editors, knowing the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough can save you time and improve your workflow. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the keyboard shortcuts for strikethrough across different platforms and applications.
Strikethrough Keyboard Shortcuts for Various Platforms
Microsoft Word
- Windows:
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Press
Ctrl + Dto open the Font dialog box. - Press
Alt + Kto select the Strikethrough option. - Press
Enter.
- Mac:
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Press
Command + Shift + X.
Google Docs
- Windows and Mac:
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Press
Alt + Shift + 5.
Microsoft Excel
- Windows:
- Select the cells you want to strikethrough.
- Press
Ctrl + 5.
- Mac:
- Select the cells you want to strikethrough.
- Press
Command + Shift + X.
Apple Pages
- Mac:
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Press
Command + Shift + X.
How to Use Strikethrough in Other Text Editors
Markdown
- To strikethrough text in Markdown, use double tildes
~~around the text. For example:~~strikethrough~~will render asstrikethrough.
HTML
- To strikethrough text in HTML, use the
<s>or<del>tag. For example:<s>strikethrough</s>or<del>strikethrough</del>will render as ~strikethrough~.
Why Use Strikethrough Text?
Strikethrough text is useful for:
- Editing: Indicating text that needs to be removed or revised.
- Project Management: Marking completed tasks or items that are no longer relevant.
- Collaboration: Showing changes or updates in shared documents without deleting the original text.
Tips for Using Strikethrough Effectively
- Keep it Clear: Only use strikethrough when necessary to avoid cluttering your document.
- Consistent Usage: Use the same method for strikethrough throughout your document to maintain consistency.
- Combine with Other Formats: Pair strikethrough with comments or highlights to provide additional context.
FAQs
Q: What is the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Microsoft Word on Windows?
A: The shortcut is Ctrl + D, then Alt + K, followed by Enter.
Q: Can I use strikethrough in Google Docs on both Windows and Mac?
A: Yes, you can use Alt + Shift + 5 on both platforms.
Q: How do I strikethrough text in Markdown?
A: Use double tildes ~~ around the text you want to strikethrough.
Q: What is the purpose of using strikethrough text?
A: Strikethrough is used to indicate that text is incorrect, outdated, or no longer relevant.
Q: Is there a universal keyboard shortcut for strikethrough?
A: No, keyboard shortcuts for strikethrough vary depending on the application and operating system.
Conclusion
Knowing how to quickly apply strikethrough to your text can enhance your productivity and help you communicate more effectively. Whether you’re using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, or other text editors, these keyboard shortcuts make it easy to strike through text efficiently. Practice using these shortcuts, and you’ll soon find that strikethrough becomes an invaluable tool in your text formatting arsenal.