How to Cross Out in Google Docs

how to cross out in google docs
by David Harris // January 15  

You’re not alone if you’re wondering how to cross out text in Google Docs! It’s a popular feature many people might overlook while editing documents. Strikethrough is a handy tool that lets you visually indicate that certain text is no longer relevant or needs to be disregarded without deleting it. This feature can be especially useful in collaboration contexts where multiple people edit a document together.

Let’s dive into how to cross out text in Google Docs, explore its benefits and drawbacks, and provide you with tips to use it effectively.

How to Cross Out in Google Docs

Crossing out text in Google Docs is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps:

  1. Open Your Document: Start by opening the Google Docs document where you want to cross out text.
  2. Select the Text: Select the text for strikethrough by clicking and dragging your cursor. This action will highlight the selected text.
  3. Access the Strikethrough Option:
    • Using the Menu: Go to the top menu bar. Click on “Format,” hover over “Text,” and click on “Strikethrough.”
    • Using Keyboard Shortcuts: Alternatively, you can press Alt + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + X (for Mac) as a quicker method.
  4. See the Result: The selected text will now have a line crossed through it!

It’s that easy! The feature can be particularly useful when revising documents or keeping track of changes without permanently deleting text.

Real-World Application

As a writer, I often find myself in collaborative projects where team members suggest ideas and make changes in real-time. In one instance, we were brainstorming for a blog post and needed to decide which topics to keep. Using the strikethrough function, I crossed out the ideas we ultimately decided against. It was visually clear to everyone which ideas were on the chopping block, but it also allowed us to reference them later if we needed to revisit any suggestions. This approach made our discussions more efficient and facilitated better communication.

According to Google’s support page, the strikethrough feature helps keep the original content visible, which can be useful for understanding previous decisions during group collaborations. This method of documentation can also aid in reviewing a project’s evolution over time.

Pros and Cons of Using Strikethrough

Pros

  1. Visual Clarity: Strikethrough provides immediate visual feedback. It’s a clear way to show what has changed or will not be used.
  2. Document Integrity: Unlike deleting text, strikethrough keeps all content intact, crucial for maintaining a complete reference of changes.
  3. Ease of Use: Crossing out text is simple and available on all devices using Google Docs, making it accessible to everyone.

Cons

  1. Potential Confusion: If used excessively, it can clutter a document and cause confusion about what content is still relevant.
  2. Mobile Limitations: At times, users may find accessing the strikethrough feature more complicated on mobile devices than on desktop or laptop versions.

Best Practices for Using Strikethrough

Keep it Simple

Use strikethrough sparingly to maintain a clean document appearance. Overusing it may lead to confusion and make it difficult for readers to concentrate on the important content.

Use Comments

If the reason for crossing out text requires an explanation, consider using comments alongside the strikethrough. This approach allows you to provide clarity without cluttering the main content.

Stay Consistent

Establish a consistent format for when to use strikethrough in collaborative projects. Share this guideline with your team to ensure everyone aligns on document edits.

Examples and Anecdotes

Let’s look at hypothetical scenarios where strikethrough could prove beneficial:

Scenario 1: Planning a Group Project Imagine you and your peers are brainstorming for a group project. After listing several ideas, you might use strikethrough to eliminate those the group finds less promising but still wants to keep visible for future discussions. This approach keeps the team engaged and opens avenues for reconsideration.

Scenario 2: Writing a Proposal Say you’re working on a proposal. During the drafting phase, you might decide that certain sections are redundant or no longer applicable. Instead of removing sections entirely, you choose to strike through those sentences. This approach maintains the option to refer back to them if needed.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Overcomplicating Your Document

One common mistake is to cross out too much text. If every other sentence has a strikethrough, it can become hard for the reader to follow the main ideas. Stick to key points.

Forgetting the Purpose

Always remember the reason behind using strikethrough. Don’t use it just for the sake of it; make sure it serves a clear purpose in your document.

Ignoring Feedback

In collaborative settings, always solicit feedback on how the group feels about using strikethrough. What works for one individual might not work for another, and understanding this can enhance group dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Cross Out In Google Docs

Q. How do I cross out text in Google Docs?
A. To cross out text in Google Docs, highlight the desired text, go to the “Format” menu, select “Text,” and click “Strikethrough.”

Q. Can I use a keyboard shortcut to cross out text?
A. Yes! Quickly apply strikethrough to selected text by pressing Ctrl + Shift + X on Windows or Command + Shift + X on Mac.

Q. Is there a way to cross out text without using the menu?
A. Yes, using the keyboard shortcut mentioned above is a quick way to cross out text without going through the menu.

Q. Can I cross out multiple pieces of text at once?
A. Hold down the Ctrl (or Command) key and click on each piece of text you want to cross out, then use the strikethrough option.

Q. How do I remove the strikethrough from the text?
A. To remove strikethrough, simply highlight the text again and repeat the steps: go to “Format,” select “Text,” and click on “Strikethrough,” or use the keyboard shortcut.

Q. Will crossing out text change its formatting?
A. No, crossing out text will not change its other formatting, like font or size. It only adds a strikethrough line over the text.

Q. Can I apply strikethrough to text in tables?
A. Yes, you can cross out text inside tables in Google Docs the same way you would with regular text.

Q. Is strikethrough available on mobile in Google Docs?
A. Yes! On mobile, you can add strikethrough by selecting the text, tapping “Format,” and choosing “Strikethrough.”

Q. Can I cross out text when making comments in Google Docs?
A. No, strikethrough cannot be applied directly within comments. It’s only available for the main text in the document.

Q. What if my strikethrough option is missing?
A. If you can’t find the strikethrough option, ensure your Google Docs is up-to-date or refresh the page.

Conclusion

The strikethrough feature in Google Docs is invaluable for anyone involved in writing, editing, or collaborating on documents. It provides clarity, maintains the text’s integrity, and simplifies editing. Mastering crossing out can enhance your writing workflow, make collaborative efforts more manageable, and keep your documents organized.

Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or someone managing a team project, knowing how to utilize this feature properly can significantly elevate the effectiveness of your document editing process. So try strikethrough in your next Google Docs project to see how it improves your writing experience!

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.