How to Strike Through Text in Word

The ability to strike through text is often overlooked among Microsoft Word’s numerous formatting features. Strikethrough text grabs attention when showing deletions, corrections, or finished tasks. This article will guide you through how to strike through text in Word, covering various methods to suit different needs.

Understanding Strikethrough

Before diving into the how-to, let’s briefly discuss strikethrough text and why it might be useful. Strikethrough text draws a line through the middle of the text. People often use it to show that something is incorrect, no longer relevant, or finished.

Common Uses for Strikethrough

1. Editing and Revisions: When working together on a document, strikethrough text clearly shows everyone the changes.
2. Task Lists: Mark tasks as completed in to-do lists without deleting them.
3. Emphasis and Humor: Sometimes, we use strikethroughs to add a touch of humor or make a rhetorical point.

Using the Ribbon to Strike Through Text

The simplest way to strike through text in Word is by using the Ribbon. This method is user-friendly and requires minimal steps.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Your Document: First, ensure your document is open in Microsoft Word.
2. Highlight Text: Select the text you intend to strike through by clicking and dragging your cursor.
3. Navigate to the Ribbon: Look at the top of the Word window; you’ll see the Ribbon, where various tools and options are available.
4. Find the Home Tab: Click on the Home tab if it’s not already selected.
5. Locate the Strikethrough Button: In the Font group, locate the button displaying “ABC” with a line crossing through it. That’s the Strikethrough button.
6. Apply Strikethrough: Click the Strikethrough button. You’ll notice a line immediately appears through the text you highlighted.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts, Microsoft Word also provides a quick way to apply strikethrough formatting.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select Text: As before, highlight the text you wish to strike through.
2. Apply Shortcut: Press Ctrl + D. This opens the Font dialog box.
3. Choose Strikethrough: In the dialog box, look for the Strikethrough option and check the box next to it.
4. Confirm: Click OK to apply the strikethrough.

Alternatively, if you want an even quicker way, you can use the Alt, H, 4 shortcut:

1. Highlight the text you want to strike through.
2. Press and hold the Alt key.
3. Press H, and then 4.

Applying Double Strikethrough

In some cases, a single strikethrough might not be enough. For added emphasis, you can apply a double strikethrough.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Highlight Text: Select the text that needs a double strikethrough.
2. Open Font Dialog: Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box.
3. Double Strikethrough Option: Find and check the Double Strikethrough option within the Font dialog box.
4. Apply: Click OK to apply the double strikethrough.

Using the Quick Access Toolbar

Adding the strikethrough feature to the Quick Access Toolbar can save you time if you often use it.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Customize Toolbar: Click the small down arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar.
2. More Commands: Choose More Commands from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose Commands: In the Word Options dialog, set Choose Commands to All Commands.
4. Add Strikethrough: Scroll down until you find strikethrough, select it, and click Add.
5. Confirm: Click OK to add the Strikethrough button to your Quick Access Toolbar.

Using Styles for Strikethrough

You can create custom styles in Microsoft Word that include strikethrough formatting. This tool comes in handy, especially for lengthy documents needing consistent formatting.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create New Style: Go to the Home tab and click the small arrow in the Styles group to open the Styles pane.
2. New Style: Click the New Style button.
3. Name and Format: Name your new style and set its formatting options, including strikethrough.
4. Save Style: Click OK to save your new style.
5. Apply Style: Highlight your text and select your custom style from the Styles pane.

Strikethrough in Word for Mac

The steps for applying strikethrough in Word for Mac are quite similar to those for the Windows version but might slightly differ in appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select Text: Highlight the text you intend to strike through.
2. Format Menu: Head to the Format menu and choose Font.
3. Strikethrough Option: In the Font dialog box, check the Strikethrough box.
4. Apply: Click OK to apply.

Using VBA for Advanced Users

For those who are comfortable with coding, VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) offers a more programmable approach.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open VBA Editor: Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor.

2. Insert Module: Go to Insert > Module to create a new module.

3. Write VBA Code:

 Sub ApplyStrikethrough()
 Selection.Font.Strikethrough = True	
 End Sub	

4. Run Code: Close the VBA Editor and run your macro to apply strikethrough to the selected text.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To Strike Through Text In Word

Q. How do I strike through text in Microsoft Word?
A. To strike through text in Microsoft Word, highlight the text you want to strike through. Then, go to the “Home“ tab and click on the “Strikethrough“ button, which looks like “abc“ with a line through it.

Q. Is there a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Word?
A. Yes! You can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + D“ to open the Font dialog box and then check the “Strikethrough“ option. Or, for a quicker method, use “Ctrl + Shift + X.”

Q. Can I strike through text in a Word table?
A. Yes, you can strike through text in a Word table. Just click inside the cell, highlight the text, and then use your preferred strikethrough method.

Q. Will strikethrough text print with a line through it?
A. Yes, strikethrough text will print with a line through it. It appears the same in the printed document as on the screen.

Q. Can I remove strikethrough from a text in Word?
A. Absolutely! Highlight the strikethrough text and click the “Strikethrough“ button again, or use the same keyboard shortcut you used to apply it.

Q. Is there a way to apply strikethrough to an entire paragraph?
A. Yes. You can strike through an entire paragraph by clicking at the start, holding the mouse button down, and dragging it to the end. Then, use the strikethrough option.

Q. Can I use my preferred color for the strikethrough line in Word?
A. Unfortunately, Microsoft Word does not allow you to change the strikethrough line’s color directly. It will always appear in the text color.

Q. Does strikethrough work in all versions of Word?
A. Yes, strikethrough is a standard feature in all versions of Microsoft Word, including Word Online.

Q. Can I apply strikethrough using styles in Word?
A. Yes, you can create a custom style that includes strikethrough. After setting it up, you can apply that style to any text.

Q. Can I use strikethrough in Word on my mobile device?
A. Yes, you can use strikethrough in Word on mobile devices. Highlight the text, tap on the “Home“ tab, and then look for the strikethrough option in the formatting menu.

Conclusion

Strikethrough text is a handy feature in Microsoft Word that can improve your document’s clarity, facilitate better editing, and simplify task management. You can achieve the effect you want in many ways. Try the Ribbon, use keyboard shortcuts, create your styles, or employ VBA. Each approach offers different benefits and suits varied preferences. Experiment with these options to find the best fit for your workflow and needs. Mastering how to strike through text in Word adds another powerful tool to your editing arsenal.