How to Undo Strikethrough in Google Docs Effortlessly

how to undo strikethrough in google docs
by David Harris // January 1  

Strikethrough is a formatting feature in Google Docs that allows you to draw a line through your text, indicating deletion or revision without erasing the content. This feature can come in handy when making changes to a document, sharing edits with others, or highlighting items on a list that need to be ignored. However, there may be times when you want to remove that strikethrough effect and restore the text to its original look. This article will guide you through undoing strikethrough in Google Docs.

How to Undo Strikethrough in Google Docs

There are a few ways to undo strikethrough in Google Docs. Each method is straightforward. Let’s explore the most effective strategies.

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

One of the quickest ways to remove the strikethrough formatting is by utilizing a keyboard shortcut. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Select the Text: Highlight the text with the strikethrough effect by clicking and dragging your mouse over it.
  2. Use the Shortcut: Press Alt + Shift + 5 (for Windows) or Cmd + Shift + X (for Mac). This action will toggle the strikethrough effect off.

This method is great for those who prefer using the keyboard to navigate their documents, making editing much quicker.

Method 2: Accessing the Format Menu

You can remove strikethrough through the format menu if you prefer using your mouse instead of keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how:

  1. Select the Text: Like before, highlight the text you want to fix.
  2. Navigate to the Format Menu: At the top of your Google Docs interface, click “Format.”
  3. Open the Text Option: Hover over “Text” in the dropdown menu, and a submenu will appear.
  4. Remove Strikethrough: If the strikethrough is applied, you will see it checked in this submenu. Click on “Strikethrough” again to remove the checkmark. This action will remove the strikethrough from your selected text.

The format menu is handy for users needing help remembering keyboard shortcuts or prefer visual navigation.

Method 3: Using the Toolbar

Google Docs has a simple yet effective toolbar that makes formatting changes accessible:

  1. Highlight the Text: Click and drag to highlight the text with strikethrough formatting.
  2. Find the Strikethrough Icon: Look for the “A” icon with a line through it in the toolbar. If you don’t see it, you may need to click on the three vertical dots at the end of the toolbar to find more options.
  3. Toggle the Strikethrough: Click the strikethrough icon to remove the line through your text.

This method is excellent for those who choose to identify their formatting tools visually.

Additional Methods to Consider

While the methods above are the most common for undoing strikethrough, here are other tips worth noting:

1. Reverting Changes Using the Undo Function

If you just applied a strikethrough and want to revert the change quickly:

  • Click Ctrl + Z (on Windows) or Cmd + Z (on Mac) to undo the last action. This action can promptly return your text to its original state.

2. Clear Formatting

If your document has various formatting issues and you want to eliminate all formatting (including strikethrough):

  1. Select the Text: Highlight the text with the strikethrough.
  2. Use Clear Formatting Option: Navigate to the “Format” menu and select “Clear Formatting.” This action will reset the text to the default style, removing strikethrough and any other styles you had applied.

Tips for Managing Strikethrough Effectively

While knowing how to undo strikethrough is helpful, learning how to manage your document can make the editing process smoother:

  • Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent use of strikethrough to avoid confusion when collaborating with others. Define what strikethrough represents in your document.
  • Communicate with Collaborators: Let your team members know how and when to use strikethrough so everyone is on the same page.
  • Regular Review: Review your changes regularly. Use the “Suggestions” feature in Google Docs if you’re working collaboratively, as it makes the editing process more transparent.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To Undo Strikethrough In Google Docs

Q. What if I need to remember the keyboard shortcut to remove strikethrough?
A. You can always access the Format menu or toolbar to remove strikethrough, so you don’t have to rely solely on the shortcut.

Q. Can I apply strikethrough to an entire paragraph?
A. Yes, highlight the entire paragraph and apply strikethrough using any of the methods mentioned.

Q. Is there a way to apply strikethrough to multiple text sections simultaneously?
A. Yes, highlight all the text sections you want to go through before applying the formatting.

Q. What does strikethrough signify in a document?
A. Strikethrough typically indicates that text has been deleted or is no longer relevant but still should be visible.

Q. Can I undo strikethrough formatting even if I close the document?
A. If you save the changes without the strikethrough, you can no longer undo it. However, using version history could help retrieve an earlier version.

Q. Is strikethrough available in Google Docs on mobile devices?
A. Yes! You can use strikethrough in the Google Docs mobile app by selecting text and opening the formatting options.

Q. If I apply strikethrough in Google Docs, will it show up when I print?
A. Strikethrough formatting will appear in printed documents as it does onscreen.

Q. Can I customize the strikethrough style in Google Docs?
A. Google Docs does not allow you to customize strikethrough styles like dashed or dotted lines.

Q. Is there a way to quickly remove strikethrough from all text in a document?
A. You can use the “Clear Formatting” option to remove strikethrough from selected text, clearing all other formatting.

Q. Does strikethrough affect the document’s word count in Google Docs?
A. No, strikethrough does not affect the word count, as the text is still present.

Conclusion

With this article, you can conveniently and effectively eliminate strikethrough formatting in Google Docs, resulting in a more seamless editing process. With these methods, you can customize your documents without unnecessary hassle.

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.