Strikethrough Shortcut Google Docs

Strikethrough is a formatting style that adds a line through the middle of a word or text, indicating that it is to be removed or considered incorrect. While not as commonly used as bold, italic, or underline, the strikethrough effect can be a useful tool for writers, editors, and anyone working with text-based content. In this article, we will explore how to achieve the strikethrough effect in Google Docs, along with some practical applications and tips.

How to Apply Strikethrough in Google Docs

Applying the strikethrough effect in Google Docs is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open your Google Docs document.
2. Select the text you want to strikethrough. You can highlight a single word, a sentence, or an entire paragraph.
3. Navigate to the “Format” menu located at the top of the screen.
4. From the drop-down menu, choose “Text”.
5. In the sub-menu that appears, you will find the “Strikethrough” option. Click on it, and the selected text will be formatted with a line drawn through it.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs, which is Alt + Shift + 5 (for Windows) or Option + Shift + X (for Mac). This shortcut allows you to quickly apply the effect without navigating through the menus.

Customizing Strikethrough Settings

Google Docs offers some customization options for the strikethrough effect. To access these settings, follow these steps:

1. With your text selected, right-click on it.
2. From the context menu, choose “Font”.
3. In the “Font” dialog box, you will find the “Strikethrough” option. Here, you can adjust the thickness of the strikethrough line by selecting a different “Strikethrough style”. Additionally, you can choose a specific color for the strikethrough by clicking on the color swatch and selecting your desired color.
4. Once you’ve made your customizations, click “Apply” to save the changes.

Practical Applications of Strikethrough

Strikethrough can be used in various scenarios to enhance the readability and clarity of your document. Here are some practical applications:

1. Editing and Proofreading

Strikethrough is an excellent tool for editors and proofreaders. When reviewing a document, you can use it to indicate that a word or phrase should be deleted or replaced. This helps the writer understand the suggested changes without confusion.

For example, if you want to suggest removing the word "however" from a sentence, you can strikethrough it and add an alternative word or phrase next to it. This visual cue makes it easier for the writer to implement the change.

2. Showing Revisions and Corrections

When collaborating on a document, strikethrough can be used to highlight revisions and corrections. It allows you to demonstrate how the text has been altered, making it clear what needs to be done to implement the changes.

Imagine you're working on a team project, and your colleague suggests changing a paragraph. By strikethroughing the original text and adding the revised version, you can quickly communicate the necessary edits to the rest of the team.

3. Indicating Outdated or Irrelevant Information

In some cases, you may need to indicate that certain information in your document is no longer accurate or relevant. Strikethrough can be used to mark these sections, ensuring that readers are aware of the outdated content.

For instance, if you're writing a report about a rapidly changing industry, you might use strikethrough to cross out statistics or facts that have been updated with more recent data. This way, readers can quickly identify the outdated information and refer to the more accurate details.

4. Emphasizing Irony or Humor

Strikethrough can also be used creatively to add emphasis or humor to your writing. By strikethroughing a word or phrase, you can draw attention to it and imply a sense of irony or sarcasm.

Consider the following sentence: "The brilliant idea was met with enthusiastic applause."

By strikethroughing the word "brilliant," you suggest that the idea was not actually brilliant, adding a touch of irony to the sentence.

Performance and Compatibility

Google Docs’ strikethrough feature performs well and is compatible with various document formats. Whether you’re working on a simple text document or a complex report, the strikethrough effect will render accurately across different devices and platforms.

Additionally, if you share your Google Doc with others, the strikethrough formatting will be preserved. This ensures that your document's visual cues and edits are maintained when collaborating with colleagues or clients.

Conclusion

Strikethrough is a versatile formatting tool in Google Docs that can enhance your writing and editing workflow. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily apply the strikethrough effect and explore its various applications. Remember to customize the strikethrough settings to suit your preferences and use it creatively to add clarity and emphasis to your documents.