Toggle Strikethrough Formatting: Shortcut & How-To

To toggle strikethrough formatting, you apply or remove the strikethrough effect on selected text. The exact method depends on the app you are using, but most programs offer a keyboard shortcut (often Ctrl+Alt+U or Alt+Shift+5) or a toolbar button. This article explains how to toggle strikethrough in popular applications, how to create a custom shortcut, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

What Is Strikethrough Formatting?

Strikethrough is a text effect that draws a horizontal line through the middle of characters. It is commonly used to indicate that text has been deleted, completed, or is no longer relevant, while still keeping it visible for context. In word processors, email clients, and note-taking apps, strikethrough is a standard formatting option alongside bold, italic, and underline.

Unlike bold or italic, strikethrough is not always visible in all contexts. For example, some plain-text fields or web forms may not support it. Understanding how to toggle it efficiently can save time when editing documents, planning tasks, or collaborating with others.

How Strikethrough Works in Different Apps

The way you toggle strikethrough varies by application. Here are the most common methods:

• Microsoft Word (Windows): Select the text, then press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog, check Strikethrough, and click OK. Or use the keyboard shortcut Alt + H + 4 (sequential, not simultaneous).
• Microsoft Word (Mac): Press Command + Shift + X.
• Google Docs: Select text and press Alt + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + X (Mac). You can also use the Format menu.
• Excel (Windows): Press Ctrl + 5 to toggle strikethrough on the selected cell(s). On Mac, use Command + Shift + X.
• Outlook (Windows): Use the same shortcut as Word: Ctrl + D then check Strikethrough, or add the command to the Quick Access Toolbar.
• Slack, Discord, and many web apps: Use Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows) or Command + Shift + X (Mac) if the editor supports it. Otherwise, use the formatting toolbar.

Note: Some apps use Ctrl + Alt + U as a universal toggle for strikethrough (e.g., in some email clients). If the standard shortcut doesn’t work, check the app’s documentation.

Creating a Custom Strikethrough Shortcut

If the default shortcut is inconvenient or missing, you can create your own in many applications:

1. Microsoft Word: Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, then click “Customize” next to Keyboard shortcuts. In the Categories list, select “Home Tab”. In Commands, find “Strikethrough”. Press the new shortcut key (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + S), click Assign, and close.
2. Google Docs: Use the menu Tools > Preferences. Under “Automatic substitution”, you can’t change shortcuts, but you can create a text replacement (e.g., type “/s” to insert strikethrough formatting). For a true shortcut, use browser extensions or the built-in one.
3. Excel (Windows): The shortcut Ctrl + 5 is fixed, but you can add the Strikethrough button to the Quick Access Toolbar by right-clicking the button and choosing “Add to Quick Access Toolbar”.

Custom shortcuts are especially useful if you use strikethrough frequently for task tracking or editing.

Common Problems and Fixes

Sometimes the strikethrough toggle doesn’t work as expected. Here are typical issues and solutions:

• Shortcut does nothing: Make sure the text is selected. Some shortcuts only work in the main editor, not in dialogs or sidebars. Try using the toolbar button instead.
• Strikethrough not visible in the final output: If you’re exporting to PDF or printing, the strikethrough should appear. If it doesn’t, check the font and character spacing—some fonts may not render the line clearly.
• Can’t remove strikethrough: Select the strikethrough text and press the same shortcut again. If that fails, use the Font dialog (Ctrl+D) and uncheck Strikethrough.
• Strikethrough applied to entire cell in Excel: Double-click the cell to enter edit mode, then select only the part you want to format.
• Keyboard shortcut conflicts: Another program (like a screen reader or clipboard manager) might be using the same keys. Change the shortcut in your OS or in the app’s settings.

Strikethrough in Markdown and HTML

In plain-text environments like Markdown or HTML, you cannot toggle formatting with a shortcut—you must use syntax:

• Markdown: Use two tildes before and after the text: ~~strikethrough~~ renders as strikethrough.
• HTML: Use the <s> tag or <del> tag: <s>strikethrough</s> or <del>deleted</del>.
• Wiki markup: Use <s> or <strike> depending on the platform.

When writing in Markdown, you don’t need to toggle anything—just type the syntax. Many Markdown editors (like Typora or Obsidian) will automatically format the text as you type.

Strikethrough for Collaboration and Task Management

Strikethrough is widely used in collaborative editing to show deletions without removing content. In tools like Google Docs, you can use strikethrough to suggest removal, and the reviewer can accept or reject the change. In task management apps (e.g., Todoist, Notion), strikethrough is a visual cue for completed tasks. Some apps even allow you to filter or sort by strikethrough status.

When using strikethrough in a shared document, be aware that not all users may see it if they are using a different device or app version. Always check the compatibility of formatting across platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the universal keyboard shortcut for strikethrough?

There is no universal shortcut across all apps. The most common are Ctrl + 5 (Excel), Alt + Shift + 5 (Google Docs), and Command + Shift + X (Mac in many apps). In Word, the default is Ctrl + D and then check the box, but you can customize it.

Why doesn’t strikethrough show up when I print?

Usually it does, but if it doesn’t, check the printer’s settings for “Print background colors and images” or “Print formatting”. Also, ensure you’re using a standard font; some decorative fonts may not render the line clearly.

Can I apply strikethrough to only part of a word?

Yes, in most word processors you can select a portion of a word and apply strikethrough to just that selection. In Excel, you need to enter edit mode (double-click or press F2) and then select the characters.

Does strikethrough affect the meaning of text in accessibility tools?

Screen readers may or may not indicate strikethrough. Some will announce “strikethrough” before the text, while others ignore it. For important information, don’t rely solely on strikethrough—use additional text like “(deleted)” or “(completed)”.

How do I remove strikethrough from all text at once?

Select all (Ctrl+A) and then toggle strikethrough off using the same shortcut. In Word, you can also use the Font dialog and uncheck the box. In Google Docs, use the shortcut again.

Is there a way to use strikethrough in plain text emails?

Plain text emails don’t support formatting. You need to use rich text or HTML format in your email client. In Gmail, you can use the formatting toolbar after selecting text.

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