Ever needed to mark something as obsolete in a document without actually deleting it? Maybe you're tracking edits with a colleague or creating a checklist. That's where crossing out text comes in handy. I remember working on a contract revision last month where strikethrough saved me hours of explaining changes. But here's the thing – Google Docs doesn't exactly shout about this feature. Let's fix that.
Whether you're drafting legal documents, collaborating on lesson plans, or just making grocery lists, knowing how to cross out text on Google Docs is stupidly useful. I've seen people waste time changing text color or adding brackets when a simpler solution exists. Don't be that person.
Why Strikethrough Matters in Google Docs
Crossing out text isn't just about putting lines through words. It's about communication. When I edit my students' essays, strikethrough shows exactly what needs removal while preserving the original thought. In business docs? It creates audit trails. Even in personal to-do lists, seeing crossed-out tasks gives that sweet dopamine hit of progress.
Some folks argue highlighters work better. Maybe. But when you email documents or print them, formatting gets messy. Strikethrough stays put. Plus, it's universally recognized as "this is canceled" without shouting.
Fun fact: Early typewriters had literal strike-through keys that smacked the ribbon twice. We've come a long way.
Common Situations Where You'll Need This
- Collaborative editing (show changes without losing history)
- Document version tracking (legal/financial drafts)
- Task management (completed items in checklists)
- Academic work (peer reviews or research notes)
- Content revision (bloggers removing outdated info)
Step-by-Step: How to Cross Out Text on Google Docs
Okay, let's get practical. I'll show you every method I've tested – including one weird keyboard shortcut that took me ages to discover. First, the basic way:
Standard Toolbar Method
- Highlight text with cursor
- Click "Format" in top menu
- Select "Text" → "Strikethrough"
Honestly? This feels clunky if you do it often. That's why I mostly use...
Keyboard Shortcuts That Actually Work
| Operating System | Shortcut | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + Shift + 5 | Works in Chrome/Firefox |
| Mac | ⌘ + Shift + X | Tested on Big Sur and later |
| Chromebook | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + 5 | Weird but effective |
Pro tip: If shortcuts fail, check your browser extensions. My grammar checker once blocked all Docs shortcuts until I whitelisted Google.
Here's a truth bomb: Google changes shortcuts sometimes. Last year the Mac shortcut was different. If yours fails, try resetting keyboard preferences in Docs settings.
Mobile Methods (Because Phones Exist)
Needing to cross out text on Google Docs while commuting? Been there. On Android/iOS:
- Double-tap the word
- Drag handles to select text
- Tap the "A" icon (formatting)
- Choose "Text" → "S" with line
Annoyance alert: Formatting tools disappear if you scroll. My workaround? Select text before scrolling.
Power User Techniques You Might Not Know
After teaching Docs seminars for three years, I've collected strikethrough hacks most users never discover:
Conditional Formatting Trick
Want text to auto-strike through? Example: tasks marked "DONE". Here's how:
- Type your checklist
- Highlight entire list
- Go to "Format" → "Conditional formatting"
- Set rule: "Text contains" → "DONE"
- Choose strikethrough formatting
Now when you type "DONE", items self-strike. Game changer for project managers.
But warning: This eats RAM on huge documents. Keep lists under 100 items.
Template with Permanent Strikethrough
Create reusable templates:
- Make new Doc
- Add placeholder text crossed out
- Go to "File" → "Save as template"
My agency uses this for client change requests. Saves 15+ minutes weekly.
When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting
Sometimes crossing out text on Google Docs just... breaks. Here's fixes for common headaches:
| Problem | Solution | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Strikethrough grayed out | Disable all extensions → refresh | Ad blockers interfere with Docs |
| Shortcuts not working | Check Docs keyboard settings | Custom shortcuts override defaults |
| Partial strike-through | Clear formatting → reapply | Hidden formatting tags conflict |
| Mobile app freezes | Force close app → reopen | RAM overload from large docs |
Caution: If strikethrough disappears when sharing docs, the viewer likely has outdated browser. Always warn collaborators.
Beyond Strikethrough: Alternative Options
Look, strikethrough isn't always perfect. Sometimes I use these instead:
Highlight + Comment Method
For sensitive documents:
- Highlight controversial text yellow
- Right-click → "Comment"
- Type "Proposed removal"
Preserves original text visibly while flagging changes. Lawyers love this.
Change Tracking Add-Ons
For heavy editing:
- Track Changes Plus (free)
- DocuSeer (paid)
Honestly? Overkill for most users. But essential for publishing workflows.
FAQs: Real Questions from Real Users
These come straight from my workshop Q&A sessions:
Can I cross out text on Google Docs mobile app?
Absolutely. Same steps as desktop: select text → format menu ("A" icon) → strikethrough. But mobile formatting sometimes lags. If buttons disappear, try rotating your screen.
Why won't my strikethrough show when printing?
Two culprits: outdated printer drivers or "simplified layout" enabled in print settings. Always check "Printing preferences" → "Advanced" → disable "Simplify formatting".
Is there automatic strikethrough for dates?
Sadly no native feature. But I rigged a workaround with Google Apps Script. Requires coding though. For most people, conditional formatting (mentioned earlier) is easier.
How to cross out text on Google Docs in dark mode?
Identical process. But preview your doc in light mode before sharing – some strikethrough colors become invisible against dark backgrounds. Red lines particularly vanish.
Can I customize strikethrough style?
Shockingly limited. No dashed lines or color changes in native Docs. Workaround: insert line shapes manually (Format → Insert → Drawing). Tedious but works for headers.
Does strikethrough work in exported PDFs?
Yes, if you export properly. Always choose "File → Download → PDF (.pdf)". Avoid printing to PDF – that converts text to images and kills formatting.
How to remove strikethrough?
Three clicks: highlight crossed text → Format menu → click strikethrough icon again. Or use shortcut. Faster than fishing through menus.
Strikethrough vs. Competitors: How Docs Really Stacks Up
Having used Word and Pages for years before switching to Docs, here's my raw comparison:
| Feature | Google Docs | Microsoft Word | Apple Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortcut simplicity | ★★★☆☆ (weird combos) | ★★★★★ (Ctrl+D) | ★★☆☆☆ (no reliable shortcut) |
| Mobile experience | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ (laggy) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Collaboration visibility | ★★★★★ (real-time) | ★★★☆☆ (delayed) | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Customization | ★☆☆☆☆ (none) | ★★★★☆ (color/width) | ★★★☆☆ (colors only) |
Docs wins for teamwork but loses on customization. That said, Google's added 4 formatting options since 2022. Maybe strikethrough styles are coming?
Final Nuggets of Wisdom
If you remember nothing else, tattoo these on your brain:
- Keyboard shortcuts > menus (after initial learning curve)
- Always test shared docs (formatting fails silently)
- Mobile requires patience (double-tap is finicky)
A confession: I still occasionally mess up strikethrough when rushing. Last week I accidentally crossed out a client's entire paragraph. Thank god for Ctrl+Z. Moral? Slow down when formatting.
So next time someone asks you how to cross out text on Google Docs, you've got answers. And when you inevitably find coworkers still manually adding hyphens? Forward them this guide. Maybe they'll buy you coffee.
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