Adding a strikethrough in Google Docs helps you mark text as deleted or outdated without removing it completely. This quick formatting option keeps your edits visible and your document clean.
Below is a practical guide to every major way you can use strikethrough in Google Docs, from the toolbar to keyboard shortcuts and mobile workflows.
| Method | Steps | Best For | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toolbar button | Select text > Format > Strikethrough | New users and precise selections | Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows) / Cmd + Shift + X (Mac) |
| Right‑click menu | Select text > Right‑click > Apply strikethrough | Quick edits without hunting toolbars | No direct shortcut, but fast open |
| Keyboard shortcut | Select text > Ctrl + Shift + X / Cmd + Shift + X | Power users repeating the action often | Immediate toggle on/off |
| Undo/Redo cycle | Apply strikethrough > Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z to revert | Correcting accidental formatting | Ctrl + Shift + Z / Cmd + Shift + Z to redo |
Applying Strikethrough Using the Format Menu
The Format menu is the central place for text styling in Google Docs. It keeps options organized and easy to find.
Subheading: Navigate to Format
After highlighting the text you want to change, click Format at the top of the window. A dropdown panel slides out showing text and paragraph options.
Subheading: Choose Strikethrough
Within the Format panel, hover over Strikethrough and click to enable it. The selected text immediately shows a horizontal line through the center, signaling revision or removal.
Using the Right‑Click Context Menu
Right‑clicking selected text brings up a concise menu tailored to formatting actions, including strikethrough.
Subheading: Open Context Menu
With the text highlighted, right‑click anywhere over the selection. A compact menu appears with options such as Copy, Paste, and Apply strikethrough.
Subheading: Confirm Strikethrough
Click Apply strikethrough to add or remove the line. This method is especially handy when you are already working from a selection and want to avoid moving your hand to the toolbar.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Strikethrough
Keyboard shortcuts let you apply strikethrough in one motion, which is faster and more consistent for repetitive tasks.
Subheading: Windows and Linux Shortcut
Select the target text and press Ctrl + Shift + X. Toggling this combination on or off adds and removes the line without extra clicks.
Subheading: Mac Shortcut
On Mac, use Cmd + Shift + X after highlighting text. The behavior mirrors the Windows shortcut, keeping your workflow fast across platforms.
Strikethrough on Mobile Devices
Google Docs on Android and iOS supports strikethrough, though the steps differ slightly from desktop.
Subheading: Open the App and Select Text
Tap to place the cursor, then drag or tap the selection handles to highlight the exact words or phrases you want to mark as changed.
Subheading: Access Formatting Options
Tap the Format icon or More formatting options, then locate Strikethrough. Tapping it applies the line, making your edits clear on smaller screens.
Best Practices for Document Editing with Strikethrough
Using strikethrough thoughtfully keeps collaboration clear and your drafts easy to follow.
- Use strikethrough to show revisions while preserving context, rather than deleting text outright.
- Combine with comments to explain why a change was marked, especially in team reviews.
- Avoid overusing strikethrough in final versions to keep the document clean and readable.
- Check sharing settings so collaborators understand that strikethrough indicates edits, not errors.
- Toggle formatting on and off with keyboard shortcuts to stay efficient during fast editing sessions.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I use a keyboard shortcut to toggle strikethrough on Google Docs?
Yes, use Ctrl + Shift + X on Windows or Cmd + Shift + X on Mac to quickly add or remove strikethrough from selected text.
Why is my strikethrough not showing in shared documents?
Check that viewers have permission to see formatting marks and that the text style is not overridden by a linked style or suggestion mode.
How do I remove strikethrough from part of a sentence only?
Select only the portion you want to restore, then click Strikethrough again or press the same keyboard shortcut to toggle it off.
Can I add strikethrough in Google Docs mobile apps using voice commands?
Currently, mobile voice commands do not directly apply strikethrough; use the on‑screen Format options or keyboard shortcut instead.