Removing strikethrough in Google Docs is simple once you know where the controls live. This guide walks you through each method so you can clean up formatting quickly and keep your document looking polished.
Use the table below to compare the fastest ways to remove strikethrough, depending on your workflow and whether you are working on a computer or mobile device.
| Method | Platform | Steps Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format options toolbar | Computer | Select text > Format options | Quick visual control |
| Keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + X | Computer | Select text > Shortcut | Power users |
| Clear formatting via toolbar | Computer & Mobile | Select text > Clear formatting | Reset all text styles |
| Ribbon menu strikethrough toggle | Computer | Select text > Toggle off | Explicit toggle |
| Mobile menu More options | Mobile | Edit > Find and replace > Strikethrough | Mobile workflows |
Access the Format Options Toolbar
The format options toolbar provides direct access to text decorations, including strikethrough. When you highlight text, this contextual toolbar appears just above your document with clear icons for each format style.
To remove strikethrough, select the text with the formatting mark visible. Then click the format options button, often represented by an upward caret or more options icon, and choose Strikethrough to toggle it off.
This method is reliable across different browsers and devices when you are working on a computer. It keeps your formatting changes immediate and avoids opening additional menus.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
Keyboard shortcuts help you strip strikethrough without taking your hands off the keypad. On most systems, the shortcut involves holding Ctrl or Cmd while pressing specific keys to cycle text decorations on and off.
First, highlight the text with strikethrough applied. Then press Shift + Cmd + X on macOS or Shift + Ctrl + X on Windows to remove the line through the text.
If the shortcut does not work, check that your browser or device is not intercepting the keys. You can always fall back to the ribbon or format options in that case.
Clear All Formatting as an Alternative
If you want to remove not only strikethrough but also bold, italic, and color with one action, use the clear formatting tool. This option gives you a clean baseline style that is easy to rebuild from.
Highlight the text, then click the paint roller icon or More formatting options, and choose Clear formatting. The strikethrough and other custom styles will be removed immediately.
Use this when you prefer to reapply specific formatting afterward rather than trying to keep some styles while removing just the line through the text.
Ribbon Menu Toggle for Precise Control
The ribbon menu at the top of Google Docs organizes all major formatting options. Locate the Strikethrough icon, often shown as an underlined letter with a horizontal line through it.
Select your text and click the icon to toggle it on or off. When the line appears selected or highlighted, it means strikethrough is active, so clicking again will remove it.
This method is helpful when you are reviewing documents and want a visual confirmation of whether the format is applied.
Mobile and Touch Device Options
On phones and tablets, the toolbar is more compact, but you can still access full formatting controls. Tap the text to bring up the editing menu, then use the More options or additional formatting buttons to manage strikethrough.
If your app hides certain options, try selecting the text and opening the editing panel from the top or side menu. This often exposes the same toggles you see on desktop.
For faster results on small screens, consider installing a compatible keyboard or using selection shortcuts built into your operating system.
Final Review of Strikethrough Removal Methods
Choose the approach that matches your editing habits and device setup.
- Use format options for fast visual control on desktop
- Leverage keyboard shortcuts when speed matters
- Apply clear formatting to reset all text styles at once
- Toggle strikethrough in the ribbon for explicit control
- Access mobile menus and editing panels for touch devices
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my strikethrough keep coming back after editing my document? Strikethrough may reappear if the text is linked to a heading or paragraph style that includes the format. Update the style in the format options to remove it globally. Can I remove strikethrough from multiple sections at once?
Yes. Use the find and replace feature or apply a consistent style, then remove strikethrough from one instance and propagate the style to other sections.
Will clearing formatting remove other text styles I want to keep?
Yes. Clear formatting removes bold, italic, underline, and color, so reapply only the styles you need afterward for a clean result.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for mobile devices to toggle strikethrough?
Mobile keyboards rarely support direct shortcuts, but you can select text and use the formatting buttons in the app to remove strikethrough quickly.