When you collaborate on documents in Google Docs, you often need to mark text as outdated or completed without deleting it entirely. Learning how to cross out something in Google Docs keeps your edits visible and preserves team context.
This guide walks you through the fastest ways to add, remove, and customize strikethrough formatting so you can manage drafts with precision.
Strikethrough Shortcuts and Toolbar Options
Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Strikethrough
Keyboard shortcuts give you the fastest path to cross out text. On Windows and ChromeOS, select the text and press Ctrl+Shift+X. On Mac, select the text and press Command+Shift+X. These shortcuts apply a clean horizontal line through the center of each selected character.
Using the Formatting Toolbar Menus
If you prefer mouse-driven editing, the toolbar provides consistent access. Highlight the target text, then click Format at the top. Move your cursor over Text to reveal additional style options and choose Strikethrough. The same path works from the mini toolbar that appears when you highlight text, keeping steps concise.
Adding Strikethrough to the Quick Access Toolbar
For power users, pinning Strikethrough to the Quick Access Toolbar saves clicks. Click the downward arrow next to the toolbar, select More commands, then find Strikethrough in the Formatting section. Add it to the panel on the right so you can apply strikethrough with one click at any time.
Step by Step: How to Cross Out Something in Google Docs
Select the Text You Want to Cross Out
Begin by clicking and dragging over the words, numbers, or symbols you want to mark as outdated. Accurate selection prevents accidental formatting and keeps your editing history clear for collaborators.
Apply Strikethrough Using the Menu
With the text selected, click Format at the top of the window, hover over Text, and then choose Strikethrough. Google Docs immediately overlays a horizontal line through the selected content, signaling revision without erasure.
Confirm Formatting and Adjust if Needed
After applying the line, review the strike weight and visibility. If the line feels too light or too heavy for your workflow, undo the change and experiment with third party add ons that offer thicker or colored strikethrough lines.
Removing and Reapplying Strikethrough
Undo or Remove Strikethrough
To revert selected text to normal, repeat the same selection and press the same keyboard shortcut or menu command. This toggle behavior makes it simple to experiment during drafting and finalize clean copy when needed.
Reapply Strikethrough Consistently
When multiple segments need the same treatment, use Format painter. Apply strikethrough to one segment first, then click Format painter and brush over additional text. This technique ensures uniform line style across headings, list items, and table cells.
Strikethrough in Lists, Tables, and Bulleted Content
Applying Strikethrough in Bulleted or Numbered Lists
You can cross out entire list items or partial text within a list. Place your cursor inside a list item, select the desired range, and apply Strikethrough. The line appears inline, preserving list structure and indentation.
Using Strikethrough in Table Cells
Tables often track statuses, prices, or responsibilities that change over time. Select text inside a cell, apply Strikethrough, and the line stays confined to the cell content, keeping your table data readable and version transparent.
Combining Strikethrough with Other Text Styles
For emphasis, you can layer bold, italic, and color with strikethrough. Avoid overuse so the line remains a clear revision marker rather than visual noise, especially in shared documents with tight review cycles.
Best Practices for Using Strikethrough in Collaborative Workflows
- Use strikethrough to show retractions or completed tasks while preserving an auditable trail.
- Combine strikethrough with comment threads to explain why text was marked as outdated.
- Review documents in plain mode periodically to confirm that crossed out content still serves a purpose.
- Avoid crossing out large blocks; instead, split edits into focused sections for clarity.
- Leverage version history when major rewrites occur so you can restore blocks if needed.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my strikethrough not appear when I share the document
Ensure collaborators have at least comment access, since view only permissions can hide formatting edits. If the issue persists, check that the line is not being overridden by a strong custom style or add on that resets text formatting.
Can I change the color or thickness of the strikethrough line
Google Docs uses a single default color and thickness for strikethrough tied to your theme fonts. To customize shade or weight, install a purpose built add on or insert a drawing line above or through the text and group it as a visual effect.
Will strikethrough remove text for viewers who use screen readers
The content remains in the document source even with a line through it, so screen readers still announce the words. If you need to hide text entirely, move it to hidden comments or remove it instead of striking through.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for mobile Google Docs
On Android and iOS, select the text, tap the formatting bar that appears, and choose Strikethrough from the list. Not all shortcuts translate directly to touch devices, but the option is available in the same formatting panel.