Keyboard Shortcut for Strikethrough: A Complete Guide

Keyboard Shortcut for Strikethrough: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Strikethrough formatting is an essential tool when editing text, tracking changes, or emphasizing revisions. Instead of manually clicking through menus, using a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough can save time and improve productivity. Whether you’re working in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, or other applications, mastering this shortcut enhances efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to use the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough across different platforms, ensuring seamless text formatting for writers, office workers, students, and professionals.

Keyboard Shortcut for Strikethrough in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is widely used for document creation, and applying a strikethrough using a shortcut is simple.

Windows Users

To apply strikethrough formatting in Word on Windows, use the following shortcut:

Select the text you want to strikethrough.
Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box.
Press Alt + K to check the strikethrough option.
Hit Enter to apply.

Alternatively, use Ctrl + Shift + X in newer versions of Word for quick formatting.

Mac Users

On macOS, the process is slightly different:

Highlight the text.
Press Command (⌘) + Shift + X to apply strikethrough instantly.

Strikethrough Shortcut in Google Docs

Google Docs is a popular cloud-based word processor that also supports keyboard shortcuts for strikethrough formatting.

Windows Shortcut: Select text and press Alt + Shift + 5
Mac Shortcut: Highlight text and press Command (⌘) + Shift + X

This quick command ensures efficient editing and formatting in Google Docs strikethrough shortcut without using the toolbar.

Strikethrough Shortcut in Excel

Microsoft Excel allows strikethrough formatting in spreadsheet cells, often used for task management and data analysis.

Windows Shortcut: Press Ctrl + 5 after selecting the cell or text.
Mac Shortcut: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + X to apply strikethrough in Excel.

Using these shortcuts enhances productivity by quickly modifying data without extra clicks.

How to Use Strikethrough Shortcut in PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations also support strikethrough formatting to emphasize or remove text visually.

Windows Shortcut: Select text and press Ctrl + T, then check strikethrough in the font options.
Mac Shortcut: Use Command (⌘) + Shift + X to apply strikethrough formatting.

Strikethrough in Outlook Emails

Outlook emails allow strikethrough formatting when composing messages.

Windows: Press Ctrl + D and select the strikethrough option.
Mac: Use Command (⌘) + Shift + X to strike through text instantly.

This feature is useful for reviewing drafts, tracking updates, and emphasizing changes in emails.

Strikethrough Shortcut in Markdown and Coding

Markdown, commonly used for web development and documentation, supports strikethrough using symbols:

Type ~~text~~ to apply strikethrough formatting in Markdown-based platforms like GitHub or Notion.

In HTML coding, use <s>text</s> or <del>text</del> for similar effects.

How to Customize Strikethrough Shortcuts

For users who prefer personalized shortcuts, custom keyboard shortcut settings can be adjusted in most applications.

Microsoft Word Customization

Open Word and go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
Click on Keyboard Shortcuts > Customize.
Find Strikethrough under the “Commands” list.
Assign a new shortcut and save changes.

Google Docs Customization

Currently, Google Docs does not support shortcut customization, but users can use browser extensions like Docs Keyboard Shortcuts to modify commands.

Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Strikethrough?

There are several advantages to mastering strikethrough shortcuts:

Increased Productivity: Eliminates the need to navigate menus.
Efficiency in Editing: Helps track changes and revisions quickly.
Better Workflow: Ideal for note-taking, content revision, and project management.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough is not working, try these fixes:

Check Keyboard Layout: Ensure your keyboard settings match the shortcut commands.
Application-Specific Shortcuts: Some software may require different key combinations.
Enable Keyboard Shortcuts: Some apps disable advanced shortcuts by default.

keyboard shortcut for strikethrough

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortcut for strikethrough in Word?

For Windows, press Ctrl + D, then Alt + K. For Mac, press Command + Shift + X.

How do I strikethrough text in Google Docs?

Use Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows and Command + Shift + X on Mac.

Can I customize strikethrough shortcuts?

Yes, in Microsoft Word, you can assign custom shortcuts under File > Options > Customize Ribbon.

Does Excel support strikethrough shortcuts?

Yes, press Ctrl + 5 on Windows or Command + Shift + X on Mac.

How do I strikethrough text in emails?

Use Ctrl + D in Outlook and enable the strikethrough option.

Are strikethrough shortcuts the same in all apps?

No, different applications have unique shortcuts, but Command + Shift + X is common across macOS programs.

Conclusion

Using the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough streamlines text formatting, improves workflow, and boosts productivity. Whether you’re working in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, PowerPoint, or email, knowing the right shortcut helps save time. By integrating strikethrough shortcuts into your daily tasks, you enhance efficiency and elevate your document editing skills effortlessly.