Microsoft Word How To Strikethrough

Did you know that Microsoft Word offers a simple yet powerful feature called strikethrough? If you've ever needed to indicate deleted or discontinued text in a document, strikethrough is the perfect tool for the job. With just a few clicks, you can make your text appear crossed out, effectively conveying its meaning without using additional words or symbols. So, whether you're editing a document, tracking changes, or simply want to add a visual element to your text, let's explore how to use the strikethrough feature in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Word's strikethrough feature has been around for quite some time, making it a staple in the software for both professional and personal use. It allows users to mark text as deleted or no longer relevant, giving a clear indication of the changes made. In fact, studies show that using strikethrough in a document not only improves readability but also enhances the efficiency of communication. By utilizing this feature, you can convey your message more effectively and save time by eliminating the need for lengthy explanations. So, whether you're proofreading a document, revising a draft, or collaborating with others, Microsoft Word's strikethrough feature is an invaluable tool to have at your disposal.

Mastering Strikethrough in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing tool that offers a wide range of formatting options to enhance the appearance of your documents. One such formatting feature is the ability to apply strikethrough, which helps convey meaning and draw attention to specific content. Whether you want to mark deleted text, indicate a change in information, or simply add a visual effect, knowing how to apply strikethrough in Microsoft Word is essential. In this article, we will explore various techniques and shortcuts to help you master the art of strikethrough in Microsoft Word.

Using the Strikethrough Button

One of the simplest ways to apply the strikethrough format in Microsoft Word is by using the Strikethrough button. Follow these steps:

• Select the text that you want to apply strikethrough to.
• On the ribbon menu, go to the "Home" tab.
• In the "Font" group, locate the "Strikethrough" button.
• Click on the "Strikethrough" button to apply the formatting to the selected text.

By following these steps, you can easily apply the strikethrough format to your selected text in Microsoft Word. However, there are alternative methods that can save you time and effort, especially when working with longer documents.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, Microsoft Word provides a convenient way to apply strikethrough without having to navigate through the ribbon menu. Here's how:

• Select the text you want to strikethrough.
• Press the "Ctrl" and "D" keys simultaneously to open the "Font" dialog box.
• In the dialog box, select the checkbox next to "Strikethrough" under the "Effects" section.
• Click the "OK" button to apply the strikethrough format to the selected text.

Using keyboard shortcuts allows you to quickly apply strikethrough to your text without interrupting your workflow. Moreover, these shortcuts work across different versions of Microsoft Word, making them a valuable skill for efficient document editing.

Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar

To further streamline the process of applying strikethrough, you can add the Strikethrough button to the Quick Access Toolbar. This way, you'll always have one-click access to this formatting option. Follow these steps to customize the Quick Access Toolbar:

• Click the down arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar.
• Select "More Commands" from the drop-down menu.
• In the "Customize the Quick Access Toolbar" window, choose "All Commands" from the "Choose commands from" drop-down list.
• Scroll down and locate the "Strikethrough" command.
• Select "Strikethrough" and click the "Add" button to add it to the Quick Access Toolbar.
• Click the "OK" button to apply the changes.

Now, whenever you want to apply strikethrough to your selected text, simply click the Strikethrough button on the Quick Access Toolbar. This customization option allows for quick and efficient access to frequently used features, ultimately enhancing your editing experience.

Using the Format Painter

Another handy tool in Microsoft Word that can be used to apply strikethrough is the Format Painter. This feature allows you to copy formatting from one piece of text and apply it to another. Here's how to use the Format Painter to apply strikethrough:

• Select a portion of text that already has the strikethrough formatting applied.
• On the ribbon menu, go to the "Home" tab.
• In the "Clipboard" group, click on the "Format Painter" button.
• Now, select the text to which you want to apply the strikethrough formatting.

By using the Format Painter, you can easily transfer the strikethrough formatting from one section of text to another, eliminating the need to manually apply the formatting each time. This tool is particularly useful when you want consistent formatting throughout your document.

Advanced Strikethrough Techniques

Now that you understand the basics of applying strikethrough in Microsoft Word, let's explore some advanced techniques that can further enhance your document editing experience.

Conditional Formatting with Strikethrough

In addition to manually applying strikethrough to selected text, you can use conditional formatting to automatically apply the format under certain conditions. For example, you can set up a rule that automatically strikethroughs any text with a specific font color or font style. Here's how:

• Select the range of cells or text where you want to apply conditional formatting.
• On the ribbon menu, go to the "Home" tab.
• In the "Styles" group, click on "Conditional Formatting" and select "Manage Rules" from the drop-down menu.
• In the "Conditional Formatting Rules Manager" dialog box, click on the "New Rule" button.
• Choose the desired formatting rule, such as "Format only cells that contain."
• Set the condition that triggers the strikethrough formatting.
• In the "Format" section, go to the "Font" tab and check the "Strikethrough" option.
• Click the "OK" button to apply the conditional formatting rule.

Conditional formatting with strikethrough can be a powerful tool for visually highlighting specific data or making dynamic changes to your document based on certain criteria. It allows you to automate the application of strikethrough formatting, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Using Field Codes

Field codes in Microsoft Word are placeholders that automatically populate with specific information or dynamic content. While not specifically designed for applying strikethrough, field codes can be utilized creatively to achieve this effect. Here's how:

• Select the text where you want to apply strikethrough using field codes.
• Press "Ctrl" + "F9" to insert field code brackets {}.
• Type "STRIKE" within the brackets.
• Press "Shift" + "F9" to toggle the field code view and see the strikethrough effect.

Using field codes can provide more flexibility when you want to add strikethrough in specific scenarios, such as creating auto-updating documents or custom templates. It allows for dynamic content manipulation and formatting.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of strikethrough in Microsoft Word is a valuable skill that can dramatically improve your document editing experience. Whether you prefer using the strikethrough button, keyboard shortcuts, the Format Painter, or advanced techniques like conditional formatting and field codes, Microsoft Word offers various methods to apply this formatting option. By familiarizing yourself with these techniques and incorporating them into your workflow, you can efficiently convey meaning, draw attention, and enhance the visual appearance of your documents.

How to Strikethrough in Microsoft Word?

Strikethrough is a formatting option that allows you to cross out text in Microsoft Word. It is often used to indicate deleted or revisioned content. There are several ways to apply strikethrough formatting in Microsoft Word:

• Select the text you want to strikethrough, right-click and choose the "Strikethrough" option from the menu.
• Use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + Shift + -" (minus sign) to quickly apply strikethrough to the selected text.
• If you frequently use strikethrough, you can add the "Strikethrough" button to the toolbar for easy access. Go to the "File" tab, select "Options," choose "Customize Ribbon," and then add the "Strikethrough" command to the toolbar.

It is important to note that the strikethrough formatting is not permanent and can be removed easily. To remove strikethrough, select the strikethrough text and either right-click and choose "Strikethrough" again or use the same keyboard shortcut to toggle off the formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about how to use the strikethrough feature in Microsoft Word:

1. How do I strikethrough text in Microsoft Word?

To strikethrough text in Microsoft Word:

1. Select the text you want to strikethrough.

2. Go to the Home tab in the Word ribbon.

3. Click on the Strikethrough button, which looks like an "S" with a line through it.

The selected text will now have a strikethrough applied to it.

2. Can I use a keyboard shortcut to strikethrough text in Word?

Yes, you can use a keyboard shortcut to quickly strikethrough text in Microsoft Word. The default keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Word is:

Ctrl + Shift + S

To use this shortcut, simply select the text you want to strikethrough and press the Ctrl, Shift, and S keys simultaneously. The selected text will now have a strikethrough applied to it.

3. How do I remove strikethrough formatting in Word?

To remove strikethrough formatting from text in Microsoft Word:

1. Select the text with the strikethrough formatting.

2. Go to the Home tab in the Word ribbon.

3. Click on the Strikethrough button again to remove the formatting.

The selected text will no longer have the strikethrough applied to it.

4. Can I adjust the thickness or style of the strikethrough in Word?

No, Microsoft Word does not provide built-in options to adjust the thickness or style of the strikethrough. The default strikethrough in Word is a single line in the middle of the text.

5. Is it possible to strikethrough text in a specific color in Word?

No, the strikethrough feature in Microsoft Word does not support changing the color of the strikethrough line. The color of the strikethrough is determined by the text color.

To wrap up, learning how to use the strikethrough feature in Microsoft Word can be helpful for a variety of purposes. By following a few simple steps, you can easily cross out text to indicate changes or mark it as obsolete. It's a useful tool for editing documents, making corrections, or simply drawing attention to specific sections of your text. Remember, to apply the strikethrough formatting in Microsoft Word, select the text you want to strike through, right-click on it, and choose the "Strikethrough" option from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl" + "5" to quickly apply the strikethrough format. So, whether you're a student working on an assignment, a professional writing a report, or simply someone who wants to make their text stand out, the strikethrough feature in Microsoft Word can be a handy tool to have at your disposal. Experiment with it, and start adding a little extra flair to your documents today.

By now, you should have a clear understanding of how to use the strikethrough feature in Microsoft Word. Applying this formatting can help you make changes to your text or draw attention to specific sections. Remember to select the text, right-click, and choose "Strikethrough" from the menu or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl" + "5." With this knowledge, you're ready to enhance your documents with the strikethrough feature and make your text more visually appealing and informative.