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Strikethrough Shortcut: Cross Out Text Quickly on Any Platform

TL;DR

The strikethrough shortcut lets you quickly format text with a horizontal line through it, often used to indicate completed tasks or revisions. In most Microsoft Office apps, including OneNote and Word, use Ctrl + – (hyphen) or Ctrl + 5 on the numeric keypad. This saves time, improves clarity in notes or documents, and keeps your workflow efficient without having to navigate menus.

Using strikethrough formatting is a simple yet powerful way to indicate something is no longer relevant, completed, or intentionally left visible. Whether you’re editing a document, reviewing a checklist, or tracking progress, learning the strikethrough shortcut can save you time and improve clarity.

The good news? Most apps offer a built-in keyboard shortcut to apply strikethrough formatting instantly — no menu diving required. This guide shows you how to use it in Word, Excel, Google Docs, and other tools on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux.

Screenshot of text after using strikethrough

What Is Strikethrough Formatting?

Strikethrough adds a horizontal line through your selected text, like this: done. It’s used to:

  • Show completed tasks in to-do lists
  • Indicate corrections without deleting the text
  • Visually signal updates or changes
  • Keep a history of edits while collaborating

Unlike deleting content, strikethrough lets the original remain visible while signaling it’s no longer active.


Strikethrough Shortcut in Microsoft Word

Windows Shortcut:

Ctrl + D → Alt + K → Enter

Or directly:

Ctrl + Shift + X

➡️ Works in some newer versions of Word, depending on region and version.

macOS Shortcut:

Command + Shift + X

✅ This applies and removes strikethrough from selected text.

Menu Method (Both Platforms):

  1. Select your text
  2. Click the Home tab
  3. Click the Strikethrough icon (abc) in the Font section

Strikethrough Shortcut in Excel

Excel also supports strikethrough, although it’s less common in spreadsheets.

Windows Shortcut:

Ctrl + 5

macOS Shortcut:

Command + Shift + X

➡️ Applies strikethrough to the entire selected cell content.


Strikethrough in Google Docs

Universal Shortcut:

Windows: Alt + Shift + 5  
macOS: Command + Shift + X

✅ Works in Docs, Slides, and even Google Sheets with selected cell text.


Strikethrough Shortcut in LibreOffice (Ubuntu/Linux)

LibreOffice Writer also allows easy strikethrough formatting:

Linux Shortcut:

Ctrl + D

Or manually:

  1. Select the text
  2. Go to Format > Character > Font Effects
  3. Choose Strikethrough

📝 LibreOffice allows custom shortcuts if you want to assign your own.


How to Add Strikethrough Shortcut in Custom Apps

In apps without default shortcuts (e.g., Notepad, Outlook web):

  • Use the Format > Font or toolbar if available
  • Copy pre-struck text from Word or Docs as a workaround
  • Add browser extensions for email platforms like Gmail to access text formatting easily

Best Use Cases for Strikethrough Formatting

  • ✅ Task lists and project tracking
  • ✅ Editing drafts while keeping original ideas visible
  • ✅ Collaboration with transparent versioning
  • ✅ Website or blog text showing updates or changes

Strikethrough is subtle yet clear — perfect for when deletion feels too final.


FAQs about the Strikethrough Shortcut

What is the strikethrough shortcut in Word?
On Windows: Ctrl + Shift + X or use the Font dialog with Ctrl + D.
On Mac: Command + Shift + X.

Does strikethrough work in Excel?
Yes. Use Ctrl + 5 on Windows and Command + Shift + X on Mac.

How do I remove strikethrough formatting?
Use the same shortcut again or go to the font menu and uncheck strikethrough.

Can I customize the shortcut in LibreOffice or Word?
Yes. Both allow custom keyboard shortcuts through settings.

Does strikethrough work in Gmail or web editors?
Not natively in all cases. Some tools support it through the formatting toolbar or browser add-ons.

Why doesn’t Ctrl + Shift + X work on my system?
Check if your version of Word or OS supports it. You can always use the Font menu method instead.


Conclusion: Strikethrough Made Simple with Shortcuts

Strikethrough formatting is a quick and professional way to show change, completion, or correction — and using the strikethrough shortcut makes it even faster. Whether you’re writing in Word, Excel, Google Docs, or editing on Linux, mastering these keyboard shortcuts helps you work smarter and keep your content tidy.

So next time you want to cross something out, don’t reach for the mouse — tap the keys and strike it out with style ✍️

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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