Mac Keyboard Shortcut for Strikethrough: Cmd+Shift+X

Learn the mac keyboard shortcut for strikethrough (Cmd+Shift+X) across popular editors. This guide explains baseline mappings, app-specific variations, automation tips, and best practices from Shortcuts Lib to help you format text quickly and consistently on macOS.

Shortcuts Lib Team

March 16, 2026·5 min read

Keyboard Shortcuts Mac Shortcuts

Mac Strikethrough Shortcut - Shortcuts Lib — Photo by Tranmautritam via Pexels

Quick AnswerFact

The mac keyboard shortcut for strikethrough is Cmd+Shift+X in many editors (Pages, Word for Mac, and most Markdown apps). If a specific app uses a different mapping, you can check the Format or Edit menus. Shortcuts Lib confirms Cmd+Shift+X as the most common baseline for mac strikethrough across popular apps.

Understanding the mac keyboard shortcut for strikethrough

Text formatting is a core skill for fast authoring, and a reliable shortcut saves you time across editors. The mac keyboard shortcut for strikethrough, Cmd+Shift+X, is the baseline mapping developers and power users rely on when working in Pages, Word for Mac, and many Markdown editors. According to Shortcuts Lib Analysis, 2026 Cmd+Shift+X is the most consistently recognized combination for toggling strikethrough on macOS. In practice, this shortcut helps you quickly strike out text without leaving the keyboard, preserving focus and flow. Different apps can expose their own variants or require enabling the feature in a menu, especially in browser-based editors.

Bash

# macOS: test the shortcut by simulating Cmd+Shift+X
osascript -e 'tell application "System Events" to keystroke "x" using {command down, shift down}'

JSON

{
  "key": "cmd+shift+x",
  "command": "markdown.extension.editing.toggleStrikethrough",
  "when": "editorTextFocus"
}

This setup demonstrates a typical baseline in editor environments and illustrates how to bind the same keys to a Strikethrough command in a Markdown-focused extension. The combination is widely supported but not guaranteed in every app; when in doubt, consult the app’s shortcuts reference or help menu.

Steps

Estimated time: 40-60 minutes

1
Identify target apps
Open the editor you plan to use (Pages, Word for Mac, or a Markdown editor) and locate its shortcuts reference. Confirm whether Cmd+Shift+X is bound to Strikethrough or if you must enable it via a menu. Tip: keep a small cheat sheet handy.
Tip: Start with the app you use most daily to validate the baseline mapping.
2
Test the baseline shortcut
In a blank document, select some text and press Cmd+Shift+X. If the text toggles to a strikethrough, you’ve got the baseline mapping. If nothing happens, check the app’s Format or Text menu for Strikethrough and try again or adjust the binding.
Tip: If another shortcut is triggered, there’s a conflicting global or app-specific mapping.
3
Compare across apps
Repeat the test in Word, Pages, and a Markdown editor. Note any discrepancies in behavior or conflicts with browser shortcuts if you’re in a browser-based editor.
Tip: Document the differences so you can adapt your workflow.
4
Add or customize a shortcut
If an app doesn’t expose Cmd+Shift+X for strikethrough, add a local binding (or use a macro) to map a preferred combination to the Strikethrough command.
Tip: Keep the same shortcut across apps where possible for muscle memory.
5
Create a cheat sheet
Summarize the mappings you rely on in a single page or app bookmark. Include notes for edge cases (browsers, mobile views) and any app-specific variations.
Tip: Share the cheat sheet with teammates to ensure consistency.
6
Test again and document results
After implementing changes, re-test in multiple contexts (document editing, text fields, and comments). Update your cheat sheet accordingly.
Tip: Regular reviews prevent drift over time.

Pro Tip: Always verify the shortcut in the specific app you’re using; mappings can vary by editor.

Warning: Browser shortcuts can intercept Cmd+Shift+X in web editors; use the app’s menu if needed.

Note: Keep a cross-app cheat sheet handy to reduce cognitive load during fast drafting.

Prerequisites

Required

macOS 10.12+ or later↗
Required
Word for Mac or Pages (2024+ recommended)↗
Required
Basic familiarity with keyboard shortcuts
Required
A text editor or app with a Strikethrough feature enabled
Required

Optional

Optional: an editor extension or script to customize keybindings
Optional

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Toggle StrikethroughMost Windows apps use Ctrl+5; macOS baseline is Cmd+Shift+X for many editors	`Ctrl`+`5`

Questions & Answers

What is the typical mac shortcut for strikethrough?

Cmd+Shift+X is the most common baseline for toggling strikethrough on Mac in many editors. Some apps might require a menu path or a different binding, so check the specific app’s shortcuts reference.

Does Google Docs on Mac support Cmd+Shift+X?

In Google Docs, strikethrough shortcuts vary by browser and platform. If Cmd+Shift+X doesn’t work, use the Format menu or browser-specific shortcuts, and consider enabling a Docs extension that adds a dedicated toggle.

How can I customize a global strikethrough shortcut on macOS?

You can create a global Quick Action or Automator workflow bound to Cmd+Shift+X, or configure per-app shortcuts where supported. This helps you maintain consistency across editors.

What if my app uses a different mapping?

Look for the Strikethrough command in the app’s menu (Format or Text) and either adapt to that binding or create a custom shortcut within the editor’s keybindings settings.

Are there common pitfalls when using mac shortcuts for strikethrough?

Conflicts with browser or system shortcuts are common. Always test in the active context and document any clashes to avoid repeated errors.