Google Docs Strikethrough Shortcut: Quick Guide
Learn the google docs keyboard shortcut strikethrough and how to apply strikethrough quickly in Google Docs. This guide covers Windows and macOS shortcuts, menu paths, accessibility considerations, and practical tips for power users and keyboard enthusiasts.
In Google Docs, you can toggle strikethrough on the selected text with a keyboard shortcut or via the menu. On Windows/Linux use Alt+Shift+5, and on macOS use Option+Shift+5 (may vary by browser). If shortcuts don’t work, use Format > Text > Strikethrough. This is the fastest way to mark items as completed or canceled in your document.
What is Strikethrough in Google Docs and Why It Matters
Strikethrough is a formatting option that adds a horizontal line through the center of selected text. In Google Docs, this visual cue helps mark items as completed, canceled, or deprecated without deleting information. It's especially useful in collaborative documents like project plans, checklists, and documentation reviews where you want to preserve a history of edits. By combining strikethrough with other formatting (bold, italics, color), you can convey status clearly and quickly. Mastering this feature saves time, reduces confusion, and keeps a clean audit trail during reviews. This section explains the concept and sets up efficient keyboard shortcuts and menu-based methods.
// Google Apps Script: apply strikethrough to the first paragraph
function applyStrikethrough() {
var doc = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument();
var body = doc.getBody();
var para = body.getParagraphs()[0];
var text = para.editAsText();
// Turn on strikethrough for the entire paragraph
text.setStrikethrough(0, text.getText().length, true);
}In practice, you may want to apply strikethrough to dynamic ranges, like completed tasks in a list. The Apps Script example demonstrates a scalable approach you can adapt to your workflow. If you need to remove the line, call setStrikethrough with false or use the menu path to toggle off.
Also for extended workflows, see how the Docs API can batch-update text styles across multiple ranges.
Steps
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
- 1
Select the target text
Click and drag to highlight the text you want to strike through. Ensure only the intended text is selected to avoid over-formatting.
Tip: Use Shift+Arrow keys to extend selection across multiple words or lines. - 2
Apply the strikethrough shortcut
Press the platform-specific shortcut to toggle strikethrough on the selection. If the text was not selected correctly, reselect and try again.
Tip: If you commonly edit lists, pair this with a quick way to select entire lines. - 3
Verify the result
Check that the line is crossed out as intended. If you accidentally struck through more text, revert the extra characters with the shortcut or the menu.
Tip: Use the UI to adjust the range precisely. - 4
Fallback: use the menu
If the shortcut doesn’t work in a given environment, go to Format > Text > Strikethrough and apply it there.
Tip: Having the menu as a fallback reduces workflow disruption. - 5
Extend to lists and tables
Apply strikethrough to items inside bullets, numbered lists, or table cells by selecting the range and using the shortcut or menu as above.
Tip: Test on a sample document to ensure consistency across sections.
Prerequisites
Required
- Google account with access to Google DocsRequired
- Modern web browser with JavaScript enabled (Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Safari)Required
- Familiarity with basic keyboard shortcutsRequired
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle strikethrough on selected textIf not available, use Format > Text > Strikethrough | Alt+⇧+5 |
Questions & Answers
Can I customize the strikethrough shortcut in Google Docs?
Google Docs does not natively support user-defined shortcut mappings for strikethrough. You can rely on the built-in shortcuts and the Format menu for access. If automation is needed, consider the Google Docs API for programmatic updates.
Custom shortcuts aren’t supported in Docs; use the built-in shortcut or the Format menu.
Does strikethrough affect copy-paste formatting?
Strikethrough is preserved when copying text within Google Docs. However, if you paste into a plain-text editor, the formatting may be lost.
Strikethrough stays with the text inside Docs, but may disappear in plain text editors.
Is strikethrough accessible for screen readers?
Screen readers announce strikethrough as formatting rather than a separate content item. Use clear wording to ensure meaning remains intact.
Yes, screen readers convey strikethrough as formatting.
Can I apply strikethrough inside tables?
Yes. Select text inside the table cell and apply strikethrough using the shortcut or menu as you would in normal text.
You can strike through text in table cells as well.
What if the shortcut conflicts with OS-level shortcuts?
Conflicts can happen. Use the Format menu or adjust OS shortcuts if necessary.
If the shortcut clashes with the OS, rely on the menu or change OS settings.
Main Points
- Master google docs keyboard shortcut strikethrough for fast formatting.
- Use the Format > Text > Strikethrough path if shortcuts fail.
- Remember platform differences and verify in your browser.
- Practice on a test document before applying to production files.
- Combine strikethrough with other formatting for clearer task tracking.