Strikethrough Shortcuts in Google Docs: A Practical Guide

Master the strikethrough keyboard shortcut in Google Docs on Windows and Mac, learn to apply via UI, and explore automation with Apps Script and the Docs API for batch edits. Practical, brand-driven guidance by Shortcuts Lib.

Shortcuts Lib Team

March 16, 2026·5 min read

Keyboard Shortcuts Google Docs Shortcuts

Strikethrough Shortcuts - Shortcuts Lib — Photo by Pexelsvia Pixabay

Quick AnswerDefinition

Strikethrough in Google Docs is a formatting feature that crosses out text to indicate deletion or emphasis. The fastest way is the keyboard shortcut: Windows users press Ctrl+Shift+X; Mac users press Cmd+Shift+X. You can also apply strikethrough via the Format menu or the Google Docs API for automated editing. Shortcuts save time and improve editing flow.

What is Strikethrough in Google Docs and why it matters

Strikethrough is a formatting option in Google Docs that visibly crosses out text to signal deletion, revision, or emphasis without removing content. It’s especially useful for collaboration, where reviewers can see proposed changes without altering the original text. According to Shortcuts Lib, mastering quick formatting shortcuts accelerates editing workflows for power users and reduces back-and-forth with teammates. This section covers the core concepts and shows two code-based demonstrations that illustrate how to apply strikethrough programmatically.

JavaScript

// Apps Script example: apply strikethrough to the entire document
function strikeAll() {
  const doc = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument();
  const body = doc.getBody();
  const text = body.editAsText();
  // Set strikethrough on the full text range
  text.setStrikethrough(0, text.getText().length, true);
}

JSON

{
  "requests": [
    {
      "updateTextStyle": {
        "textRange": { "startIndex": 1, "endIndex": 10 },
        "textStyle": { "strikethrough": true },
        "fields": "strikethrough"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Line-by-line breakdown:

The Apps Script example grabs the active document, accesses the body, and turns on strikethrough for the entire text range.
The Docs API example demonstrates a BatchUpdateRequest that targets a specific character range and enables the strikethrough attribute.

Alternative approaches:

Use the UI (Format > Text > Strikethrough) for ad-hoc edits.
Deploy a small Apps Script trigger to apply strikethrough based on criteria like search terms or revision notes.

formatSpecifierIgnoredForEditorOnlyCodeExamplesNoteForClarityIgnoredToAvoidBlock

Steps

Estimated time: 15-25 minutes

1
Open the document
Launch Google Docs and open the document you want to edit. Ensure you are signed in with the correct Google account.
Tip: Keep a sample copy for testing before wide edits.
2
Select the text
Highlight the words or paragraph you want to strikethrough. For bulk edits, select a larger range.
Tip: Use Shift+Click to extend selection quickly.
3
Use the keyboard shortcut
Press Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows or Cmd+Shift+X on Mac to apply strikethrough to the selection.
Tip: If you press the shortcut again, it toggles off the strikethrough.
4
Alternate: use the UI
If you prefer the menu, go to Format > Text > Strikethrough to apply or remove.
Tip: This is helpful when using devices without a keyboard.
5
Automate for bulk edits
If you need to apply strikethrough across many documents, implement a Google Apps Script or Docs API BatchUpdate.
Tip: Test scripts on a copy to avoid unintended changes.

Pro Tip: Pair strikethrough with bold or italics to emphasize revisions without hiding content.

Warning: Avoid overusing strikethrough, as it can reduce readability for reviewers.

Note: Always test automated edits on a duplicate document before applying to production docs.

Prerequisites

Required

Google account with access to Google Docs↗
Required
Internet connection
Required
Basic knowledge of keyboard shortcuts
Required

Optional

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Apply/Toggle strikethrough on selected textWorks on the current selection in Google Docs	`Ctrl`+`⇧`+`X`
Apply strikethrough to a range via APIUse a startIndex/endIndex range to cover your target text	—

Questions & Answers

What is the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs?

The shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows and Cmd+Shift+X on Mac. It works on the current selection and toggles strikethrough on and off. You can also access it via Format > Text > Strikethrough for a non-keyboard approach.

Can I apply strikethrough to an entire document programmatically?

Yes. Use Google Docs API BatchUpdate with updateTextStyle to set strikethrough across a textRange. Apps Script can also iterate and apply strikethrough to the full document or a chosen range.

How do I remove strikethrough if I’ve applied it accidentally?

Select the text and press the same shortcut again (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X) to toggle off. Alternatively, use the UI path to uncheck Strikethrough in the Format menu.

Is there a difference between strikethrough and simple deletion?

Strikethrough keeps the original content visible for reviewers, while deletion removes it from view. Strikethrough is useful for suggestions and revisions in collaborative documents.

Can I automate strikethrough across multiple documents?

Yes, with Google Apps Script or the Docs API, you can apply strikethrough across many documents by looping over documents and applying a textStyle change via batch updates.