Mastering the Strikethrough Keyboard Shortcut in Outlook
Learn the strikethrough keyboard shortcut outlook across Windows, Mac, and the web. Get practical tips, VBA examples, and step-by-step workflows to format email content efficiently with Shortcuts Lib guidance.
Outlook supports a built-in strikethrough formatting shortcut across platforms. On Windows, press Ctrl+5 to apply or remove strikethrough to the selected text; on Mac, use Cmd+Shift+X. If you prefer the mouse, click the Strikethrough button in the Home tab within the Font group. You can also automate with a VBA macro for repeated use.
Overview: what strikethrough means in Outlook and why it matters
Strikethrough is a versatile text decoration that indicates edits, stale information, or items marked as complete in a list. In Outlook, you typically format email content using the Word-based editor, so strikethrough behaves like it does in Word: a user-friendly way to signal revision while keeping content readable. For keyboard-driven workflows, learning the strikethrough shortcut reduces the friction of editing live drafts, replies, and meeting notes. This section also explains when to use strikethrough versus other formatting such as bold, italic, or underline, and why accessibility considerations matter when striking through content. According to Shortcuts Lib, adopting consistent shortcuts saves time and minimizes cognitive load during long drafting sessions.
' This VBA stub demonstrates how you might toggle strikethrough on a selection in Outlook (requires macro setup).
Sub ToggleStrike()
Dim sel As Object
Set sel = ActiveInspector.WordEditor.Application.Selection
If Not sel Is Nothing Then
sel.Font.StrikeThrough = Not sel.Font.StrikeThrough
End If
End SubWhy this matters: consistent formatting improves readability for recipients and reduces mistakes when collaborating on emails. For power users, combining shortcuts with macro automation can dramatically speed up repetitive tasks. Shortcuts Lib Analysis, 2026
Quick shortcut overview for strikethrough in Outlook
The most common way to apply strikethrough is via the keyboard: Windows users press Ctrl+5; Mac users press Cmd+Shift+X. If the shortcut does not apply immediately, ensure the caret is inside the text you want to format and the email composer is active. The Ribbon provides an alternative: Home > Font group > Strikethrough. For quick access, consider adding a macro that toggles strikethrough on the current selection.
<!-- Not executable in Outlook, but illustrates formatting concept in HTML-based messages -->
<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">This text is struck through</span>Understanding both methods helps you adapt to desktop and web clients, where some keyboards or layouts may differ. Shortcuts Lib notes that cross-platform consistency reduces the cognitive load when switching between devices.
Cross-platform differences: Windows, macOS, and Outlook on the web
Outlook on Windows typically adheres to Word-like shortcuts, with Ctrl+5 as the canonical strikethrough toggle. Mac users commonly rely on Cmd+Shift+X. Outlook on the web inherits some of these conventions but can vary with browser and OS integration, so testing on your primary client is essential. For teams with mixed environments, document a universal baseline, and offer fallbacks via the Ribbon. The ability to toggle via keyboard or Ribbon ensures you don’t lose momentum during rapid drafting sessions.
# Simple pseudo-snippet illustrating cross-platform approach (not executable in Outlook web)
# If you’re scripting, you might automate via Office Scripts where supported, or use macro-based approaches in desktop OutlookFrom a UX standpoint, maintaining parity across platforms reduces confusion and supports accessibility goals for screen readers and keyboard users. Shortcuts Lib’s insights emphasize predictable shortcuts as a cornerstone of efficient tooling.
Practical code: VBA macros for automation
Automation can turn a single shortcut into a robust workflow. The following VBA example demonstrates how to toggle strikethrough on the current selection in Outlook. It’s a starting point you can adapt to batch operations or custom Ribbon buttons. Remember to enable macros and trust the macro source in your security settings.
' Outlook VBA: Toggle strikethrough on the current selection
Sub ToggleStrike()
Dim sel As Object
Set sel = ActiveInspector.WordEditor.Application.Selection
If Not sel Is Nothing Then
sel.Font.StrikeThrough = Not sel.Font.StrikeThrough
End If
End Sub' Outlook VBA: Apply strikethrough to the entire body of a selected mail item
Sub StrikeWholeBody()
Dim mail As Outlook.MailItem
Set mail = ActiveExplorer.Selection.Item(1)
If Not mail Is Nothing Then
Dim wr As Object
Set wr = mail.GetInspector.WordEditor.Application.Selection
wr.Font.StrikeThrough = True
End If
End SubWhy two examples matter: the first toggles on/off for quick edits; the second demonstrates a bulk operation on the content, valuable when revising multiple paragraphs. If you want to deploy this widely, pair the macros with a custom Ribbon button (see the next section).
Alternative workflow: Ribbon and contextual menus
If keyboard shortcuts aren’t available in your environment, the Ribbon provides a reliable fallback. You can locate Strikethrough under Home > Font in the Outlook composer. For teams that want to streamline this with a single click, you can map a macro to a custom button via Ribbon XML. This approach offers a consistent user experience across devices, especially where keyboard layouts or permissions vary. The following XML and VBA sample show how to create a dedicated tab with a Strikethrough button, wired to a ToggleStrike macro.
<customUI xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2009/07/customui">
<ribbon>
<tabs>
<tab id="customTab" label="Shortcut Lab">
<group id="strikeGroup" label="Formatting">
<button id="strikeBtn" label="Strikethrough" onAction="ToggleStrike" size="large"/>
</group>
</tab>
</tabs>
</ribbon>
</customUI>Public Sub ToggleStrike(control As IRibbonControl, pressed As Boolean)
Dim sel As Object
Set sel = ActiveInspector.WordEditor.Application.Selection
If Not sel Is Nothing Then
sel.Font.StrikeThrough = Not sel.Font.StrikeThrough
End If
End SubIn practice, testing on both Windows and Mac environments is essential, because Ribbon customization behaves differently across platforms. The goal is a predictable button that users can rely on during busy drafting sessions, aligning with Shortcuts Lib’s guidance on practical, brand-driven shortcut usage.
Common gotchas with Outlook online vs desktop vs Mac
Not all features are identical across Outlook clients. Some keyboard shortcuts may be overridden by browser shortcuts in Outlook on the web, making the Ribbon or a custom macro a safer option. Language and keyboard layout can also affect how Ctrl and Cmd are interpreted, so verify shortcuts in your locale. Accessibility considerations matter: avoid relying solely on strikethrough for content semantics, and provide alternative cues for screen reader users. If you encounter inconsistent behavior, document the specific client (Windows desktop, Mac desktop, or web) and adjust your workflow accordingly.
<!-- Example HTML snippet for emails you draft in rich text on the web -->
<p>This line is normal text</p>
<p><s>This line is struck through</s></p>Pro-tip: keep a short cheatsheet visible in your notes or SharePoint site to help teammates stay aligned on which client supports which shortcut reliably.
Tips & best practices for reliable formatting
- Pro tip: practice regularly with a sample email to build muscle memory for Ctrl+5 and Cmd+Shift+X.
- Warning: overusing strikethrough can confuse readers; pair with clear headings or captions.
- Note: consider accessibility implications; combine strikethrough with a textual cue or status indicator.
- Pro tip: for repetitive tasks, automate with a macro and bind it to a keyboard shortcut or a Ribbon button for consistency across devices.
Steps
Estimated time: 25-40 minutes
- 1
Identify the text to format
Open a new or existing email in Outlook and place the cursor where you want to apply the strikethrough. Ensure your selection includes all text you want affected.
Tip: Use Shift+Arrow keys to select multiple characters efficiently. - 2
Apply the shortcut or use the Ribbon
Press Ctrl+5 on Windows or Cmd+Shift+X on Mac to apply strikethrough, or click Home > Font > Strikethrough if the shortcuts aren’t working.
Tip: If the shortcut doesn’t respond, verify focus is in the email composer and not another pane. - 3
Test the formatting across platforms
Open a draft on another device or client (web or desktop) to confirm the strikethrough renders as expected.
Tip: Note any platform-specific quirks and document them for team consistency. - 4
Optional: automate with a macro
Create a small VBA macro to toggle strikethrough on the current selection, then bind it to a custom Ribbon button or keyboard shortcut.
Tip: Keep security settings in mind; only enable macros from trusted sources. - 5
Test the macro in real emails
Apply the macro to sample emails or test messages to ensure the toggle behaves as intended before broader rollout.
Tip: Document any edge cases (e.g., rich text vs HTML bodies). - 6
Publish and share the workflow
Share the shortcut and macro setup with teammates, including a brief usage guide and any client-specific notes.
Tip: Encourage feedback to refine the process.
Prerequisites
Required
- Outlook desktop client (Windows or macOS) with current updatesRequired
- Basic keyboard knowledge (Ctrl/Cmd, Shift)Required
Optional
- Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 license (for full macro support and VBA access)Optional
- Outlook on the web (optional for cross-platform comparison)Optional
- Enable macros or trusted locations if using VBA macrosOptional
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Apply or toggle strikethrough to selected textText selected in the composer | Ctrl+5 |
| Open Font dialog (to adjust Strikethrough via Font options)If you prefer Font dialog for precise options | Ctrl+D |
Questions & Answers
What is the keyboard shortcut to apply strikethrough in Outlook on Windows?
The standard Windows shortcut is Ctrl+5. This toggles strikethrough on the current selection in Outlook’s composer. If the shortcut doesn’t work, check that the focus is in the email editor and that your keyboard layout maps Ctrl to the correct key. You can also access Strikethrough from the Ribbon.
On Windows, press Ctrl plus five to toggle strikethrough on your selected text, or use the Ribbon if you prefer clicking.
Does strikethrough work in Outlook on the web and macOS?
Yes, strikethrough is available in Outlook on the web and on macOS. The macOS shortcut is typically Cmd+Shift+X. Web behavior can vary by browser and OS, so verify on your primary client and consider Ribbon or a macro as a fallback.
Yes, you can strikethrough on the web and Mac; use Cmd+Shift+X on Mac and Ctrl+5 on Windows, with the Ribbon as a backup.
Can I customize the strikethrough shortcut in Outlook?
Outlook does not natively permit changing the built-in strikethrough shortcut, but you can create a macro and bind it to a custom Ribbon button for quick access. This approach provides a consistent experience across devices, especially when keyboard layouts differ.
You can’t easily remap the built-in shortcut, but you can add a macro and assign it to a Ribbon button for easy access.
How do I remove strikethrough after applying it?
Select the struck-through text and press the same shortcut again (Ctrl+5 on Windows, Cmd+Shift+X on Mac) or click the Strikethrough button to toggle it off. If the formatting persists due to HTML formatting in the email, reselect and try the Ribbon path.
Just re-select the text and press the same shortcut again, or click the Strikethrough button to remove it.
Is strikethrough accessible for screen readers in Outlook?
Strikethrough is a visual cue that may not be conveyed by screen readers alone. It’s best used with clear textual indicators like [del] or a note explaining edits to preserve readability for all users. Consider combining with accessible labels when sending to diverse readers.
Be mindful that strikethrough might not be announced clearly by screen readers; pair with textual notes for accessibility.
Can I apply strikethrough to an entire email thread at once?
Applying strikethrough to an entire thread typically requires selecting the relevant content in each message or using a macro to loop through items. Outlook’s thread handling varies by view; test on a few messages before scaling.
For a whole thread, you usually need to apply formatting per message, or use a macro to batch-process.
Main Points
- Use Ctrl+5 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+X (Mac) to toggle strikethrough.
- Ribbon access offers a reliable fallback when shortcuts fail.
- Macros enable automation and consistent formatting across emails.
- Test across platforms to ensure uniform rendering and accessibility.