Crossing out text in Excel, also known as strikethrough, is a handy formatting tool to indicate that an item is completed or no longer relevant. It’s a visual cue that’s easy to apply. So, let’s dive into how you can cross out text in Excel.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Cross Out in Excel
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of it all, it’s important to note that crossing out text in Excel is a simple process that involves a few clicks. You will be using the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box to apply the strikethrough formatting to your selected text.
Step 1: Select the cell(s)
Select the cell or range of cells that you want to cross out.
Selecting the cells is crucial because if you don’t, you’ll end up not applying the strikethrough to the right area. Make sure you click and drag across all the cells you want to modify.
Step 2: Open the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box
Right-click on the selected cell(s) and choose ‘Format Cells’ from the context menu.
The ‘Format Cells’ dialog box is where all the magic happens. You can also open it by pressing ‘Ctrl + 1’ on your keyboard, which is a handy shortcut to remember.
Step 3: Apply the strikethrough format
In the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box, go to the ‘Font’ tab and check the ‘Strikethrough’ box. Then, click ‘OK’.
After you check the ‘Strikethrough’ box, you’ll see a preview of how your text will look. If you’re satisfied, hitting ‘OK’ will apply the format to your selected cells.
Once you complete these steps, your selected text in Excel will be crossed out. This visual change helps to keep your data organized, especially when dealing with task lists or items that need to be marked as done.
Tips: How to Cross Out in Excel
- Use the ‘Ctrl + 5’ keyboard shortcut to quickly apply or remove strikethrough formatting from selected cells.
- Combine strikethrough with other formats like color fills or bold text to make the crossed-out cells stand out even more.
- If you need to cross out text frequently, consider adding the strikethrough button to your Quick Access Toolbar for easy access.
- Remember that crossing out text does not delete it. The information is still in the cell and can be read or edited as needed.
- To remove strikethrough, simply follow the same steps and uncheck the ‘Strikethrough’ option in the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply strikethrough to only part of the text in a cell?
Yes, you can apply strikethrough to only part of the text within a cell by double-clicking the cell and selecting the specific text you want to format.
Will the strikethrough formatting be preserved when I copy and paste cells?
Yes, when you copy and paste cells, the strikethrough formatting, along with other formatting, will be carried over to the pasted cells.
Can I use a keyboard shortcut to cross out text in Excel?
Yes, you can use ‘Ctrl + 5’ to quickly apply or remove strikethrough formatting from selected cells.
Is it possible to cross out text in Excel on a Mac?
Yes, the steps to cross out text in Excel on a Mac are similar. Instead of right-clicking, you can use the ‘Command + 1’ shortcut to open the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box.
How do I remove strikethrough formatting from my text?
To remove strikethrough formatting, follow the same steps to open the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box and uncheck the ‘Strikethrough’ option.
Summary
- Select the cell(s) you want to cross out.
- Open the ‘Format Cells’ dialog box by right-clicking and selecting ‘Format Cells’ or using the ‘Ctrl + 1’ shortcut.
- Apply the strikethrough format by checking the ‘Strikethrough’ box and clicking ‘OK’.
Conclusion
Excel is a powerful tool that allows for a variety of formatting options, with strikethrough being one of the simplest yet most effective. Crossing out text in Excel is a breeze once you get the hang of it, and it can greatly improve the readability and organization of your data. Whether you’re managing a to-do list, budget, or project timeline, knowing how to cross out text in Excel is a useful skill that can make your spreadsheets more functional and visually appealing. Remember to practice the steps outlined in this article, explore the tips to speed up the process, and don’t hesitate to refer back to the frequently asked questions if you ever find yourself stuck. Happy Excel formatting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.