Strikethrough text in Microsoft Outlook is a way to cross out text in an email, giving the impression that the text is no longer valid or has been completed. To do this, simply highlight the text you want to strikethrough, go to the “Format Text” tab, select the “Strikethrough” button (which looks like a “T” with a line through it), and voila! Your text will now appear with a line through it.
After you complete the action of adding a strikethrough to text in Outlook, the text will remain edited in this way until you choose to remove the strikethrough. This visual cue can be helpful for indicating that something has been removed from consideration, completed, or is otherwise not applicable in the context of your email.
Introduction
When it comes to drafting emails, Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used platforms, both in the professional world and for personal use. With its array of features and tools, Outlook allows users to customize their messages in a plethora of ways to fit their needs. One such feature is the ability to strikethrough text. But why is this feature important, and who stands to benefit from using it?
Think about it: How often have you sent or received an email that contained an error or outdated information? Or perhaps you’ve been part of an email chain where tasks were listed and needed to be marked off as they were completed. In these contexts, the ability to strikethrough text is incredibly useful. Not only does it allow for clear communication without the need to delete text, but it also maintains the integrity of the original email for future reference. Whether you’re a project manager keeping track of tasks, an editor noting changes that need to be made, or simply someone who wants to ensure their email communications are as clear as possible, knowing how to strikethrough text in Outlook is an essential skill.
Step by Step Tutorial: Strikethrough Text in Microsoft Outlook
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that by following these instructions, you’ll be able to visually communicate to your recipients that certain pieces of text have been crossed out for a reason, without actually removing the text from the email.
Step 1: Open the email
Open the email you want to edit in Microsoft Outlook.
This is self-explanatory – you can’t strikethrough text if you don’t have the email open!
Step 2: Highlight the text
Highlight the text you wish to strikethrough by clicking and dragging over it.
Make sure you only highlight the text you want to mark. If you highlight too much, you might strikethrough text you didn’t mean to!
Step 3: Access the “Format Text” tab
Navigate to the “Format Text” tab at the top of your Outlook window.
This is where all your text formatting tools are located, including the strikethrough option.
Step 4: Click the “Strikethrough” button
In the “Font” group, click on the “Strikethrough” button.
It’s the button that looks like a “T” with a line through it. Once you click it, your highlighted text will automatically be struck through.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Clear Communication | Using strikethrough in Outlook helps to convey a message without removing text, maintaining clarity. |
| Record Keeping | It allows for a visual record of changes, revisions, or completed items in a conversation. |
| Professionalism | Utilizing Outlook’s text formatting options, including strikethrough, can make emails look more professional. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Overuse Can Be Confusing | If you use strikethrough too much, it can make an email difficult to read and understand. |
| Not Universally Recognized | Some recipients might not understand what the strikethrough means, leading to confusion. |
| Can’t Undo Easily | If you accidentally apply strikethrough, it can be tedious to undo if not noticed immediately. |
Additional Information
When working with strikethrough text in Outlook, there are a few additional tips worth noting. First, you can also use keyboard shortcuts to strikethrough text. After highlighting the text, simply press Ctrl + T, and the strikethrough will be applied. This can save time if you’re editing large chunks of text. Another thing to keep in mind is that the strikethrough feature is also available in other Microsoft Office applications, like Word and Excel, allowing for consistency across documents.
Lastly, for those who use Outlook on the web, the process is slightly different—instead of a “Format Text” tab, you’ll use the formatting toolbar at the bottom of the email compose window. Remembering these tips can make using the strikethrough feature in Microsoft Outlook even easier.
Summary
- Open the email you want to edit.
- Highlight the text to strikethrough.
- Go to the “Format Text” tab.
- Click the “Strikethrough” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a keyboard shortcut to strikethrough text in Outlook?
Yes, after highlighting the text, press Ctrl + T, and the strikethrough will be applied.
Will strikethrough text in Outlook sync across all devices?
As long as you’re using the same Outlook account, the strikethrough should appear on all synced devices.
Can I remove strikethrough from text in Outlook?
Yes, simply re-highlight the text and click the “Strikethrough” button again to remove the line.
Does strikethrough work in Outlook on the web?
Yes, but instead of the “Format Text” tab, you’ll use the formatting toolbar at the bottom of the email compose window.
Is strikethrough text in Outlook visible to all email recipients?
Yes, anyone who receives the email will see the strikethrough text, provided their email client supports basic text formatting.
Conclusion
In the realm of electronic communication, especially in a professional setting, being able to clearly and efficiently relay information is key. Strikethrough text in Microsoft Outlook is a simple yet powerful tool that can help convey changes, updates, or completion of tasks within the body of an email.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily add this element to your email formatting repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned Outlook user or new to the platform, mastering the strikethrough feature is sure to enhance the functionality and appearance of your communications. So go ahead, give it a try, and take your email game to the next level!
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.