To strikethrough text in Microsoft Outlook, select the text in your email, go to the Format Text tab, and click the Strikethrough button (ab with a line through it) in the Font group. On the keyboard, press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog, then Alt + K and Enter. In the new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web, use the formatting toolbar under the message. The steps for each version are below.
Classic Outlook for Windows
- Open a new email, reply or forward.
- Select the text you want to cross out.
- Click the Format Text tab.
- In the Font group, click Strikethrough (ab with a line through it).
Click the button again to remove it. If you don’t see the button, the ribbon may be collapsed or narrow. Make the window wider, or click the small arrow in the corner of the Font group to open the full Font dialog.
Keyboard method
- Select the text.
- Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog.
- Press Alt + K to tick Strikethrough.
- Press Enter.
The Font dialog also has Double strikethrough if you want two lines.
New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web
- Start a new message and select the text.
- In the formatting toolbar under the message (or on the Format text tab at the top), look for Strikethrough.
- If it’s hidden, click More options (three dots) at the end of the toolbar and choose Strikethrough.
If you don’t see a formatting toolbar, click Format text at the top of the message window to show it.
Outlook for Mac
Select the text, then click the Strikethrough button on the Format Text or Message tab. You can also use Format > Font from the menu bar and tick Strikethrough.
Outlook mobile app
Tap in the message, select the text, and tap the formatting icon (a pen or “Aa”) above the keyboard. Strikethrough is in the formatting options on most versions; if it’s missing, compose the email on a computer.
Strikethrough isn’t available? Switch to HTML
Plain text emails can’t have any formatting. In classic Outlook, check Format Text > Format and choose HTML. To make HTML the default for new messages, go to File > Options > Mail > Compose messages and set Compose messages in this format to HTML. Recipients using plain text email won’t see the line either, though most email apps display HTML.
Ways people use strikethrough in email
- Showing changes: cross out an old price, date or detail and add the new one next to it, so the reader sees what changed.
- Checklists: strike out completed items in a list you send back and forth.
- Corrections: mark a mistake from a previous message without deleting it.
For reviews of formal documents, Track Changes in Word is clearer than manual strikethrough. See how to strikethrough in Word for Word shortcuts.
Strikethrough on tasks and flags
In Outlook’s Tasks or To Do list, marking a task as complete shows it with a line through it automatically. You don’t add that formatting yourself. To clear it, mark the task as not complete.
Add a shortcut to the Quick Access Toolbar
If you use strikethrough often in classic Outlook, right-click the Strikethrough button in a message window and choose Add to Quick Access Toolbar. Press Alt to see its number, then use Alt + that number as a one-step shortcut.
Troubleshooting
The recipient doesn’t see the strikethrough
Their email app shows plain text, or your message was sent in plain text. Send in HTML, or write “(was: old value)” as well for clarity.
The button is greyed out
You’re in the message body of a plain text email, or no text is selected. Switch to HTML and select the text first.
Strikethrough also affects the signature
The selection included your signature. Press Ctrl + Z, then select only the words you want.
Other Office apps
| App | Strikethrough |
|---|---|
| Word (Windows) | Alt, H, 4 or Ctrl + D then Alt + K |
| Excel (Windows) | Ctrl + 5 |
| Outlook (classic) | Format Text > Strikethrough, or Ctrl + D then Alt + K |
See how to add a strikethrough in Excel. To set up Outlook on a new PC, see how to configure Outlook in Windows 10. For sending lots of files, see how to send an entire folder as an attachment in Outlook.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a one-key strikethrough shortcut in Outlook?
Not by default in classic Outlook for Windows. Ctrl + D followed by Alt + K is the fastest built-in method, or add the button to the Quick Access Toolbar for an Alt + number shortcut as described above.
Can I use strikethrough in the subject line?
No. Subject lines are plain text and can’t hold formatting. Some people paste special Unicode characters that look crossed out, but they display unreliably and are hard for screen readers, so it’s better to rewrite the subject.
Does strikethrough work in Outlook calendar invites?
Yes. The body of a meeting request uses the same editor as email, so the Format Text tab and Ctrl + D work there too. It’s a useful way to show a changed time or location in an updated invite.
Will strikethrough show in replies?
Yes, as long as the reply stays in HTML. If someone replies in plain text, the line disappears from the quoted text.
Summary
- Classic Outlook: select text, Format Text > Strikethrough.
- Keyboard: Ctrl + D, Alt + K, Enter.
- New Outlook and web: formatting toolbar or More options > Strikethrough.
- Switch to HTML if the option is greyed out.
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.