How to Cross Out Words in Microsoft Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crossing out words in Microsoft Word is a simple yet effective way to indicate that text should be disregarded without actually removing it. This technique is often used in editing drafts or marking items as complete. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Cross Out Words in Microsoft Word

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish what we’re aiming to achieve. Crossing out words, also known as “strikethrough,” is a formatting option in Microsoft Word that lets you draw a line through text. It’s a visual cue that something should be considered deleted while still leaving it legible for reference.

Step 1: Select the Text

Click and drag your mouse over the words you want to cross out.

Selecting text is the first step in applying any formatting in Word, including strikethrough. Make sure you only select the text you want to cross out, as any formatting will apply to everything within the selection.

Step 2: Apply the Strikethrough Formatting

On the Home tab, in the Font group, click the Strikethrough button.

After selecting your text, the Strikethrough button is easily accessible on the main toolbar. It’s represented by a letter “ab” with a line through it. Clicking this button will immediately apply the strikethrough formatting to your selected text.

Step 3: Deselect Text

Click anywhere outside of the selected text to deselect it.

Once you’ve applied the formatting, click anywhere else in your document to remove the selection. The strikethrough will remain, but your text will no longer be highlighted.

After completing these steps, the words you selected will have a line through them. This indicates that they’ve been crossed out. You can still read what’s underneath, but it’s clear that the text is meant to be ignored or has been completed.

Tips for How to Cross Out Words in Microsoft Word

• If you find yourself using strikethrough often, you can add a Strikethrough button to the Quick Access Toolbar for easy access.
• You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box, where you can select Strikethrough and then click OK.
• If you want to remove strikethrough, simply select the crossed-out text and click the Strikethrough button again.
• You can use strikethrough in combination with other text formatting options like bold or italic for added emphasis.
• If you’re collaborating on a document, using strikethrough can be a clear way to suggest edits without altering the original text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply strikethrough to text in other Microsoft Office applications?

Yes, the strikethrough feature is available in other Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and PowerPoint, and the process is similar to the one in Word.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Word?

While there’s no direct keyboard shortcut for strikethrough, you can press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box and then select Strikethrough there.

Can I customize the appearance of the strikethrough line?

Word doesn’t offer customization options for the strikethrough line. It will always appear as a standard line through the middle of the text.

How can I remove strikethrough formatting?

To remove strikethrough formatting, select the text with the strikethrough and either click the Strikethrough button again or press Ctrl + D and uncheck Strikethrough in the Font dialog box.

Can I strikethrough text in Word Online?

Yes, you can use the strikethrough formatting in Word Online, the browser-based version of Word. The process is similar to the desktop application.

Summary

1. Select the text you want to cross out.
2. Click the Strikethrough button in the Font group on the Home tab.
3. Click anywhere outside of the text to deselect it.

Conclusion

Crossing out words in Microsoft Word is a breeze once you know where to look. It’s a handy tool for anyone who’s into editing, making lists, or just loves organizing their documents with visual cues. Remember, the strikethrough formatting isn’t just limited to Word; it’s available across the Microsoft Office suite, so feel free to strike through to your heart’s content in Excel and PowerPoint as well. The next time you’re knee-deep in document editing, and you need to mark something as done or unneeded without losing the original text, just strike it through! It’s an editor’s little secret weapon, a silent communicator between collaborators, and frankly, it’s just satisfying to see things crossed out. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and watch your productivity soar!