how to cross out text in google docs
Use this quick guide to apply strikethrough in Google Docs, remove it when needed, and decide when crossed-out text makes sense.
Use this page when you want the actual Google Docs strikethrough steps instead of a separate text effect.
Useful notes
Highlight the text you want to cross out, open the Format menu, choose Text, then select Strikethrough. Google Docs applies a line through the selected words while keeping the text editable. You can use the same menu path again to remove the formatting later.
Keyboard shortcuts can be faster if you use strikethrough often. On many Windows and ChromeOS setups, select the text and press Alt + Shift + 5. On macOS, Google Docs commonly uses Command + Shift + X. Shortcuts can vary by browser or keyboard layout, so check the Google Docs menu if yours differs.
Strikethrough is useful for edits, completed checklist items, price changes, deleted wording, or showing a before-and-after phrase. It should not replace comments when you need to explain a decision. Use it when the visual history matters and the original text should remain visible.
In collaborative documents, use strikethrough consistently. If the document has many edits, combine it with comments or Suggesting mode so readers understand why text was crossed out. For public or polished documents, remove unnecessary strikethrough before publishing.
The guide gives the menu path, shortcut notes, and related text tools without pretending Google Docs needs a separate generator. For the main tool, return to the Small Text Generator.
Related Tools
Copy Discord markdown examples for bold, italic, strikethrough, inline code, quotes, and cleaner server messages.
Open toolGenerate bold Unicode text for LinkedIn posts, comments, headings, and profile highlights when native formatting is not available.
Open toolCreate copyable LinkedIn text styles for post hooks, profile sections, comments, and clear professional emphasis.
Open toolTurn normal text into tiny Unicode letters that are easy to copy into captions, profile names, chat messages, and short social updates.
Open toolConvert regular text into cursive Unicode letters for names, bios, captions, and short decorative lines.
Open toolFAQ
Short answers about copying, compatibility, Unicode limits, and how the tool behaves across apps.
Select text, then go to Format, Text, and Strikethrough.
Select the crossed-out text and apply the same strikethrough command again to toggle it off.
Yes, but the option is usually inside the mobile formatting controls rather than the desktop menu.
No. Strikethrough keeps the original text visible with a line through it, while deletion removes the text.
