How to Put a Dash Through Text in Google Docs

If you're looking to add a dash through your text in Google Docs—whether for editing purposes, to indicate a strikethrough, or to highlight changes—you're in the right place. Strikethrough text is a simple but powerful tool to show revisions or to simply highlight that something has been crossed out. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to apply a strikethrough in Google Docs efficiently. Let’s get started!

Steps to Add a Strikethrough in Google Docs

1. Open Your Google Document

First, you need to access the Google Docs document where you want to apply the strikethrough. Navigate to the Google Docs homepage and select the document from your list of recent or starred files. If you’re starting a new document, click on the "+ Blank" option to create a new file.

2. Select the Text to Cross Out

Highlight the text that you wish to apply the strikethrough effect to. Click and drag your cursor over the text to select it. You can also hold down the Shift key and use the arrow keys to select the text if you prefer keyboard shortcuts.

3. Access the Format Menu

Navigate to the top menu bar and click on "Format." This will open a dropdown menu with various formatting options for your text. The Format menu is where you’ll find the strikethrough option among other text editing tools.

4. Apply the Strikethrough

In the Format menu, hover over "Text" to open a sub-menu. Click on "Strikethrough" from this submenu. The selected text will now display with a line through it, indicating that it has been crossed out.

5. Verify the Result

Review your document to ensure that the strikethrough has been applied correctly. The text you selected should now have a horizontal line through it, showing that it has been crossed out.

FAQ

Q1: Can I remove the strikethrough from text in Google Docs?
A1: Yes, you can remove the strikethrough by selecting the text with the strikethrough applied and repeating the same steps. Clicking "Strikethrough" again in the Format menu will toggle the effect off.

Q2: Is there a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs?
A2: Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows or Command + Shift + X on Mac to quickly apply or remove a strikethrough from selected text.

Q3: Can I apply strikethrough to multiple sections of text at once?
A3: Absolutely! Simply hold down the Ctrl key (or Command key on Mac) while selecting different sections of text, then apply the strikethrough. Each selected section will be crossed out.

Q4: Will the strikethrough affect the formatting of the entire document?
A4: No, the strikethrough will only apply to the selected text. It does not impact the formatting of the entire document.