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Whether you are a professional editor or a teacher, strikethrough is an essential option for you. It allows you to correct an error but leave the original so that others can compare it. Of course, many people cross out their own documents, agendas, to-do lists, and whatnot. It allows you to keep track of what you have done and what you need to do.

As more and more people use Google Docs, the options are becoming more advanced. In this article, we’ll show you how to cross out in Google Docs, both on the desktop and in the app.
How to cross out in the Google Docs app
The strikethrough option in the Google Docs app does not depend on whether you are using an iOS or Android device. The real difference is in the type of device. The Google Docs app for tablets and iPads is very different from the phone version.
While the tablet version is very simple and even more intuitive than the desktop version, the same cannot be said for the smartphone version. The reason is obvious: on the smaller screen there is not enough space for all the commands. However, Google Docs is much better optimized for the phone than many other writing tools.
If you use the Google Docs app on your tablet, here’s what you need to do:
- Open the app.

- Open the document you want to edit.

- Select the text you want to cross out.

- Click on the letter S in the top menu.

That’s all! The application is so intuitive that you can cross out the text with a single click. If you don’t see the letter S, take a look at the left corner of the top menu. It should be there, next to common formatting icons like bold and underline.
If you have the app on your phone, the following guide is for you. The app looks pretty much the same on all phones. Here’s how to cross out any text:
- Open the app.

- Open the document you want to edit.

- Select the text you want to cross out.

- Tap the Format icon (which looks like the letter A) in the right corner.

- You should now see the Strikethrough icon (which looks like the letter S).

- Touch it.

How to Strike Out Google Docs on a PC Browser
Unlike other tools, Google Docs is great for the browser. It means you can access your documents wherever you are, even on someone else’s device. In addition, you can also use all the formatting functions.
When you open Google Docs in a PC browser, all you need is the Format menu, which is usually located at the top of the screen. If you can’t see it, maybe your menu is hidden or you need to press the Esc button.
Here’s how to strike out in a PC browser:
- Open Google Docs.

- Open the document you want to edit.

- Select the part you want to cross out.

- Click the Format menu.

- Select Strikethrough.

Even if you prefer to use shortcuts, it’s always good to know how to do things the traditional way, as you’ll agree.
How to cross out in Google Docs with a keyboard shortcut
If you use this feature frequently, you may find it useful to learn how to do it with a keyboard shortcut. Since the MacBook has a different keyboard than Windows and Linux, these will be addressed separately.
On Windows or Linux, here’s what you do:
- Open Google Docs.

- Open the document you want to edit.

- Select the word or phrase you want to cross out.

- Press the following keys: Alt + Shift +5

The selected text should now have a line running through it.
If you have a Mac, the shortcut will be a little different:
- Open Google Docs.

- Open the document you want to edit.

- Select where you want to cross out.

- Press the following keys: Command + Shift + X

That’s all! The selected text should now have a line through it.
How to remove strikethrough in the Google Docs app
When you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to cross off more than you wanted to. Don’t worry, there is an easy way to remove it on all devices.
If you’re using the Google Docs app on your tablet or iPad, here’s what you need to do:
- Select the text you want to remove the strikethrough from.

- Click on the letter S in the top menu.

So easy! Yes, just like bold and italics, the feature toggles on and off.
If you’re using the Google Docs app on your phone, iPhone, or Android, here’s what you need to do:
- Select where you want to remove the strikethrough.

- Tap the Format icon (which looks like the letter A) in the right corner.

- You should now see the Strikethrough icon (which looks like the letter S).

- Touch it.

That’s all! The same icon to add strikethrough will now remove it.
It’s good to know that you can find almost all the formatting tools under the Format icon. You can change the font and size of the letters, make the text bold or underlined, etc. Yes, these features may seem hidden at first, but once you know where to find them, you’ll be able to edit your documents like a pro, even without using your computer.
How to remove strikethrough in Google Docs through a PC browser
If you use Google Docs in a PC browser, you have two options to remove strikethrough. You can do it with the menu or with a keyboard shortcut. Let’s start with the traditional way using the menu:
- Select the text where you want to remove the strikethrough.

- Open the Format menu.

- Click Text.

- Click Strikethrough.

Again, the same strikethrough option works intermittently. It will automatically remove the strikethrough from the selected part.
There is a faster way to do it. Of course, we are talking about keyboard shortcuts and they are a little different depending on the operating system.
Shortcut for Windows and Linux:
- Select the text you want to remove the strikethrough.

- Press the following keys: Alt + Shift + 5

Shortcut for Mac:
- Select the text to remove the strikethrough.

- Press Command + Shift + X

Explore the options you have
Google Docs offers many features to edit and customize your text, and strikethrough is just one of them. The best thing is that they are available on all devices. It doesn’t matter if you use Google Docs on your phone, tablet, or web browser.