How to Do Strikethrough in Google Slides: Easy Steps to Cross Out Text

What is Strikethrough in Google Slides?

Strikethrough text is a formatting style that draws a horizontal line through the middle of the text. In Google Slides, this feature is helpful for visually showing tasks that are completed, edits to text, or changes that are no longer relevant. Whether you’re creating a to-do list, marking text as deleted, or showcasing progress on a project, strikethrough helps communicate modifications clearly without removing content.

How to Apply Strikethrough in Google Slides: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying strikethrough in Google Slides is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps:

1. Select the Text: Click and drag over the text that you want to apply the strikethrough to.
2. Open the Format Menu: On the top toolbar, click on Format.
3. Apply Strikethrough: From the dropdown menu, hover over Text and then select Strikethrough.

Alternatively, you can apply strikethrough using the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X for Windows or Command + Option + Shift + X for Mac).

Once done, you’ll see a line crossing through the selected text, indicating that the content is either completed, deleted, or revised.

Alternative Methods to Use Strikethrough in Google Slides

In addition to using the Format menu, you can apply strikethrough in Google Slides using the following methods:

Strikethrough via Keyboard Shortcut:

For faster text editing, use the keyboard shortcut:

• Windows: Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X
• Mac: Press Command + Option + Shift + X

This shortcut allows you to instantly add a strikethrough line over the text without having to navigate through the menu options.

Using the Toolbar:

Although there’s no direct button for strikethrough in the toolbar, you can access it via the Format menu, or by adding custom shortcuts using third-party tools.

How to Customize Strikethrough Text in Google Slides

Google Slides allows you to tweak how strikethrough text appears. While Google Slides doesn’t offer built-in controls to change the thickness of the line, you can adjust other settings:

1. Font Styles: Combine strikethrough with bold or italics to create a more striking visual effect.
2. Color Adjustments: Change the text color around the strikethrough to make it stand out even more.
3. Text Size and Positioning: Adjust the size or positioning of the text to emphasize the strikethrough more effectively.

This customization enhances your presentation, giving you full control over how your strikethrough text appears in your slides.

Why You Should Use Strikethrough in Google Slides

Strikethrough formatting in Google Slides is a great way to show edits, changes, or tasks that are completed without removing the content entirely. Here are some reasons why you should incorporate strikethrough into your presentations:

• Visual Clarity: It helps highlight changes while keeping the original content visible.
• Task Tracking: Strikethroughs are commonly used in checklists or to-do lists to show progress or completed tasks.
• Editing: You can use strikethrough to show edits, deletions, or changes in ideas during a brainstorming session.

Common Problems with Strikethrough in Google Slides and How to Fix Them

While strikethrough is a useful tool, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Strikethrough Not Appearing: If the strikethrough is not showing up, make sure that the text is correctly selected. You might also want to check if the text is properly formatted.
2. Strikethrough Not Working on Specific Text: If the strikethrough option is unavailable for certain text, try copying and pasting it into a new text box or clearing formatting.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue, refreshing the page or checking your browser settings might help.

How to Remove Strikethrough in Google Slides

If you want to remove strikethrough from your text, the process is just as easy:

1. Select the Text: Click the text that has the strikethrough applied.
2. Go to the Format Menu: Click on Format from the top menu.
3. Click on Strikethrough: Simply click on Strikethrough again to remove the effect.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X or Command + Option + Shift + X) to toggle the strikethrough on and off.

Strikethrough in Google Slides vs Other Google Apps

Although strikethrough is used in many Google apps, it behaves slightly differently in each. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Google Slides: Ideal for presentations; easily applies to text.
• Google Docs: More advanced formatting options like strikethrough with highlights.
• Google Sheets: Strikethrough is often used for task lists or completed items in spreadsheets.

Knowing how to apply strikethrough in each tool can help improve the consistency of your presentations and documents.

Strikethrough and Text Formatting in Google Slides: Additional Tips

You can combine strikethrough with other text styles to enhance your presentation:

• Bold and Strikethrough: Useful for showing tasks that are both completed and important.
• Italics and Strikethrough: Great for emphasizing a change or adjustment to a previously mentioned concept.
• Strikethrough with Bullets: Combine strikethrough with bullet points for clearer task completion tracking.

These combinations help you customize the text for a more professional presentation.

FAQs About Strikethrough in Google Slides

Can I apply strikethrough to multiple lines of text at once?

Yes, you can apply strikethrough to multiple lines by simply selecting all the text and following the same steps.

Is there a way to automate strikethrough in Google Slides?

While Google Slides doesn’t offer automation for strikethroughs, you can use third-party extensions to simplify the process if you use it frequently.

Conclusion: Mastering Strikethrough for a Better Google Slides Experience

Mastering strikethrough in Google Slides allows you to easily track edits, highlight completed tasks, and make your presentations visually appealing. Whether you’re managing a to-do list, making changes to your content, or organizing ideas, strikethrough is a valuable tool to streamline your workflow.

With the tips, methods, and troubleshooting advice provided, you can now confidently use strikethrough to improve your Google Slides presentations and create more polished, professional content.