31/08/2020
Mastering the Strike-Through Effect in Microsoft Word
In the realm of digital document creation, particularly within Microsoft Word, clarity and precision are paramount. Whether you're a student proofreading an essay, a professional editing a report, or collaborating on a shared document, the ability to clearly indicate changes is crucial. One of the most effective ways to signify text that needs to be removed or is no longer relevant is by using the 'strikethrough' formatting. This simple yet powerful tool allows you to draw a line directly through your text, visually communicating that it has been deleted or modified. While there are several ways to achieve this effect, this guide will focus on the most efficient method: the keyboard shortcut.
Why Use Strikethrough?
The strikethrough format serves several important purposes in document editing:
- Indicating Deletions: In collaborative environments, strikethrough is the standard way to show that a piece of text has been removed. This preserves the original text for reference while clearly marking it for deletion.
- Proofreading: When reviewing your own work or the work of others, strikethrough is an excellent way to mark errors, awkward phrasing, or sections that need further attention without permanently deleting them.
- Showing Revisions: For documents that undergo multiple revisions, strikethrough helps to track changes. It provides a visual history of what has been altered, making it easier to understand the evolution of the document.
- Highlighting Specific Information: In some contexts, strikethrough can be used to draw attention to specific words or phrases that might be considered obsolete, incorrect, or simply require a second look.
The Swift Keyboard Shortcut: Ctrl + D
Microsoft Word offers a remarkably simple keyboard shortcut to access the Font dialogue box, which houses the strikethrough option. This method is significantly faster than navigating through menus, especially when you need to apply the formatting frequently. The magic combination is:
Ctrl + D
Let's break down how to use this shortcut effectively:
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Strikethrough
Select the Text:
The first and most critical step is to accurately select the word, phrase, or sentence you wish to apply the strikethrough effect to. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse cursor over the desired text. Alternatively, for precise selection, you can place your cursor at the beginning of the text and hold down the Shift key while using the arrow keys on your keyboard. If you need to select an entire paragraph, you can triple-click within the paragraph.
Access the Font Dialogue Box:
Once your text is highlighted, press and hold the Ctrl key (Control key) on your keyboard, and then press the D key. This action will instantly open the 'Font' dialogue box. This box contains a comprehensive array of formatting options for your text.
Activate the Strikethrough Option:
Within the 'Font' dialogue box, you will see various sections, including 'Font style', 'Size', and 'Font colour'. Look for the 'Effects' section. Here, you will find a checkbox labelled 'Strikethrough'. Simply click this checkbox to place a tick in it. If you want to apply a double line through the text, there is also a 'Double strikethrough' option available nearby.
Confirm and Apply:
After ticking the 'Strikethrough' checkbox, click the 'OK' button at the bottom of the dialogue box. Your selected text will immediately display a single line drawn through it, indicating the strikethrough formatting.
Applying Double Strikethrough
For those instances where a single line isn't enough emphasis, Microsoft Word also offers a 'Double strikethrough' option. To use this, follow the same steps as above, but in the 'Font' dialogue box, select the checkbox labelled 'Double strikethrough' instead of the single strikethrough option. This will apply two parallel lines through your text, providing even greater visual emphasis.
Removing Strikethrough Formatting
Should you need to revert your text back to its original state, removing the strikethrough is just as straightforward. Simply:
- Select the text that has the strikethrough formatting applied.
- Press Ctrl + D again to reopen the 'Font' dialogue box.
- In the 'Effects' section, uncheck the 'Strikethrough' (or 'Double strikethrough') box.
- Click 'OK'.
Alternatively, you can also use the 'Clear Formatting' option, often found on the Home tab in the Font group (it looks like an 'A' with a red eraser). Select the strikethrough text and click this button to remove all formatting, including strikethrough.
Strikethrough vs. Other Revision Tools
It's important to distinguish strikethrough from other revision tools available in Word, such as 'Track Changes'.
| Feature | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Strikethrough | Visually marks text for deletion with a line through it. The text remains visible. | Quickly indicating edits, proofreading, simple revisions. |
| Track Changes | Records all edits (insertions, deletions, formatting changes) made to a document. Deletions are typically shown as strikethrough with a different colour. | Formal collaboration, detailed revision history, ensuring all changes are reviewed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply strikethrough to specific characters within a word?
Yes, you can. Simply select the individual characters within the word that you wish to strike through before pressing Ctrl + D and selecting the strikethrough option.
Is there a shortcut to remove strikethrough formatting?
Yes, the same shortcut (Ctrl + D) can be used. Select the strikethrough text, press Ctrl + D, and then uncheck the 'Strikethrough' box in the Font dialogue. Alternatively, the 'Clear Formatting' button on the Home tab can also remove it.
Does strikethrough affect the underlying text?
No, strikethrough is purely a visual formatting change. The actual text content remains intact and can be edited or removed normally. It does not delete the text from the document.
Can I use strikethrough in other Microsoft Office applications?
Yes, the Ctrl + D shortcut to access the Font dialogue box and the strikethrough option are generally available in other Microsoft Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint, though its application and interpretation might vary slightly.
Conclusion
Mastering the strikethrough function in Microsoft Word is a valuable skill for anyone who regularly works with documents. The Ctrl + D shortcut provides an incredibly efficient way to apply this formatting, saving you time and streamlining your editing process. By understanding when and how to use strikethrough effectively, you can enhance the clarity, professionalism, and readability of your documents, making collaboration and proofreading a much smoother experience. Remember to utilise this tool judiciously to ensure your message is conveyed with the utmost precision.
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