What Is The Command For Strikethrough

Strikethrough text is a fundamental formatting tool used to indicate deletion, correction, or a change of thought without actually removing the content. In practice, whether you are editing a document, coding a website, messaging a friend, or managing a spreadsheet, knowing the specific command for strikethrough saves significant time. Because the shortcut varies wildly depending on the operating system, application, and markup language you are using, this guide consolidates every essential command into one comprehensive reference.

The Universal Concept: Why Strikethrough Matters

Before diving into specific keystrokes, it helps to understand why this formatting exists. Here's the thing — visually, strikethrough draws a horizontal line through the center of text (like this). Semantically, it signals that the text is no longer valid, has been completed, or represents a "crossed out" idea. Practically speaking, in collaborative environments like Google Docs or Microsoft Word track changes, it preserves history. In markdown languages like GitHub Flavored Markdown or Discord, it adds tone or humor. Mastering the strikethrough shortcut for your specific workflow eliminates the friction of hunting through menu bars Simple as that..

Desktop Word Processors: Microsoft Word & Google Docs

These are the most common environments where users search for the strikethrough command. The difference between Windows and macOS is the primary variable here.

Microsoft Word (Windows)

Microsoft Word offers two distinct methods: a dedicated keyboard shortcut and a Font dialog box command.

• Primary Shortcut: Select the text and press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box, then press Alt + K to check the Strikethrough box, followed by Enter.
• Faster Alternative (Customizable): Word does not have a default single-chord shortcut (like Ctrl+Shift+X) assigned by default in recent versions, but many users create one via File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts > Format > Font > Strikethrough.
• Ribbon Access: Home tab > Font group > abc (Strikethrough icon).

Microsoft Word (Mac)

Mac users have a native, consistent shortcut that works across most Microsoft 365 apps.

• Shortcut: Cmd + Shift + X
• Menu Path: Format > Font > Strikethrough.

Google Docs (Cross-Platform)

Google Docs unified its shortcuts years ago, making them identical on Windows, ChromeOS, and macOS (using the Command key on Mac).

• Shortcut (Windows/ChromeOS): Alt + Shift + 5
• Shortcut (Mac): Cmd + Shift + X (Note: This mirrors the Word Mac shortcut, creating muscle memory consistency).
• Menu Path: Format > Text > Strikethrough.

Markup Languages & Code Editors: Markdown, HTML, LaTeX

For developers, technical writers, and content managers, "command" implies syntax rather than a hotkey Worth knowing..

Markdown (Standard & GitHub Flavored)

Standard Markdown (CommonMark) did not originally support strikethrough, but GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) and most modern parsers (GitLab, Bitbucket, Notion, Obsidian, Discord, Slack) adopted the double-tilde syntax.

• Syntax: ~~text to strike~~
• Rendered Output: text to strike
• Usage: This is the standard command for strikethrough in README files, issues, pull requests, and modern note-taking apps.

HTML & XML

In web development, semantic meaning matters. There are two tags, and choosing the right one affects SEO and accessibility.

• <s> Tag: Use for text that is no longer accurate or relevant (e.g., a price change).
  • Example: <p>Price: <s>$100</s> $80</p>
• <del> Tag: Use for text that has been deleted from a document (often paired with <ins> for insertions). This conveys a stronger semantic signal to screen readers and search engines about document revision history.
  • Example: <p>My favorite color is <del>blue</del> <ins>green</ins>.</p>
• CSS Alternative: text-decoration: line-through; applied to a <span> or class. This is purely visual and carries no semantic weight.

LaTeX

Academic and scientific writing requires the ulem or soul package And that's really what it comes down to..

• Package: \usepackage{ulem} (in preamble)
• Command: \sout{text to strike}
• Alternative (soul package): \st{text to strike} (often handles line breaks better).

Communication Platforms: Discord, Slack, WhatsApp, Telegram

Modern chat apps rely heavily on Markdown-inspired syntax for inline formatting The details matter here..

Discord & Slack

Both platforms use the GFM standard double-tilde syntax.

• Command: ~~your text~~
• Note: On mobile keyboards, the tilde (~) is often buried in symbol menus. On iOS, hold the 123 key and slide to the tilde; on Android, long-press the period or symbol key.

WhatsApp & Telegram

These apps use a unique single-character syntax distinct from standard Markdown.

• WhatsApp Command: ~text~ (Single tilde on both sides).
• Telegram Command: ~text~ (Single tilde).
• Difference: Do not use double tildes here; ~~text~~ will display the tildes literally rather than striking the text.

Reddit (Old vs. New Editor)

• Markdown Mode (Old/New): ~~text~~
• Fancy Pants Editor (New UI): Highlight text > Click the S icon (Strikethrough) in the toolbar.

Spreadsheets: Excel & Google Sheets

Strikethrough in spreadsheets is often used for "done" items in task lists. The commands differ significantly from their word processor counterparts.

Microsoft Excel

• Windows Shortcut: Ctrl + 5 (This is a toggle; press again to remove).
• Mac Shortcut: Cmd + Shift + X (Consistent with Word Mac).
• Format Cells Dialog: Ctrl + 1 (Windows) / Cmd + 1 (Mac) > Font tab > Check Strikethrough.

Google Sheets

• Windows/ChromeOS Shortcut: Alt + Shift + 5 (Consistent with Google Docs).
• Mac Shortcut: Cmd + Shift + X (Consistent with Google Docs Mac).
• Menu: Format > Text > Strikethrough.

Operating System Level: Windows vs. macOS Text Replacement

If an application lacks a native shortcut (like Notepad, simple text fields, or legacy software), you can create system-wide text expansion rules Simple, but easy to overlook..

Windows (AutoHotkey / PowerToys)

Since Windows lacks a native global strikethrough hotkey for plain text fields, power users rely on Microsoft PowerToys (Text Expander module) or AutoHotkey.

• AutoHotkey Script Example: ^+x::SendInput {Ctrl Down}{Shift Down}x{Ctrl Up}{Shift Up} (Simulates Ctrl+Shift+X in supported apps) or simply inserts ~~ ~~ around selection for Markdown fields.