Understanding Strikethrough Formatting
Strikethrough is a formatting technique that draws a line horizontally through the centre of text, rendering it visually struck out while remaining legible. Unlike deletion, which removes text entirely, strikethrough preserves the original content for readers to see.
Common uses include:
- Document editing — Showing revisions and tracked changes without erasing the original wording
- Task lists — Marking completed items while maintaining a full record of work
- Online communication — Expressing irony, sarcasm, or humorous "second thoughts" in posts and messages
- Redaction — Obscuring sensitive information before sharing documents publicly
Different platforms implement strikethrough using either native formatting (menus and shortcuts) or special Unicode combining characters that overlay a line on individual letters.
Strikethrough Methods Across Platforms
Most applications support strikethrough through quick keyboard shortcuts or menu options:
- Google Docs — Press Alt + Shift + 5 (Windows/ChromeOS) or ⌘ + Shift + X (Mac); alternatively, navigate to Format → Text → Strikethrough
- Microsoft Word — Press Ctrl + D to open font options, then check the Strikethrough box
- Excel — Press Ctrl + 5 to apply strikethrough to selected cells
- Markdown — Wrap text with double tildes:
~~strikethrough~~ - Forum and messaging platforms — Use syntax like
[s]text[/s]or single tildes depending on the site
Some platforms lack built-in strikethrough support, which is where text generators become invaluable for creating the effect using Unicode.
Redaction vs. Strikethrough: When Each Applies
While strikethrough leaves text visible, redaction completely conceals it—a critical distinction in formal documents. Redacted text appears as solid black bars or blocks, hiding sensitive information entirely before publication.
Use redaction for:
- Legal documents requiring privacy compliance
- Government or corporate records with classified content
- Personal identifiable information (names, addresses, account numbers)
- Confidential business strategies or trade secrets
Use strikethrough for:
- Editorial changes in collaborative writing
- Informal corrections in notes or social media
- Completed task indicators in to-do lists
- Humorous intent or sarcastic commentary
Redaction is legally binding; strikethrough is purely visual and decorative. Choose based on whether the original text should remain readable.
Practical Tips for Strikethrough Text
Keep these considerations in mind when applying strikethrough formatting.
- Verify platform compatibility — Not all platforms render strikethrough identically. Text generators using Unicode combining characters may display differently across browsers, mobile devices, and operating systems. Always test your formatted text in the actual destination before sending important documents.
- Distinguish between formatting styles — Standard strikethrough uses a single horizontal line through the middle of text. Some generators also offer slash strikethrough, fully redacted blocks, or shaded variants. Each serves different purposes—choose the style that best communicates your intent to the reader.
- Preserve context in editing — When using strikethrough for tracked changes, keep struck-out text brief and paired with clean replacements nearby. Long passages of strikethrough become difficult to parse and may confuse rather than clarify edits. Use strikethrough for individual words or short phrases.
- Check accessibility implications — Screen readers and text-to-speech tools may not properly convey strikethrough formatting, potentially creating confusion for users with visual impairments. For critical content, consider adding explicit text explanations alongside strikethrough rather than relying solely on the visual effect.
Common Applications in Digital Work
Strikethrough text serves practical functions across professional and creative domains. Content creators and editors use it to show iteration without deleting previous versions—essential for collaborative projects where change history matters. Legal and HR professionals employ redaction (a strikethrough variant) to meet confidentiality obligations when sharing templates or example documents.
On social media, strikethrough conveys a more nuanced tone than plain text, allowing writers to joke about their own posts or express ironic commentary. In project management, strikethrough on completed tasks provides visual satisfaction and maintains transparency about work progress. The formatting's versatility makes it indispensable for anyone who needs to communicate what was changed, completed, or intentionally hidden.