Mastering Text Formatting in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide to Strikethrough
When working with Microsoft Word, you may encounter situations where you want to emphasize a particular piece of text by striking it through. This can be particularly useful for highlighting deleted or rejected text, or for creating visual distinction between different types of information. In this article, we will walk you through the process of applying strikethrough in Word, exploring various methods and tools available to you.
Method 1: Using the Strikethrough Button
To apply strikethrough to a selected piece of text using the strikethrough button, follow these steps:
- Select the text you want to apply strikethrough to.
- Click on the "Home" tab in the top menu.
- Locate the "Font" group and click on the "Font" dialog box launcher.
- In the "Font" dialog box, navigate to the "Effects" tab.
- Check the "Strikethrough" box to apply the effect to the selected text.
This method is straightforward and can be used for applying strikethrough to individual words or phrases within a larger body of text.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
If you prefer to use keyboard shortcuts to apply strikethrough, you can use the following steps:
- Select the text you want to apply strikethrough to.
- Press "Ctrl + 5" (Windows) or "Cmd + 5" (Mac) on your keyboard.
This keyboard shortcut will directly apply strikethrough to the selected text without requiring you to navigate through the "Font" dialog box.
Method 3: Using the Format Cells Option
Another way to apply strikethrough in Word is by using the "Format Cells" option:

To apply strikethrough using "Format Cells," follow these steps:
- Select the text you want to apply strikethrough to.
- Right-click on the selected text and choose "Format Cells." Alternatively, you can press "Alt + Enter" on your keyboard.
- In the "Format Cells" dialog box, navigate to the "Alignment" tab.
- Check the "Strikethrough" box to apply the effect to the selected text.
This method can be particularly useful when working with tables or other formatted text elements.
Method 4: Using the Rich Text Format (RTF)
You can also apply strikethrough in Word by using the Rich Text Format (RTF). RTF allows you to format text using various effects, including strikethrough:
To apply strikethrough using RTF, follow these steps:
- Select the text you want to apply strikethrough to.
- Click on the "Home" tab in the top menu.
- Locate the "Paste" group and click on the "Paste" dropdown menu.
- Choose "Paste Special" from the dropdown menu.
- From the "Paste Special" dialog box, choose "Unformatted Text" from the dropdown menu.
- Paste the text into the document, making sure to use the RTF format.
This method requires you to work with RTF code and may not be suitable for those without prior experience working with text formats.
Conclusion: Mastering Strikethrough in Word
Mastering the art of strikethrough in Word is an essential skill for anyone working with text formats. Whether you prefer to use the strikethrough button, keyboard shortcuts, or more advanced methods like RTF, this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to help you achieve your desired text formatting goals.
With practice and patience, you can become proficient in applying strikethrough and other text effects in Word. This will enable you to work more efficiently and effectively when creating documents and presentations.