How to Strikethrough on a Mac: Your Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to strikethrough on a Mac across various applications using keyboard shortcuts and formatting options, making your text more visually informative and expressive. This guide provides simple, effective methods for adding strikethrough to text.
Introduction: Strikethrough’s Underrated Power
The strikethrough – that humble line drawn through text – is often overlooked, but it’s a powerful tool for communication. More than just deleting words, a strikethrough can signal corrections, humor, sarcasm, or even mark completed tasks. Understanding how to strikethrough on a Mac empowers you to use this function effectively in various contexts, from writing documents to engaging in online conversations. This isn’t just about knowing how; it’s about understanding when and why to use it.
Benefits of Using Strikethrough
Adding a strikethrough can improve clarity and add nuance to your writing.
- Indicate Edits: Show changes made to a document without completely removing the original text.
- Express Humor or Sarcasm: Signal a change in tone that might not be obvious otherwise.
- Mark Completed Tasks: Visually track progress on to-do lists.
- Show Price Reductions: Clearly display original and discounted prices.
The benefits extend beyond aesthetics; strikethrough clarifies intention and provides context.
Methods for Strikethrough on Mac
There are several ways how to strikethrough on a Mac, depending on the application you’re using. Here are the most common methods:
- Keyboard Shortcut: The fastest method, but support varies by application.
- Formatting Menu: Generally available in word processors and text editors.
- HTML Tags: Useful for web pages and online forums that support HTML.
- Markdown: Increasingly popular for simple formatting in notes and documentation.
We’ll explore each method in detail.
Strikethrough Using Keyboard Shortcuts
This is often the quickest method, but functionality depends heavily on the program.
- Pages, Keynote, and Numbers: Command + Shift + X
- Microsoft Word: There is no direct keyboard shortcut built-in. You’ll need to create a custom shortcut (Tools > Customize Keyboard). Consider using Shift + Option + – as a good option.
- Notes App (macOS 13 Ventura and later): Command + Shift + X (same as Pages)
If the shortcut doesn’t work, explore the other methods described below.
Strikethrough Via the Formatting Menu
Most word processors and text editors include a strikethrough option in their formatting menus.
- Pages, Keynote, Numbers: Select the text, then go to Format > Font > Show Fonts. Click the gear icon and select “Underline,” then choose “Strikethrough” from the style options.
- Microsoft Word: Select the text, go to Format > Font, and check the “Strikethrough” box under Effects.
- TextEdit: Select the text, go to Format > Font > Show Fonts. In the font panel, click the settings icon (looks like a gear) and choose “Strikethrough.”
Strikethrough with HTML
For web pages and online forums that allow HTML, you can use the <del> or <s> tags.
<del>This text will be struck through.</del>
<s>This text will also be struck through.</s>
Both tags achieve the same result, but <del> is semantically preferred when indicating deleted text in a document.
Strikethrough with Markdown
Markdown provides a simple syntax for formatting text. To create a strikethrough, use two tildes (~) before and after the text.
~~This text will be struck through.~~
Common Mistakes
- Assuming universal keyboard shortcuts: Not all applications support the same shortcuts. Always check the formatting menu if the shortcut fails.
- Forgetting to disable strikethrough: If you accidentally leave strikethrough enabled, all subsequent text will be struck through.
- Using strikethrough excessively: Overusing strikethrough can make your writing look cluttered and unprofessional.
Troubleshooting Strikethrough Issues
If you’re having trouble getting strikethrough to work, try the following:
- Restart the application: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches.
- Check for updates: Ensure your application is up to date.
- Try a different method: If the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work, use the formatting menu or HTML/Markdown.
- Consult the application’s documentation: Refer to the application’s help resources for specific instructions.
Accessibility Considerations
While strikethrough can be visually informative, be mindful of users with visual impairments. Screen readers may not always announce strikethrough formatting, so consider providing alternative text or explanations where necessary. Ensure content remains accessible to all users.
Conclusion
Knowing how to strikethrough on a Mac is a valuable skill that enhances your ability to communicate effectively. By understanding the various methods and their appropriate use cases, you can leverage strikethrough to add clarity, humor, and nuance to your writing. From keyboard shortcuts to formatting menus and HTML/Markdown, you now have the tools to master this underrated formatting option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I strikethrough text in an email on Mac?
The process depends on your email client. Some clients, like Mail, allow you to use formatting options similar to word processors. Select the text, then look for a formatting menu (often accessible via Format > Font > Show Fonts). Others might require HTML tags (if supported) or offer no native strikethrough support at all.
Is there a global keyboard shortcut for strikethrough on Mac?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, universal keyboard shortcut that works across all applications on macOS. The Command + Shift + X shortcut works in some Apple applications, but many others require alternative methods.
Can I create a custom keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Microsoft Word on Mac?
Yes, you can. In Microsoft Word, go to Tools > Customize Keyboard. Search for the “Strikethrough” command in the “Categories” list, and then assign your desired keyboard shortcut. A combination like Shift + Option + – is often a good choice.
How do I remove a strikethrough from text on Mac?
The process is the reverse of applying the strikethrough. Select the text and either use the same keyboard shortcut again or uncheck the “Strikethrough” option in the formatting menu (e.g., Font panel in Pages or Word).
Does strikethrough work in iMessage on Mac?
Unfortunately, iMessage on Mac does not natively support strikethrough formatting. You’ll need to resort to using third-party apps or text replacement hacks, which may not always render correctly on the recipient’s device.
Can I strikethrough text on a webpage in Safari?
You cannot directly edit the content of a webpage to add strikethrough. However, if you are using a webpage that has a text editor you can add it there.
How do I strikethrough text in Google Docs on a Mac?
Select the text you wish to strike through. Then go to Format > Text > Strikethrough, or use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Shift + 5 (Option + Shift + X).
Why isn’t the keyboard shortcut working for me?
The keyboard shortcut might not be supported in the application you’re using. Check the application’s documentation or formatting menu to confirm. Also, ensure that the selected text is actually editable.
Is there a way to strikethrough text using the Touch Bar on a MacBook Pro?
Some applications that support the Touch Bar might include a strikethrough button in their formatting controls. Check if the application you’re using offers this option. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on keyboard shortcuts or formatting menus.
How do I strikethrough prices in a spreadsheet using Numbers on Mac?
Select the cell(s) containing the price, then go to Format > Style > Font. Click the gear icon to access the “Underline” settings and choose “Strikethrough.”
Does strikethrough affect the word count of a document?
No, strikethrough does not typically affect the word count. The words are still present in the document, just visually marked as struck through.
Can I change the color or style of the strikethrough line?
In some applications, you might be able to customize the appearance of the strikethrough line, but this is not a standard feature. Check the application’s formatting options to see if such customization is available.