Strikethrough Shortcut on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

Strikethrough formatting draws a line through text, which is useful for marking completed tasks, showing revisions, or indicating deleted content without removing it. On a Mac, the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough depends on the application you are using, as there is no system-wide default. This guide covers the most common methods across Apple’s own apps and popular third-party software.

What You’ll Need

• A Mac running macOS (any recent version)
• The application where you want to apply strikethrough (e.g., Pages, TextEdit, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Notes)
• Text already typed, or the ability to type text

Step-by-Step

In Apple Pages, TextEdit, and Keynote

1. Open your document in Pages, TextEdit, or Keynote.
2. Select the text you want to strikethrough by clicking and dragging your cursor over it, or double-clicking a single word.
3. Press Command + Shift + X on your keyboard simultaneously.
4. The selected text will now have a line through it. Press the same shortcut again to remove the strikethrough.

In Microsoft Word for Mac

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
2. Select the text you want to format.
3. Press Command + Shift + X.
4. The strikethrough applies immediately. Use the same shortcut to toggle it off.

In Google Docs (Browser)

1. Open your document in Google Chrome, Safari, or another browser.
2. Select the text you want to strikethrough.
3. Press Command + Shift + X.
4. The strikethrough is applied. Press the shortcut again to undo it.

In Apple Notes

1. Open a note in the Notes app.
2. Select the text you want to format.
3. Press Command + Shift + X.
4. The strikethrough appears. Toggle it off by pressing the same keys again.

If the Shortcut Doesn’t Work

1. Check if your application has a different shortcut. Some apps, like older versions of Word, may use Command + Option + Shift + X or require you to access the Format menu.
2. Look for a “Format” menu at the top of your screen. In most Mac apps, you can find strikethrough under Format > Font > Strikethrough or Format > Text > Strikethrough.
3. If you are using a web app, ensure your browser has focus on the document (click inside the text area first).

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong shortcut: Some users try Command + Shift + S (which often saves a file) or Command + U (underline). The correct shortcut for strikethrough is almost always Command + Shift + X.
• Forgetting to select text: The shortcut only works when text is highlighted. If nothing is selected, nothing gets formatted.
• Expecting it to work in every app: Some minimal text editors, like plain TextEdit in plain-text mode, do not support strikethrough formatting at all. You must be in Rich Text mode (Format > Make Rich Text) for it to work there.
• Using the shortcut in the wrong field: In apps like Slack or Discord, Command + Shift + X may not work. Instead, you need to use markdown syntax like ~text~ (Discord) or ~text~ (Slack) around the word.

Tips

• Create a custom shortcut: If an app doesn’t support the standard shortcut, you can create your own. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts, click the + button, select the app, type the exact menu command name (e.g., “Strikethrough”), and assign a new key combination.
• Use the toolbar: In most apps, you can also click the strikethrough button (usually an “S” with a line through it) in the formatting toolbar. This is handy if you forget the shortcut.
• Double-check the menu: When in doubt, look at the Format menu. It will show the keyboard shortcut next to the strikethrough option, so you can confirm which keys to press.
• For spreadsheets: In Numbers or Excel for Mac, the shortcut is Command + Shift + X as well, but you need to select the cell or the text within the cell first.

Troubleshooting

• The shortcut does nothing: First, confirm the app supports strikethrough. Try using the menu (Format > Font > Strikethrough). If the menu option is grayed out, the app or the selected text mode doesn’t support it. In TextEdit, switch to Rich Text mode first.
• Only part of the text gets struck through: This usually means you didn’t select the entire text you wanted. Click and drag again to select the full range, or use Command + A to select everything in the document.
• The shortcut conflicts with another app: Some apps, like certain screen recorders or window managers, may intercept Command + Shift + X. Close background apps one by one to find the culprit, or change the shortcut in System Settings as described in Tips.
• Strikethrough appears but then disappears: This can happen if you paste text from another source that overrides formatting. After pasting, select the text and reapply the shortcut.
• In Google Docs, the shortcut opens a different menu: If your browser has an extension that uses Command + Shift + X, it may override Docs. Try disabling extensions or use an incognito window to test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a universal strikethrough shortcut for all Mac apps?

No. There is no system-wide shortcut. Most Apple and major third-party apps use Command + Shift + X, but some apps may use a different combination or none at all. Check the Format menu in each app.

How do I strikethrough text in Slack or Discord on a Mac?

These apps don’t use keyboard shortcuts for formatting. Instead, wrap the text with tildes: type ~your text here~ and it will appear with a strikethrough when you send the message.

Can I set a custom strikethrough shortcut for any app?

Yes. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts, click +, choose the app, enter the exact menu name (like “Strikethrough”), and assign a new key combination like Command + Option + S.

Why doesn’t strikethrough work in TextEdit?

TextEdit only supports strikethrough in Rich Text mode. Go to Format > Make Rich Text (or press Command + Shift + T) before selecting text and applying the shortcut.

Does the strikethrough shortcut work in Excel for Mac?

Yes. Select the cell or the text inside the cell, then press Command + Shift + X. You can also access it from the Format Cells dialog (right-click > Format Cells > Font tab).

How do I remove strikethrough formatting?

Select the struck-through text and press the same shortcut again (Command + Shift + X). Alternatively, go to the Format menu and uncheck the Strikethrough option.

Related

• Fix Windows 10 Changing Input Language Automatically
• Fix Realtek HD Audio Driver Issues in Windows
• System Restore Point Error 0x80042308 Fix