Strikethrough text is a formatting technique that draws a line through the middle of the text, indicating that it has been crossed out or is no longer relevant. In Microsoft Outlook, adding a strikethrough to your text is a quick and easy way to cross out completed tasks, mark outdated information, or make corrections.
Unlike other formatting options, strikethrough does not change the font color or style, making it a subtle yet effective way to draw attention to specific parts of your email. Whether you’re sending a formal work email or a casual message to friends, strikethrough can help you convey your message clearly and concisely. So if you’re looking for a way to add emphasis to your text or indicate that something has changed, consider using the strikethrough formatting option in Outlook.
In addition to its readability benefits, strikethrough can also enhance the organization of your emails. By selectively crossing out completed tasks or outdated information, you can create a visual distinction between important and irrelevant content. This can be particularly useful for managing long email threads or keeping track of complex projects with multiple steps. By using strikethrough effectively, you can declutter your emails, making them easier to read and navigate.
Strikethrough Text in Outlook Emails
In Microsoft Outlook, adding a strikethrough to text is a simple task that can enhance the clarity and visual appeal of your emails. Strikethrough is particularly useful for indicating deleted or corrected text, or for emphasizing specific words or phrases.
Using the Keyboard Shortcut
The keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Outlook is Ctrl + Shift + Z. To use this method, select the text you want to strikethrough and press the shortcut keys simultaneously. The selected text will be immediately formatted with a strikethrough line.
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on using the keyboard shortcut:
- Compose a new email or open an existing email in Outlook.
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Place the cursor within the selected text.
- Press the Ctrl, Shift, and Z keys simultaneously.
- The selected text will now be formatted with a strikethrough line.
Note that the keyboard shortcut may vary depending on your computer’s language settings. For example, on a German keyboard, the strikethrough shortcut is Strg + Umschalt + Z.
Using the Strikethrough Button
The Strikethrough button is a quick and easy way to cross out text in Outlook. To use it, follow these steps:
-
Select the text you want to strikethrough. You can select a word, a sentence, or multiple paragraphs.
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Click the Strikethrough button. The button looks like the letter "S" with a line through it. You can find it in the "Font" group on the "Home" tab.
-
The selected text will be crossed out. You can now save or send your email.
Additional Details
Here are some additional details about using the Strikethrough button:
- You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D to strikethrough text.
- The Strikethrough button is available in all versions of Outlook, including Outlook for Windows, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook on the web.
- You can use the Strikethrough button to cross out text in both HTML and plain text emails.
| Strikethrough Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Crosses out text using the Strikethrough button. | |
| Ctrl + D | Keyboard shortcut for strikethrough. |
Creating a Strikethrough Shortcut
Customizing keyboard shortcuts can streamline your workflow in Outlook. To create a shortcut for strikethrough, follow these steps:
- Open the Outlook Options menu: Click on the "File" tab and select "Options."
- Navigate to the "Customize Ribbon" section: In the left-hand menu, click on "Customize Ribbon."
- Select a tab and group: In the "Main Tabs" section, choose the tab where you want to add the strikethrough shortcut. Then, in the "Commands" section, scroll down to the "Font" group and select it.
Detailed Troubleshooting:
- Check the "Customize" dropdown: Ensure that "All Commands" is selected in the "Customize" dropdown list.
- Search for the "Strikethrough" command: In the "Commands" search box, type "strikethrough."
- Assign a shortcut key: Once you find the "Strikethrough" command, click on it and then click on the "Shortcut key" box. Press the key combination you want to assign to the strikethrough shortcut.
- Avoid conflicting shortcuts: Make sure the chosen key combination does not conflict with any existing shortcuts.
- Save changes: Click on the "OK" button to save your changes.
After completing these steps, the assigned shortcut key will toggle strikethrough formatting in Outlook emails and appointments.
Example Shortcut Key Table:
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + T | Toggles strikethrough formatting |
Applying Strikethrough with HTML
Using HTML code is another method to apply strikethrough in Outlook. This method involves inserting specific HTML tags into your email message. Here are the steps:
- Compose your email message as usual.
- Place the cursor at the text you want to strikethrough.
- Click on the "HTML" button in the message editor. This will switch you to the HTML editing mode.
- Add the following HTML code around the text you want to strikethrough:
<s>[your text here]</s>
For example:
<s>This is a strikethrough text.</s>
- Click on the "HTML" button again to return to the normal editing mode.
Your strikethrough text will now be displayed as crossed out in the email message.
Using the HTML Code
The following table summarizes the HTML code used to apply strikethrough in Outlook:
| HTML Code | Description |
|---|---|
| Applies strikethrough to the enclosed text |
Note: The HTML strikethrough code may not work in all email clients or web browsers. If you encounter issues, try using the other methods described in this article.
Using the Format Painter
The Format Painter tool in Outlook is a useful feature that allows you to quickly copy the formatting of one section of text and apply it to another. To use the Format Painter to strikethrough text:
- Select the text that you want to strikethrough.
- Click on the “Format Painter” icon in the “Font” group on the “Home” tab.
- Click on the text that you want to apply the strikethrough formatting to.
The Format Painter will copy the strikethrough formatting from the first section of text and apply it to the second section.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for using the Format Painter to strikethrough text in Outlook:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select the text that you want to strikethrough. |
| 2 | Click on the “Format Painter” icon in the “Font” group on the “Home” tab. |
| 3 | Click on the text that you want to apply the strikethrough formatting to. |
Using a Third-Party Add-in
Microsoft Outlook does not natively support strikethrough text, which can be a frustrating limitation for users who want to emphasize or cross out specific text within emails. However, there are several third-party add-ins available that can provide this functionality.
One popular add-in for strikethrough text in Outlook is **Strikethrough**, developed by Michael Zeng. This add-in is available for free from the Microsoft AppSource store and is compatible with Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac. Once installed, the **Strikethrough** add-in adds a new button to the Outlook ribbon, allowing you to quickly and easily apply strikethrough formatting to selected text.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Strikethrough add-in:
- Open the Microsoft AppSource store and search for “Strikethrough”.
- Click on the “Add” button to install the add-in.
- Restart Outlook.
- Compose a new email or open an existing one.
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Click on the “Strikethrough” button in the Outlook ribbon.
In addition to the Strikethrough add-in, there are several other third-party add-ins available that provide strikethrough functionality in Outlook. Some of these add-ins may offer additional features, such as the ability to customize the strikethrough style or apply strikethrough formatting to multiple lines of text at once.
| Add-in | Features |
|---|---|
| Strikethrough | Free, simple to use, compatible with Outlook for Windows and Mac |
| Text Effects for Outlook | Paid, offers customizable strikethrough styles, multiple line formatting |
| Strikethrough for Outlook | Free, basic strikethrough functionality, compatible with Outlook for Windows |
Using Keyboard Shortcut
In Outlook for Windows, you can strikethrough text by pressing the following keyboard shortcut:
| Keyboard Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + D | Strikes through selected text |
Applying the Strikethrough Format
You can also apply the strikethrough format through the ribbon bar:
1. Open the Outlook email message where you want to strikethrough text.
2. Select the text you want to strikethrough.
3. Click on the “Font” group in the “Format Text” tab.
4. Click on the “Strikethrough” button.
Applying Strikethrough to Notes
You can also strikethrough text in Outlook notes:
1. Open the Outlook note where you want to strikethrough text.
2. Select the text you want to strikethrough.
3. Right-click on the selected text.
4. Select “Font” from the context menu.
5. Select “Strikethrough” from the “Effects” section.
Removing Strikethrough Formatting
To remove strikethrough formatting from text, simply repeat the same steps as above and deselect the “Strikethrough” option.
How to Strikethrough in Outlook
Striking through text in Outlook is a quick and easy way to indicate that something is no longer relevant or correct. Here are simple steps to do it:
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Go to the “Font” group on the “Home” tab.
- Click the “Strikethrough” button.
Best Practices for Using Strikethrough in Outlook
While strikethrough can be a helpful formatting tool, it’s important to use it judiciously to avoid cluttering your emails or confusing your readers. Consider the following best practices:
1. Use Strikethrough Sparingly
Strikethrough should be used only when absolutely necessary to indicate that something is no longer valid or correct. Overuse can make your emails difficult to read and understand.
2. Use Clear and Concise Language
When using strikethrough, make sure to use clear and concise language so that readers can easily understand what you’re trying to communicate.
3. Use Strikethrough Consistently
Establish a consistent style for using strikethrough throughout your emails. This will help readers identify what strikethrough indicates in your communications.
4. Avoid Using Strikethrough for Emphasis
Strikethrough is not meant to be used for emphasis. Use italics, bold, or underlining instead if you need to emphasize something.
5. Consider Accessibility
Be mindful of accessibility when using strikethrough. Some screen readers may not be able to interpret strikethrough text accurately, so consider using alternative methods to indicate deleted content.
6. Use Strikethrough for Deleted Text
Strikethrough is commonly used to indicate text that has been deleted or removed. This can be useful in revision tracking or when you want to show that something is outdated.
7. Use Strikethrough for Corrections
Strikethrough can also be used to indicate corrections to text. This can be helpful when you’re sending a revised version of a document or when you want to clarify a previous statement.
8. Use Strikethrough for Legal Documents
Strikethrough is often used in legal documents to indicate that a particular provision or clause has been voided or amended.
9. Use Strikethrough for To-Do Lists
Strikethrough can be used to mark completed tasks on a to-do list. This is a simple and effective way to keep track of your progress.
10. Use Strikethrough for Explanatory Notes
Strikethrough can be used to add explanatory notes or comments to a document. This can be useful for clarifying certain points or providing additional information.
