Sometimes, you want to cross out text in Microsoft Word to show edits, completed tasks, or corrections. Whether you’re working on a document, creating a checklist, or editing a report, drawing a line through text in Microsoft Word for Office 365 is simple once you know the steps.
This guide will show you multiple methods — from strikethrough formatting to using shapes — so you can pick the one that fits your needs.
What Is a Line Through Text in Word?
Adding a line through text, also called strikethrough, visually indicates that the text is no longer relevant or has been completed. It doesn’t delete the text but makes it clear it’s crossed out.
Microsoft Word offers several ways to do this:
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Strikethrough formatting
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Double strikethrough
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Drawing a line manually
Method 1: Using Strikethrough Formatting in Word
The easiest way to put a line through text in Office 365 is using the built-in Strikethrough feature.
Steps:
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Open your document in Microsoft Word for Office 365.
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Highlight the text you want to cross out.
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Go to the Home tab in the Ribbon.
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In the Font group, click the Strikethrough button (abc with a line through it).
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The selected text will now have a line through it.
Shortcut Method:
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Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box, then check Strikethrough and click OK.
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Or, for a quick toggle, press Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + X (Mac).
Method 2: Applying Double Strikethrough
If you want a more prominent line, Word allows double strikethrough, which draws two lines through the text.
Steps:
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Highlight your text.
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Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box.
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Check Double strikethrough.
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Click OK.
Double strikethrough is useful in editing or proofreading documents where multiple revisions need to be visually tracked.
Method 3: Drawing a Line Manually Across Text
Sometimes, you may want a custom line style or position. Word lets you use the Shapes tool to draw a line through text.
Steps:
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Go to the Insert tab.
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Click Shapes → Select Line.
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Draw a line manually over the text you want to cross out.
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Adjust the line’s position, thickness, or color using the Shape Format tab.
Note: This method is more visual and flexible but the line is separate from the text. Editing text afterward may require adjusting the line position.
Method 4: Using the “Format Text Effects” Option
For a more stylized line, you can use Text Effects:
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Highlight your text.
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Go to Home → Font → Text Effects and Typography (A with a glow).
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Choose Strikethrough or apply additional effects like color or shadow.
This works well for headings or visually enhanced documents.
Tips for Using Strikethrough in Word
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Combine with other formatting: Bold, italic, and color changes work alongside strikethrough.
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Use in tables: You can strikethrough text inside table cells for checklists or progress tracking.
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Undo easily: Press Ctrl + Z to remove the strikethrough instantly.
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Track changes: If you use Word’s Track Changes, strikethrough helps show deletions visually.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I strikethrough only part of a word?
Yes. Highlight the specific letters and apply strikethrough.
2. Is there a keyboard shortcut for Mac Office 365?
Yes, use Cmd + Shift + X.
3. Can I remove the line later?
Yes, highlight the text and click the Strikethrough button again.
4. Can I customize the line thickness or color?
For manual lines drawn via Shapes, yes — but not for built-in strikethrough text formatting.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to draw a line through text in Microsoft Word for Office 365 makes editing, annotating, and creating checklists much easier. Whether you choose the simple strikethrough, double strikethrough, or a manual line, Word offers flexible options to suit your needs.
For frequent document editing or project tracking, strikethrough is a simple but powerful tool.