How to Strikethrough Gmail Text: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Strikethrough text can be a powerful tool in email communication, allowing you to convey edits, changes, or even add a touch of humor to your messages. While Gmail doesn’t have a prominent strikethrough button, there are several methods you can use to apply this formatting. In this guide, we’ll explore various techniques to strikethrough text in Gmail, from built-in features to browser extensions and workarounds.

1. Introduction to Strikethrough in Gmail

Strikethrough is a text formatting style that places a horizontal line through the middle of the text. In emails, it can serve several purposes:

• Indicating deleted or outdated information
• Showing edits or revisions
• Adding emphasis or creating a playful tone
• Marking completed items in a to-do list

While Gmail doesn’t prominently feature a strikethrough option, there are multiple ways to achieve this effect. Let’s dive into the methods you can use to strikethrough text in your Gmail messages.

2. Using the Formatting Toolbar in Gmail

The simplest way to apply strikethrough in Gmail is by using the built-in formatting toolbar. Here’s how:

1. Open Gmail and start composing a new email or reply to an existing one.
2. Type the text you want to strikethrough.
3. Highlight the desired text.
4. Click the “A” icon at the bottom of the compose window to open the formatting options.
5. Look for the strikethrough button (an “S” with a line through it) in the expanded toolbar.
6. Click the strikethrough button to apply the formatting.

To remove the strikethrough, simply highlight the text again and click the strikethrough button once more.

Pro Tip: The strikethrough button may not be immediately visible. If you don’t see it, click the “More formatting options” (three dots) button to reveal additional formatting tools.

3. Keyboard Shortcuts for Strikethrough

For those who prefer keyboard shortcuts, Gmail offers a quick way to apply strikethrough:

• Windows: Alt + Shift + 5
• Mac: Command + Shift + X

To use the shortcut:

1. Highlight the text you want to strikethrough.
2. Press the appropriate keyboard combination for your operating system.
3. The strikethrough will be applied instantly.

Using keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your email formatting process, especially if you frequently use strikethrough.

Troubleshooting: If the shortcut isn’t working, ensure that keyboard shortcuts are enabled in your Gmail settings. Go to Settings > See all settings > General > Keyboard shortcuts > Keyboard shortcuts on.

4. Google Docs Method

If you’re having trouble with the Gmail interface, you can use Google Docs as an intermediary:

1. Open a new Google Doc.
2. Type or paste your email content.
3. Highlight the text you want to strikethrough.
4. Go to Format > Text > Strikethrough (or use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+X).
5. Copy the formatted text.
6. Paste it into your Gmail compose window.

This method is particularly useful if you’re composing a long email with multiple formatting options.

Note: While this method works well, it does require switching between applications, which may not be ideal for quick emails.

5. Using Browser Extensions

For frequent strikethrough users, a browser extension can streamline the process. The “StrikeThrough for Gmail” extension for Chrome is a popular option:

1. Install the “StrikeThrough for Gmail” extension from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Refresh your Gmail tab.
3. Compose a new email, and you’ll see a new strikethrough button in the formatting toolbar.
4. Highlight text and click the button to apply strikethrough.

The extension also adds a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+S) for even faster formatting.

Caution: Always be careful when installing browser extensions and only use those from trusted sources to protect your privacy and security.

6. Strikethrough on Mobile Devices

Unfortunately, the Gmail mobile app doesn’t support native strikethrough formatting. However, there are workarounds:

1. Use a strikethrough text generator:
   • Visit a website like Strike.me on your mobile browser.
   • Enter your text and generate the strikethrough version.
   • Copy and paste the formatted text into your Gmail app.
2. Compose in Google Docs mobile app:
   • Use the Google Docs app to write and format your text.
   • Copy the formatted text into Gmail.
3. Use third-party email apps: Some alternative email apps support more formatting options, including strikethrough.

While these methods require extra steps, they allow you to use strikethrough in your mobile emails when necessary.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re experiencing problems with strikethrough in Gmail, try these solutions:

• Text not formatting correctly: Ensure you’ve highlighted the entire text you want to strikethrough before applying the formatting.
• Strikethrough button not appearing: Check if you need to click “More formatting options” to reveal additional tools.
• Formatting lost when sending: Some email clients may not support strikethrough. Consider using alternative formatting or including a note about the intended strikethrough.

If you’re having issues with Gmail not sending emails, check out our guide on how to fix Gmail not sending emails.

8. Best Practices for Using Strikethrough in Emails

While strikethrough can be useful, it’s important to use it effectively:

• Use strikethrough sparingly to maintain readability.
• Combine strikethrough with other formatting (like bold or italics) to convey your message clearly.
• Consider your audience – some recipients may find excessive strikethrough confusing or unprofessional.
• Use strikethrough for constructive purposes, such as showing edits or updates, rather than for criticism.

9. Conclusion

Mastering the art of strikethrough in Gmail can enhance your email communication, allowing you to convey changes, edits, and nuances more effectively. Whether you prefer using the built-in formatting tools, keyboard shortcuts, or browser extensions, there’s a method that can work for your needs. Remember to use strikethrough judiciously and always prioritize clear communication in your emails.

For more Gmail tips, including how to recover deleted emails, check out our guide on how to recover deleted emails on Gmail.

10. FAQs

1. Can recipients see strikethrough text in all email clients? While most modern email clients support strikethrough, some may not display it correctly. It’s a good practice to use it alongside other clear communication methods.
2. Does strikethrough work in Gmail’s confidential mode? No, confidential mode emails don’t support text formatting, including strikethrough.
3. Can I use strikethrough in Gmail subject lines? No, Gmail doesn’t allow formatting in subject lines for security reasons.
4. Will strikethrough formatting be preserved if I forward an email? Generally, yes. However, it may depend on the recipient’s email client.
5. Is there a limit to how much text I can strikethrough in a single email? There’s no specific limit, but excessive use of any formatting can make emails hard to read and may trigger spam filters.

By understanding these various methods and best practices, you can effectively use strikethrough in your Gmail communications to enhance clarity and convey your message more precisely.