How to Cross Out Text on Google Sheets? Easy Steps

Are you tired of manually deleting text in Google Sheets only to leave behind a blank space? Do you want to strike through unwanted text without deleting it? If so, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to cross out text on Google Sheets, making it easier to edit and maintain your spreadsheets.

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for data analysis and management, but it can be frustrating when you need to remove or highlight text without deleting it. Cross-out text is a common requirement in many industries, including education, healthcare, and finance, where strikethrough text is used to indicate deleted or revised information.

Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand the importance of cross-out text in Google Sheets. By using strikethrough text, you can:

Highlight deleted or revised information
Indicate changes or corrections
Improve data accuracy and consistency
Enhance collaboration and communication

Method 1: Using the Strikethrough Function

The strikethrough function is a built-in feature in Google Sheets that allows you to cross out text. To use this function, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the Cell

First, select the cell containing the text you want to cross out.

Step 2: Apply the Strikethrough Function

Next, go to the “Format” tab and click on “Text” > “Strikethrough”. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + 5 (Mac).

Step 3: Confirm the Strikethrough

The selected text will now be crossed out. You can confirm this by checking the cell’s formatting.

Using the Strikethrough Function with Multiple Cells

What if you want to cross out text in multiple cells? You can select multiple cells and apply the strikethrough function to all of them at once. To do this:

Select the cells containing the text you want to cross out
Go to the “Format” tab and click on “Text” > “Strikethrough”
Confirm the strikethrough by checking the cells’ formatting

Using the Strikethrough Function with Formulas

Can you use the strikethrough function with formulas? Yes, you can! When you apply the strikethrough function to a cell containing a formula, the formula will still be calculated, but the result will be displayed as crossed-out text. (See Also: How to Stop Rounding on Google Sheets? Accurate Calculations Guaranteed)

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Another way to cross out text on Google Sheets is by using keyboard shortcuts. Here are the shortcuts you can use:

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl + Shift + 5: Strikethrough
Ctrl + Shift + 6: Double strikethrough
Ctrl + Shift + 7: Triple strikethrough

Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Command + Shift + 5: Strikethrough
Command + Shift + 6: Double strikethrough
Command + Shift + 7: Triple strikethrough

Method 3: Using Add-ons

Google Sheets has a wide range of add-ons that can help you cross out text. Here are a few popular add-ons:

Add-ons for Strikethrough Text

Strikethrough Text: This add-on allows you to cross out text using a simple formula.
Text Highlighter: This add-on enables you to highlight and strikethrough text using a variety of colors.
Strikeout: This add-on provides a range of strikethrough options, including single, double, and triple strikethrough.

Method 4: Using Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting is a powerful feature in Google Sheets that allows you to highlight cells based on specific conditions. You can use conditional formatting to cross out text by applying a strikethrough format to cells that meet certain conditions.

Step 1: Select the Range

First, select the range of cells you want to apply the conditional formatting to.

Step 2: Set the Condition

Next, set the condition for the conditional formatting. For example, you can set the condition to “Cell contains ‘old'”.

Step 3: Apply the Strikethrough Format

Finally, apply the strikethrough format to the cells that meet the condition.

Method 5: Using Scripts

Google Sheets has a scripting feature that allows you to automate tasks and create custom functions. You can use scripts to cross out text by creating a custom function that applies the strikethrough format to a range of cells.

Step 1: Create a Script

First, create a new script by going to Tools > Script editor. (See Also: How to Create a Budget Google Sheets? Simplify Your Finances)

Step 2: Write the Script

Next, write the script that applies the strikethrough format to the range of cells. For example:

“`javascript
function crossOutText() {
var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
var range = sheet.getRange(“A1:A10”);
range.setFontFamily(“Arial”);
range.setFontWeight(“bold”);
range.setFontStyle(“strikethrough”);
}
“`

Step 3: Run the Script

Finally, run the script by clicking on the “Run” button or pressing Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or Command + Enter (Mac).

Recap

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve shown you how to cross out text on Google Sheets using five different methods:

Method 1: Using the Strikethrough Function
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Method 3: Using Add-ons
Method 4: Using Conditional Formatting
Method 5: Using Scripts

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I undo the strikethrough format?

A: To undo the strikethrough format, select the cell containing the crossed-out text and go to the “Format” tab > “Text” > “Strikethrough” and click on “Remove strikethrough”. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + 5 (Mac).

Q: Can I use the strikethrough function with formulas?

A: Yes, you can use the strikethrough function with formulas. When you apply the strikethrough function to a cell containing a formula, the formula will still be calculated, but the result will be displayed as crossed-out text.

Q: How do I apply the strikethrough format to multiple cells?

A: To apply the strikethrough format to multiple cells, select the cells containing the text you want to cross out and go to the “Format” tab > “Text” > “Strikethrough”. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + 5 (Mac).

Q: Can I use the strikethrough function with add-ons?

A: Yes, you can use the strikethrough function with add-ons. There are several add-ons available that provide strikethrough options, including Strikethrough Text, Text Highlighter, and Strikeout.

Q: How do I create a custom strikethrough function using scripts?

A: To create a custom strikethrough function using scripts, create a new script by going to Tools > Script editor and write the script that applies the strikethrough format to the range of cells. For example: