How To Make Checkbox Cross Out In Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a powerful and popular spreadsheet program that allows users to organize, analyze, and share data. One common feature that users look for is the ability to create checkboxes and cross them out when they are completed. However, Google Sheets does not have a built-in feature to cross out checkboxes. But don’t worry, there are workarounds to achieve this functionality. In this article, we will discuss how to make a checkbox cross out in Google Sheets, highlighting the importance of this feature and providing step-by-step instructions.

Importance of Crossing Out Checkboxes in Google Sheets

Crossing out checkboxes is an essential feature for many users who rely on Google Sheets for project management, task tracking, and inventory management. This feature helps users to quickly identify completed tasks, monitor progress, and maintain an organized and up-to-date record of their work. By crossing out checkboxes, users can also reduce clutter and make their spreadsheets more visually appealing and easier to navigate.

Overview of How to Make Checkbox Cross Out in Google Sheets

To make a checkbox cross out in Google Sheets, you can use a combination of conditional formatting, custom scripts, and add-ons. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

Step 1: Create Checkboxes

The first step is to create checkboxes in your Google Sheets spreadsheet. You can do this by using the “Checkbox” option in the “Insert” menu or by using the “Data validation” feature.

Step 2: Use Conditional Formatting

Next, you can use conditional formatting to change the background color or font color of the cell containing the checkbox when it is checked. This will create the illusion of a crossed-out checkbox.

Step 3: Use Custom Scripts or Add-Ons

If you want more advanced functionality, such as the ability to automatically cross out checkboxes based on certain criteria or to create custom checkbox styles, you can use custom scripts or add-ons. There are several free and paid options available, such as “Custom Checkbox” and “Checklist”.

By following these steps, you can make checkboxes cross out in Google Sheets and enhance your productivity and user experience. In the following sections, we will discuss each step in more detail and provide examples and screenshots to help you along the way.

How To Make Checkbox Cross Out In Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for organizing and analyzing data. One of its many features is the ability to add checkboxes to cells. However, Google Sheets does not have a built-in option to cross out or strike through a checked checkbox. In this article, we will discuss a few workarounds to make a checkbox cross out in Google Sheets.

Using Conditional Formatting

One way to make a checkbox cross out in Google Sheets is by using conditional formatting. This method involves adding a custom formula to the conditional formatting rules to change the cell’s background color when the checkbox is checked. Here are the steps: (See Also: How To Organize A Column In Google Sheets By Date)

1. Select the cell with the checkbox.
2. Click on Format > Conditional formatting.
3. In the Format cells if… dropdown, select Custom formula is.
4. Enter the following formula: =if(B1=true, “gray”, “”) (replace B1 with the cell reference of the checkbox)
5. Select Background color and choose a gray color.
6. Click on Done.

Now, when you check the checkbox, the cell’s background color will change to gray, giving the appearance of a crossed-out checkbox.

Using a Custom Script

Another way to make a checkbox cross out in Google Sheets is by using a custom script. This method involves writing a script that changes the cell’s font style when the checkbox is checked. Here are the steps:

1. Click on Tools > Script editor.
2. Enter the following script:

   
function onEdit(e) {
var sheet = e.source.getActiveSheet();
var range = e.range;
if (range.getColumn() == 1 && range.getValue() == true) {
range.offset(0, 1).setFontLine("line-through");
}
}

   This script checks if the edited cell is in the first column and if the checkbox is checked. If so, it applies a line-through font style to the cell in the second column.

3. Click on File > Save and name the script.
4. Close the script editor.
5. Go back to the sheet and select the cell with the checkbox.
6. Right-click and select Assign script.
7. Enter the name of the script and click OK.

Now, when you check the checkbox, the text in the cell in the second column will be crossed out.

Using a Custom Function

A third way to make a checkbox cross out in Google Sheets is by using a custom function. This method involves writing a function that returns a crossed-out text string when the checkbox is checked. Here are the steps:

1. Click on Tools > Script editor.
2. Enter the following function: (See Also: How To Make A Space In A Cell In Google Sheets)

   
function checkboxCrossOut(checkbox) {
if (checkbox) {
return "~~" + "Checked";
} else {
return "Unchecked";
}
}

   This function checks if the checkbox is checked. If so, it returns a crossed-out text string with the word “Checked”. If not, it returns the word “Unchecked”.

3. Click on File > Save and name the script.
4. Close the script editor.
5. Go back to the sheet and enter the following formula in a cell:

   =checkboxCrossOut(B1)

   Replace B1 with the cell reference of the checkbox.

Now, when you check the checkbox, the formula will return a crossed-out text string with the word “Checked”.

Recap

In this article, we discussed three ways to make a checkbox cross out in Google Sheets:

• Using conditional formatting to change the cell’s background color when the checkbox is checked.
• Using a custom script to change the cell’s font style when the checkbox is checked.
• Using a custom function to return a crossed-out text string when the checkbox is checked.

These methods can be useful for tracking tasks, marking completed items, or visualizing data in Google Sheets. Choose the method that best fits your needs and preferences.

Checkbox Cross Out in Google Sheets FAQs

1. How do I create a checkbox in Google Sheets?

To create a checkbox in Google Sheets, click on the “Insert” menu, then select “Checkbox” from the dropdown list. A checkbox will be inserted into the current cell.

2. How can I cross out a checkbox in Google Sheets?

Unfortunately, Google Sheets does not have a built-in feature to cross out a checkbox. However, you can use a workaround by using a strikethrough format on the cell containing the checkbox.

3. How do I apply strikethrough format to a cell in Google Sheets?

To apply strikethrough format to a cell, first select the cell, then click on the “Format” menu, and select “Text” > “Strikethrough”. The text in the cell will now be crossed out.

4. Can I use a script to cross out a checkbox in Google Sheets?

Yes, you can use a Google Apps Script to cross out a checkbox in Google Sheets. You can use the “setFontLine()” method to apply strikethrough format to the text in the cell containing the checkbox.

5. Is there a way to automatically cross out a checkbox when it is checked in Google Sheets?

No, Google Sheets does not have a built-in feature to automatically cross out a checkbox when it is checked. However, you can use a Google Apps Script to achieve this functionality. You can set up a trigger to run the script whenever a checkbox is checked, and use the script to cross out the checkbox by applying strikethrough format to the text in the cell.