Deleting text on your Mac is not always the best choice, especially when editing documents, checking to-dos, and managing data. Crossing out text with strikethrough is usually more helpful because it allows you to view the original text before making changes. The problem is that Mac does not have default strikethrough shortcut keys. So if you want to know how to easily cross-out text on your Mac, I don't blame you.

I will share my experience and how to apply strikethrough in common applications including Word, Notes, Pages, and Excel.

Want to create your own strikethrough shortcut keys?

Use Keysmith to record how you cross out text in your application and assign shortcuts to it. Available on Setapp.

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Create strikethrough text on Mac using keyboard shortcuts

I know I mentioned that there is no default strikethrough shortcut key on my Mac that can be used in all applications. That is, some macOS applications use the same shortcut keys to cross out text. For example, if you are writing using Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can cross out the text by selecting it and pressing Command Shift X. However, some applications may use different strikethrough methods:

• You need to press Command Shift X to cross out text in Microsoft Excel.
• At the same time, the strikethrough in Notes needs to be operated manually.

Below, you will find several macOS applications and their strikethrough shortcuts:

While some applications allow you to use shortcut keys to cross out text, some don't. If you are writing on Notes or Pages, you must apply the strikethrough effect manually. Understandably, trying to remember different shortcuts can be confusing. Similarly, it is also laborious to try to find advanced format options in different applications.

Tip: Imagine updating a to-do list in Evernote, note down ideas in Notes, and rewrite them in Google Docs. When you switch between applications, you'll want there are ways to make the format more consistent.

To do this, try Ulysses. It is a minimalist text editing tool that allows you to write without worrying about formatting. Whether you are writing a blog, e-book, or a library of personal ideas, Ulysses lets you record your ideas and save them in one place. You can then use its Markup editor to organize and format your drafts.

Personally, I found Ulysses to be very useful in writing and publishing blogs for my website. This is not only because it allows me to organize my drafts using subtitles, but also because it integrates with WordPress where I host my website. Once I finish a blog, I just click on Post and voila, it will go live on my website.

Create custom strikethrough keyboard shortcuts

Many applications do not have strikethrough shortcut keys on Mac, including Notes, Pages, and TextEdit. People use strikethrough less than the bold, italic, and underline format options. If you want to hear what I really think, it is not always fatal to have a strikethrough shortcut key. Additionally, you can create one as you like. Here's how to create custom strikethrough shortcut keys on your Mac:

1. In the Apple menu, open System Settings.
2. Scroll down and click "Keyboard" > "Keyboard Shortcuts" in the sidebar.
3. Select "Application Shortcut Key" in the new window.
4. Then, click the Add " " button. You will see a dialog box that allows you to specify keyboard shortcuts.
5. Fill in the menu title with the strikethrough option you see in the app. For example, in Notes, the strikethrough appears as a "Strikethrough" on the menu. Write it down accurately.
6. Then, click on the empty field of the keyboard shortcut and press the shortcut you want.
7. Click "Done" to save the strikethrough shortcut key.

Now you can use custom shortcuts in the app you just registered on.

If you find it cumbersome to create strikethrough shortcuts through your Mac’s keyboard settings, try Keysmith. Keysmith allows you to record screen actions and trigger them with hotkeys without clicking on multiple dialogs. For example, if I want to create a strikethrough command for Notes using Keysmith, I will do the following:

1. Open Notes.
2. Install and open Keysmith.
3. Click "New Macro" in the lower left corner.
4. Name the macro. Then, click "Set Hotkey" and press the required shortcut key.
5. Click "Record" to start recording the sequence.
6. Go to Notes > Format > Fonts and click "Strike Line".
7. Then, click "Stop Recording".
8. Click the drop-down menu next to the hotkey and select Notes.

Now, whenever you write in Notes, you can press the hotkey to cross out the selected text.

Use strikethrough on your Mac in Word, Pages, and other applications

Even without shortcut keys, you can still apply strikethrough as long as the application supports it. Also, some of us don't like to remember dozens of strikethrough shortcuts, especially if we don't use them often.

The following is how to apply strikethrough for common applications on your Mac.

Word

In Microsoft Word, you can cross out text by clicking the strikethrough icon in the Start tab. Alternatively, you can apply strikethrough by selecting text and pressing Command Shift X. When you do this, a dialog box will pop up allowing you to select the text effect you want to apply. From there, click the Strike Line option.

Please read also:

• How to type index on your Mac
• Type accents on your Mac
• Discord Markdown
• Type em dash on Mac

Pages

Notes

When you write on Notes, you can create strikethroughs by clicking "Format" > "Font" > "Strikethrough" in the top menu bar. Similarly, you can apply the same effect by doing the following:

1. Select the text to cross out.
2. Right-click on your Mac.
3. Select "Font"> "Strike-up".

Both methods allow you to cross out the text of your choice.

Excel

For Excel users on Mac, there are several ways to use strikethroughs in cells, but not as many as in Windows versions.

On your Mac, click Command Shift X to add strikethrough for the selected cell.

So far, I have introduced a series of applications with strikethrough functionality. But not all applications support strikethrough on your Mac, which is absolutely fine. For example, if you need an editing tool for academic writing, MonsterWriter is worth a try even if the strikethrough is missing. This is because the app allows you to organize text into chapters, insert quotes and simply format your writing, saving you valuable time.

Now, you know how to cross out text on your Mac

Crossing out text on your Mac can be tricky because not all applications share the same shortcut keys. Also, some applications do not have strikethrough shortcut keys, which makes you have to search for it in the application. Hopefully I've covered enough so that you can easily use strikethrough on your Mac. Speaking of this, you might want to try the apps I mentioned to further increase your productivity.

• Keysmith allows you to record a series of operations on your Mac and convert them into shortcuts.
• Ulysses is a text editor that is perfect for writing and publishing blogs without interruption.
• MonsterWriter is designed for academic writing and comes with format options such as APA citations.

Try these apps on Setapp, as well as dozens of other apps that make writing easy on Mac. You can try it for 7 days now.

FAQ

How to use strikethrough on MacBook Notes?

To use strikethrough on MacBook Notes, select text, and press Control to click and select "Font" > "Strikethrough". Alternatively, you can use applications like Keysmith to automate this process to create custom shortcuts, saving time for later use.

How to cross out a word on your Mac?

How to cross a word on your Mac depends on the app you are using:

• Microsoft Word and Google Docs: Use Command Shift X shortcut keys.
• Excel, Notion, Pages: Each has its own shortcut keys or menu options.
• Notes: You need to manually select the strikethrough operation as described above.

Can you use strikethrough on Mac Stickies?

Yes, you can use strikethrough on Mac Stickies by selecting text and navigating to "Font" > "Strikethrough" in the top menu. Alternatively, you can use the Shift Command T shortcut keys.

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