How to Cross Out Text in Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that offers a plethora of features to its users. One such feature is the ability to cross out or Strikethrough text. This feature is particularly useful when you need to mark items as completed or invalid without deleting them. In this guide, we will explore the various methods to cross out text in Excel.
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How to Cross Out Text in Microsoft Excel
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Using the Format Cells Dialog
The Format Cells dialog is the most straightforward method to cross out text in Excel. This dialog provides a variety of formatting options, including the Strike-through feature.
To use this method, first select the cells that contain the text you want to cross out. Then, right-click and select ‘Format Cells’ from the context menu. In the Format Cells dialog, go to the ‘Font’ tab. Here, you will find the ‘Strikethrough’ option. Check this box and click ‘OK.’ The selected text will now be crossed out.
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Using the Ribbon
The Ribbon is the toolbar at the top of the Excel window. It contains various commands grouped into tabs. The ‘Home’ tab, in particular, contains the ‘Font’ group, which includes the strike-through command.
Using the Ribbon to cross out text is similar to using the Format Cells dialog. First, select the cells containing the text you want to cross out. Then, go to the ‘Home’ tab and locate the ‘Font’ group. Click the ‘Strikethrough’ command to cross out the selected text.
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Using a Keyboard Shortcut
Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to speed up your work in Excel. The shortcut for the strike-through command is Ctrl + 5.
To use this shortcut, select the cells containing the text you want to cross out. Then, press Ctrl + 5 on your keyboard. The selected text will be crossed out instantly.
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Using a Custom Format
A custom format is a user-defined cell format that you can apply to cells in your worksheet. You can create a custom format that includes the strike-through effect.
To create a custom format, select the cells you want to format. Then, right-click and select ‘Format Cells.’ In the Format Cells dialog, go to the ‘Number’ tab and select ‘Custom’. In the ‘Type’ box, enter the following code: [@]. Click ‘OK’ to apply the format. The selected text will now be crossed out.
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Using Conditional Formatting
To use conditional formatting, select the cells you want to format. Then, go to the ‘Home’ tab and locate the ‘Styles’ group. Click ‘Conditional Formatting’ and select ‘New Rule’. In the New Formatting Rule dialog, select ‘Format only cells that contain’. Set the conditions as per your requirements. Then, click ‘Format’ and go to the ‘Font’ tab. Check the ‘Strikethrough’ box and click ‘OK’. The text in cells that meet the condition will be crossed out.
You may also find valuable insights in the following articles offering tips for Microsoft Excel:
FAQs
How do I cross out text in Microsoft Excel?
Select the desired text, right-click, choose “Format Cells,” go to the Font tab, and check the “Strikethrough” option.
Can I cross out specific words within a cell in Excel?
Yes, you can apply strikethrough formatting to selected words within a cell by using the same method as for entire cells.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for crossing out text in Excel?
Yes, you can use the shortcut “Ctrl” + “5” to quickly apply or remove strikethrough formatting.
Can I customize the color of the strikethrough line in Excel?
No, Excel’s default strikethrough formatting is a single color, usually the same as the font color.
Does crossing out text affect the underlying data in Excel cells?
No, applying strikethrough formatting is a visual change only and does not alter the actual data in the Excel cells.