How To Cross Out Text In Outlook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crossing out text in Outlook is a simple task that can be done in a few steps. To quickly learn how to do this, all you need is your Outlook open and the willingness to follow some easy instructions. After reading the brief explanation below, you’ll be able to cross out any text in your Outlook emails, making your messages clearer and more effective.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Cross Out Text in Outlook

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what we’re trying to achieve here. Crossing out text in Outlook is also known as "strikethrough", and it’s a way to show that something is no longer relevant without completely removing it from your text. It’s perfect for revisions, updates, or simply making a point. Now, let’s get started!

Step 1: Open the Outlook Email Editor

Open the email you want to edit or start a new one by clicking on "New Message".

When you open the Outlook email editor, you’ll see a bunch of tools at the top of the screen. These are formatting options, and they’re similar to what you’d find in Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Highlight the Text You Want to Cross Out

Use your mouse or keyboard to select the text you want to strike through.

Remember, you can select a single word, a sentence, or entire paragraphs. Just make sure you’ve highlighted exactly what you want to cross out.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Format Text’ Tab

Look at the top of your email editor and click on the ‘Format Text’ tab.

This tab will open up more formatting options for you to choose from, including the "strikethrough" function.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Strikethrough’ Button

In the ‘Format Text’ tab, find and click on the ‘Strikethrough’ button, which usually looks like an "S" with a line through it.

Once you click this button, you’ll immediately see the highlighted text get crossed out in your email.

After completing these steps, the text you selected will be crossed out, indicating that it’s been marked through but still remains visible to the reader. This can be particularly useful for showing changes in plans, correcting mistakes, or even making a point during an email conversation.

Tips for Crossing Out Text in Outlook

  • Always double-check which text you have selected before you apply the strikethrough. You wouldn’t want to cross out the wrong part of your message!
  • If you can’t find the strikethrough button, it might be hidden under the ‘More’ menu in the ‘Format Text’ tab, depending on the version of Outlook you’re using.
  • Remember that striking through text is a way to communicate a change or an error, so use it sparingly to ensure your message is clear.
  • You can also use keyboard shortcuts to apply strikethrough. In Windows, after selecting your text, press Ctrl + D to open the font dialog box, then Alt + K to tick the strikethrough checkbox and Enter to apply.
  • If you’re using Outlook on the web, the process is similar, but the strikethrough button may be located in a different spot or under a formatting menu symbolized by an "A" with a pen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo strikethrough in Outlook?

Yes, to undo strikethrough, just select the crossed-out text and click the strikethrough button again to remove it.

Does strikethrough work on all versions of Outlook?

Strikethrough is available in most versions of Outlook, but the exact location of the button may vary.

Can I use a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Outlook?

Yes, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + T in some versions of Outlook, or use the font dialog box method mentioned in the tips.

Can I apply strikethrough to text in Outlook on my mobile device?

The mobile versions of Outlook may not have the strikethrough feature, so it’s best to do this on a desktop version.

If I apply strikethrough to an email, will the recipient see it?

Yes, once you send the email, the recipient will see the strikethrough as long as their email client supports the HTML formatting.

Summary

  1. Open the Outlook email editor.
  2. Highlight the text you want to cross out.
  3. Click on the ‘Format Text’ tab.
  4. Click on the ‘Strikethrough’ button.

Conclusion

Crossing out text in Outlook is not only simple but also an efficient way to communicate changes to your colleagues or friends without having to rewrite entire sentences or paragraphs. Whether you’re correcting a typo, updating information, or simply want to visually indicate something isn’t relevant anymore, knowing how to cross out text in Outlook can make your emails look professional and well thought out. Plus, with these easy steps and helpful tips, you’ll be able to do it in no time. So go ahead, give it a try and make your emails stand out in the cluttered world of digital communication!

About the author

Matt Williams has been in the IT field for almost two decades, and has held a number of roles. Now he spends most of his time building websites and writing content.