Using Strikethrough in Outlook: The Easiest Guide

Christopher Daniel

Last updated September 19, 2023

Struggling to use strikethrough in Outlook? While many people reach for toolbar shortcuts to add it to most Outlook app versions, you might need a little extra help. And that’s okay!

Our step-by-step guide shows you how to use single and double strikethrough in Outlook. Keep reading for more details!

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How to Use Strikethrough in Outlook: Desktop App

Using Outlook’s desktop application, you can insert single or double lines of intersecting text in your emails. Each strikethrough type has separate steps, which we’ve covered below for your convenience.

Applying Single Strikethrough in Outlook

To cross out text in Outlook with one line, launch the app on your desktop:

In the main Outlook screen, click the New Email button (top-left corner). This will open a smaller text window in the middle of the screen.
Write within the main body of your email.
Click then drag your cursor to select the text for strikethrough.
Click the Format Text option in the main header bar. The screen will reveal a toolbar that allows you to edit the text.
In the Font section, click Strikethrough, a text icon with a horizontal line passing through it.

Applying Double Strikethrough in Outlook

You can also use two lines instead of one when using strikethrough in emails. Adding two lines requires you to use the font settings in Outlook. After creating a New Email button and composing the text:

Highlight the text you want to apply the double strikethrough to.
Right-click on the highlighted text to open the formatting menu.
Click the Font option to open the window that allows you to define formatting options in detail.
Select the Double strikethrough option under the Effects tab.

Check double strikethrough and then okay

Click the Ok button to save changes

Things to Know About Outlook Strikethrough

You can click strikethrough before you begin typing. This will add a line through any text inputted afterward. You can follow the same steps to remove the strikethrough.
Using plain text won’t display the strikethrough. Only Rich text and HTML formats can display the strikethrough.
You can remove all stylistics and formatting using “Clear Formatting” (found in the Message tab under Basic Text).
You can’t apply the strikethrough format to the email subject or the recipient’s email. The strikethrough can be added only to the body of the email.

Related reading: Want to learn how to strikethrough in Google Sheets? We’ve got you covered!

How to Use Strikethrough in the Outlook Web App

The Outlook web version only offers single strikethrough text. To compose an email containing line through text in Outlook for the web:

Enter the recipient’s email and Subject.
Write the main body of the email and highlight the text you want to add the single Outlook strikethrough to.
Click on Strikethrough in the main toolbar. The icon looks like a capital S with a horizontal line passing through it.
After composing the email, click Send.

The strikethrough effect will be applied to the text. If you wish to remove the effect, select the desired text and click the strikethrough icon again to undo the effect.

Related: You can also add strikethrough text to the signature in Outlook.

Is There a Strikethrough Shortcut in Outlook?

While you can use the button to add strikethrough to Outlook, keyboard shortcuts can make your life much easier. Here is how you can create a shortcut for strikethrough in Outlook:

Open the Outlook desktop client and start composing a new email.
Press the Ctrl + D shortcut to open the Font window.
Now, press the Ctrl + Alt + plus symbol. Check the box to enable strikethrough. This will open a new Customize Keyboard window.
Create a keyboard shortcut by using either Shift, Alt, or Ctrl, and a letter key on your keyboard.
Now, click on the Assign button.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Add Strikethrough to My Outlook Toolbar?

The newer versions of Outlook have strikethrough in the main toolbar. However, if you’re using an older Outlook version, you can add strikethrough by right-clicking on a ribbon and then clicking on Customize the ribbon. Now, select All commands from Choose commands from a menu. Here, choose Strikethrough.

What Is the Shortcut for Strikethrough in Outlook?

Although Outlook doesn’t have a built-in shortcut for strikethrough, you can create a custom shortcut. To do this, select the desired text, and press the Ctrl + D shortcut. Now, press the Ctrl + Alt + + shortcut, and click the checkbox to enable strikethrough. Now, create a keyboard shortcut by using Shift, Alt, Ctrl, and a letter key on your keyboard and click the Assign button.

Be More Productive

At Productivity Spot, we’re all about making your life as efficient as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by taking courses to improve your skills. Luckily, there are plenty of Udemy productivity classes to get the ball rolling.

Wrapping Up

While there isn’t a native keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Outlook, you’ll be able to tackle this task in just a few clicks. If you happen to use strikethrough regularly, it’s easy to create a custom keyboard shortcut!

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Christopher Daniel

Chris is a spreadsheet expert and content writer for Productivity Spot and Spreadsheet Point. He has a double Bachelor's Degree in Teaching and has been working in the education industry for over 11 years. His experience makes him adept at breaking down complex topics so that everyone is able to understand.