Strikeout In Outlook

Why Strikeout in Outlook Is More Than Just a Formatting Trick

Strikeout text in emails isn’t about decoration—it’s a visual cue for action. Think of it like a red pen on paper: it signals what’s been removed, revised, or no longer relevant. In a world where inboxes overflow with information, a well-placed strikeout can cut through the clutter. For example, if you’re updating a team on project changes, striking through old deadlines or tasks keeps everyone aligned without forcing them to reread the entire email. The key? Using it intentionally, not just because it’s available.

When to Use Strikeout (And When to Avoid It)

Not every situation calls for crossed-out text. Here’s when it shines:

• Tracking edits: Collaborating on a document or proposal? Strikeout old versions to show what’s been revised.
• Highlighting changes: Updating a meeting time or location? Strike through the old details so the new ones stand out.
• Adding context: Need to explain why something was removed? Strikeout the original text and add a note below.

But avoid strikeout when:

• The change is minor (e.g., fixing a typo).
• The email is formal or client-facing, where strikeout might look unprofessional.
• You’re using it sarcastically—it can easily be misinterpreted.

Misusing strikeout turns a helpful tool into visual noise. The goal is to simplify, not complicate.

How to Apply Strikeout in Outlook (Desktop, Web, and Mobile)

Outlook’s strikeout feature is tucked away in the formatting options, but accessing it varies slightly depending on your device. Here’s how to find it:

On Desktop (Windows or Mac)

1. Open a new email or reply to an existing one.
2. Highlight the text you want to strike through.
3. In the ribbon at the top, click the Format Text tab.
4. Look for the Font group—you’ll see a button with an “abc” and a strikethrough line. Click it.
5. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac) to open the Font dialog box, then check the Strikethrough option.

Pro tip: If you use strikeout often, customize your Quick Access Toolbar to add the strikeout button for one-click access.

On Outlook Web (Outlook.com or Office 365)

1. Start composing an email.
2. Highlight the text you want to modify.
3. Click the Format icon in the toolbar (it looks like an “A” with a paintbrush).
4. In the dropdown menu, select the Strikethrough option (the “abc” with a line through it).

The web version is streamlined, but it lacks some of the desktop’s advanced formatting options. If you need more control, switch to the desktop app.

On Mobile (iOS or Android)

1. Open the Outlook app and start a new email.
2. Highlight the text you want to strike through.
3. Tap the Format icon (usually a “A” with lines next to it).
4. Scroll through the formatting options until you see Strikethrough and tap it.

Mobile formatting is limited, but it gets the job done for quick edits. For anything more complex, switch to desktop.

The Hidden Risks of Overusing Strikeout in Outlook

Strikeout text seems harmless, but overusing it can backfire. Here’s why:

1. It can feel passive-aggressive. Striking through someone’s suggestion in a group email might come across as dismissive, even if that wasn’t your intent. Instead, pair strikeout with a polite explanation (e.g., “We’re striking this section because we’ve moved the deadline—see the update below”).

2. It clutters your message. Too many crossed-out lines make an email hard to read. Use strikeout sparingly, and consider whether a bulleted list or table would work better for tracking changes.

3. It doesn’t always translate. Some email clients or mobile apps may not display strikeout correctly, especially if the recipient uses plain text mode. Always test your email before sending, or include a note like “Changes marked with strikeout.”

The takeaway? Strikeout is a tool, not a crutch. Use it to enhance clarity, not replace clear communication.

Advanced Strikeout Tricks for Power Users

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these pro tips to make strikeout work harder for you:

Combine Strikeout with Other Formatting

Pair strikeout with bold or italics to create a hierarchy of changes. For example:

• Old deadline: Friday → New deadline: Monday
• Budget: $10,000 → Updated budget: $12,500

This draws the eye to what’s new while still showing what’s been removed.

Use Strikeout in Calendar Invites

Did a meeting time change? Update the invite and strike through the old time in the description. This keeps attendees from showing up at the wrong hour. Example:

Meeting time: 2:00 PM
New meeting time: 3:30 PM

Create a Strikeout Shortcut

If you’re on Windows, you can create a macro to apply strikeout with a single keystroke. Here’s how:

1. Open Outlook and press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
2. Go to Insert > Module and paste this code:

Sub ApplyStrikethrough()
    Selection.Font.Strikethrough = Not Selection.Font.Strikethrough
End Sub

3. Save the macro and assign it to a shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Shift + S) via File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts.

Now you can strike through text in a flash.

What to Do When Strikeout Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, strikeout formatting doesn’t appear as expected. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Check the Recipient’s Email Client

Some clients (like Gmail or older versions of Outlook) may strip out formatting. To test, send a sample email to yourself using the same client as your recipient. If strikeout doesn’t show up, consider:

• Using plain text and marking changes manually (e.g., “[REMOVED: Old text]”).
• Attaching a PDF or Word document with tracked changes instead.

Verify Your Outlook Settings

If strikeout isn’t working in your own emails:

• Ensure you’re not in Plain Text mode (check the Format Text tab).
• Update Outlook to the latest version—older versions may have bugs.
• Disable add-ins that might interfere with formatting (go to File > Options > Add-ins).

Use HTML as a Fallback

If all else fails, manually insert HTML strikeout tags in the email’s source code. Here’s how:

1. In the email editor, click the ... menu and select View > Source.
2. Find the text you want to strike through and wrap it in <s> tags, like this: <s>Old text</s>.
3. Save and close the source view.

This method is clunky but reliable when formatting refuses to cooperate.