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Mac Strikethrough in Excel: Step by Step Shortcut Guide

John Michaloudis
Efficiency in Microsoft Excel for Mac hinges on mastering formatting options like strikethrough.
It's a small tweak with big implications, allowing you to signify completion or dismissal without deletion.

Harnessing this tool optimally can streamline your spreadsheet workflows.

Efficiency in Microsoft Excel for Mac hinges on mastering formatting options like strikethrough. It’s a small tweak with big implications, allowing you to signify completion or dismissal without deletion. Harnessing this tool optimally can streamline your spreadsheet workflows.

Key Takeaways:

  • Format Cells Dialog Box Shortcut: Utilize ‘Control + 1’ or right-click followed by ‘Format Cells’ to access the mac strikethrough option swiftly.
  • Keyboard Shortcut Convenience: Save time with ⌘ + Shift + X for an instant strikethrough application, perfect for hectic spreadsheet sessions.
  • Partial Strikethrough Expertise: Highlight specific text and apply partial strikethrough using the same keyboard shortcut for nuanced data representation.
  • Macro Magic: Automate strikethrough application with macros, simplifying repetitive tasks and enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Cross-Platform Consistency: Whether on Mac or Windows, familiarize yourself with universal methods like the Format Cells dialog for seamless formatting across devices.

 

Mastering Strikethrough Shortcuts on Mac for Excel Efficiency

Introduction to Strikethrough in Excel for Mac Users

If you’re an Excel user on Mac, you’re aware of the countless formatting options at your fingertips. Among these, strikethrough carries a special significance. It’s a simple yet powerful way to indicate that something has been completed or should be disregarded without actually deleting it.

This visual cue is even more useful when you’re tracking changes or managing tasks in spreadsheets. Understanding how to quickly apply strikethrough formatting can significantly boost your productivity.

 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Strikethrough on Mac Excel

Using The Format Cells Dialog Box with Mac Shortcuts

Dive into the Format Cells dialog box on your Mac to access the strikethrough formatting in Excel with finesse, follow these steps:-

STEP 1: Begin by selecting the target cell(s), then initiate the dialog box using either ‘Control + 1’ or a simple right-click and picking ‘Format Cells.’

mac shortcut for strikethrough

STEP 2: Once you’re in, tap on the ‘Font’ tab, and you’ll spot the strikethrough checkbox.

mac strikethrough

STEP 3: After ticking the box, confirm with an ‘OK’.

mac strikethrough

STEP 4: Watch the strikethrough magic happen.

mac strikethrough

While it’s not the quickest method compared to keyboard swoops, it’s undeniably perfect for combining several formatting changes in one shot. It’s like finding a secret passage in the spreadsheet castle that leads to a treasure trove of formatting goodies!

Keyboard Shortcut to Apply Strikethrough in Excel for Mac

When time is of the essence and every click counts, using keyboard shortcuts becomes second nature. To strike through text in Excel on your Mac, the keyboard shortcut comes to your rescue.

Once you’ve selected the text or cells that need the strikethrough, press ⌘ + Shift + X, and just like that—your data is neatly crossed out.

mac strikethrough

It’s an immediate action that can save you a world of time, especially when you are neck-deep in spreadsheet tasks. Embracing this shortcut ensures your workflow remains smooth, letting you strike things out on the fly..

 

Enhancing Productivity with Strikethrough Formats in Excel

Applying Partial Strikethrough Formatting on Mac Version

Imagine you have a cell with a mix of tasks, some done and some pending. In Excel on Mac, it’s a piece of cake to apply strikethrough formatting only to a part of the text in a cell. Follow these steps:-

STEP 1: Click into the cell, then carefully highlight the specific text you want to cross out.

mac strikethrough

STEP 2: Next, press ⌘ + Shift + X, and just like that—your data is neatly crossed out.

mac strikethrough

Utilizing Macros for Strikethrough Formatting in Mac Excel

Leveraging Macros in Excel on your Mac turns repetitive tasks into simple, single-click wonders, including putting that strikethrough charm on your data. To conjure up a macro, embark on a mystical journey with the following steps –

STEP 1: Go to the Developer Tab, and click on “Visual Basic”.

mac strikethrough

STEP 2: Locate ‘Insert’ in the menu bar, select ‘Module’ to unfold your scripting canvas, and etch the following spell:

Sub Strikethrough()</div>
<div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">Selection.Font.Strikethrough = True</div>
<div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">End Sub

mac strikethrough

STEP 3: Click on the Marcos button under the Developer Tab.

mac strikethrough

STEP 4: Select the Macro name “Strikethrough” and click “Run” to add a strikethrough to the text inside the selected cell.

mac strikethrough

STEP 5: Check the result.

mac strikethrough

With the macro spell written, invoke it to bestow the strikethrough attribute unto your selected text with ease. Remember to save your workbook with macros enabled, and keep the grimoire close for editing or adding new enchantments to your data manipulation arsenal.

 

Cross-Platform Tips for Using Strikethrough in Excel

Universal Methods for Applying Strikethrough Across Different Devices

No matter if your device has an apple bitten out of it or has a window to the world, there are universal methods that can apply strikethrough formatting. Staying inside Excel’s ribbons, you can access the Format Cells dialog box universally by right-clicking your selected text and hunting for the Format Cells option or using the trusty ‘Control + 1’ (or ‘⌘ + 1’ on Mac).

mac strikethrough

Remarkably, even in the fast-paced world of shortcuts and swipes, some traditional methods refuse to go obsolete—like the enduring use of Format Cells dialog. This universal approach is the bridge over troubled platform waters, allowing you to row the same way on any device.

 

Advanced Techniques and Troubleshooting for Mac Strikethrough

How to Remove Strikethrough Formatting in Excel on Mac

If your text in Excel for Mac is looking like it’s been through a paper shredder and you need to reverse that, fret not. Removing strikethrough is just as straightforward as applying it.

Again, select the cells where you want the formatting gone, then make your way back to the Format Cells dialog box through either ‘⌘ + 1’ or the right-click context menu. In the Font tab, simply uncheck the Strikethrough option. Once you click ‘OK,’ your text is as clean as if it had just come from the laundry—smooth and without a line out of place. Another way of removing strikethrough is by pressing the combination of ⌘+SHIFT+X keys.

Common Challenges with Excel Strikethrough on Mac and How to Solve Them

Even in the polished world of Mac Excel, users might encounter a few hiccups with strikethroughs. A common puzzle is the strikethrough formatting not displaying properly, which might be due to a cell’s format or the column width causing visual glitches. To fix this, double-check your cell’s format settings and adjust the column width to accommodate the text nicely.

Another issue could be the strikethrough shortcut not responding—usually a sign of conflicting shortcuts or system preferences needing a tweak. Ensure that the ⌘ + Shift + X hasn’t been assigned to another task on your Mac. If it has, take a quick detour to your keyboard shortcuts in System Preferences and make the necessary changes.

For macros not running, make sure you’ve enabled macros in your Excel workbook and that you have trusted access to the VBA project object model.

Lastly, if you’re wondering why you can’t perform partial strikethroughs, remember that this format can only be applied to individual characters in a cell when the cell is in edit mode. Otherwise, the whole cell gets the strikethrough treatment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct strikethrough shortcut for Excel on Mac?

Yes, a direct shortcut to apply strikethrough in Excel on Mac is ⌘ + Shift + X. Select the text or cells first before using this shortcut to instantly cross them out.

How can I add a strikethrough button to the Mac Excel toolbar?

To add a strikethrough button to the Mac Excel toolbar, customize your Quick Access Toolbar by clicking ‘Excel > Preferences > Ribbon & Toolbar’, choose the ‘Quick Access Toolbar’, then add Strikethrough from the list of commands.

Can I control strikethrough formatting with conditional formatting in Excel for Mac?

Absolutely, you can control strikethrough formatting with conditional formatting in Excel for Mac by creating a rule with a custom formula that applies the strikethrough based on your specified conditions.

What is the shortcut key for strikethrough?

The shortcut for strikethrough varies by program: in Google Sheets and Docs, it’s Alt + Shift + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + X (Mac), in MS Word and Outlook, open the Font dialog with Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (Mac), and in Excel, it’s Ctrl + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + X (Mac).

How to apply strikethrough via format options in Mac?

In Excel on Mac, to apply strikethrough via format options, select your text or cells and open the Format Cells dialog with ⌘ + 1. Click on the ‘Font’ tab, check the ‘Strikethrough’ option, and press ‘OK’ to apply.

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Founder & Chief Inspirational Officer

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John Michaloudis is a former accountant and finance analyst at General Electric, a Microsoft MVP since 2020, an Amazon #1 bestselling author of 4 Microsoft Excel books and teacher of Microsoft Excel & Office over at his flagship MyExcelOnline Academy Online Course.

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