Need the strikethrough shortcut in Outlook? The answer depends on which Outlook version and operating system you use. Outlook for Mac has a direct shortcut, while New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web rely mainly on the formatting controls. Classic Outlook for Windows also supports keyboard access through its Font and Format Text controls.
This guide shows how to apply and remove strikethrough in Outlook on Windows, Mac, and the web. It also explains double strikethrough, why common shortcuts such as Ctrl+5 do not work universally in Outlook, and how to strike out text inside a PDF email attachment with Wondershare PDFelement.
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 |
100% SecureIn this article
Quick Answer: What Is the Outlook Strikethrough Shortcut?
There is no single Outlook strikethrough shortcut that works across every version. In Outlook for Mac, select the text and press Shift + Command + X. New Outlook for Windows does not currently have a dedicated strikethrough shortcut, so select the text and use Format Text > Strikethrough. In classic Outlook for Windows, use the Format Text or Font controls; Ctrl + Shift + P opens the Font dialog from a message.
Part 1. Outlook Strikethrough Shortcut by Version
The fastest way to cross out text in Outlook depends on whether you use classic Outlook for Windows, New Outlook, Outlook on the web, or Outlook for Mac. This version difference is important because a shortcut that works in one Outlook app may do nothing in another.
| Outlook Version | Strikethrough Shortcut or Method | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Outlook for Mac | Shift + Command + X | Direct keyboard shortcut |
| New Outlook for Windows | No dedicated strikethrough shortcut | Select text > Format Text > Strikethrough |
| Classic Outlook for Windows | Ctrl + Shift + P opens the Font dialog | Use Font or Format Text controls to apply Strikethrough |
| Outlook on the web | No universal dedicated shortcut | Use the message formatting toolbar |
Strikethrough Shortcuts in Other Common Apps
If you searched the broader term strikethrough shortcut, note that the key combination changes by application. For example, Excel uses a different shortcut from Outlook, and Google Docs has its own command.
| Application | Common Strikethrough Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Outlook for Mac | Shift + Command + X |
| Microsoft Excel on Windows | Ctrl + 5 |
| Microsoft Excel on Mac | Shift + Command + X |
| Microsoft Word on Mac | Command + Shift + X |
| Google Docs on Windows / ChromeOS | Alt + Shift + 5 |
The rest of this guide focuses specifically on Outlook strikethrough and the differences between Outlook versions.
Part 1.1. How To Strikethrough in Classic Outlook for Windows
In classic Outlook for Windows, the most reliable method is to use the Format Text controls while composing an email.
- Compose a new email or reply to an existing message.
- Select the text that you want to cross out.
- Click Format Text.
- In the Font group, click Strikethrough.
The selected text remains visible but appears with a line through it. This is useful when you want readers to see what has been removed or superseded without deleting the original wording.
Part 1.2. Outlook Strikethrough Shortcut for Windows and Mac
Outlook does not use one universal strikethrough shortcut. The correct keyboard method depends on your Outlook version and operating system.
Outlook for Mac: Shift + Command + X
Microsoft lists Shift + Command + X as the keyboard shortcut for striking through selected text in Outlook for Mac.
- Select the text in the email.
- Press Shift + Command + X.
- Press the same shortcut again if you want to remove the strikethrough.
Classic Outlook for Windows: Use the Font Dialog or Ribbon
Microsoft's current classic Outlook shortcut reference does not list a single dedicated Windows shortcut equivalent to the Mac command. If you prefer keyboard navigation, Ctrl + Shift + P opens the Font dialog while composing a message. From there, choose Strikethrough and confirm the change.
You can also press Alt + O to move to the Format Text tab and use the ribbon controls.
New Outlook for Windows: No Dedicated Shortcut
New Outlook for Windows currently does not provide a dedicated keyboard shortcut specifically for strikethrough. Select the text, open Format Text, and click Strikethrough.
Part 1.3. How To Do Double Strikethrough in Outlook
Double strikethrough places two lines through selected text instead of one. It can be useful when a document or message needs to distinguish a stronger deletion mark from ordinary strikethrough, although for normal email editing a single strikethrough is usually sufficient.
In classic Outlook for Windows, double strikethrough may be available through the Font dialog:
- Start composing a new email.
- Select the text you want to format.
- Right-click the selected text and choose Font.
- Select Double strikethrough.
- Click OK.
If you are using New Outlook or Outlook on the web and do not see this option, use the formatting features available in that version instead of assuming the classic Outlook Font dialog is available.
Part 1.4. How To Remove Strikethrough in Outlook
Strikethrough is a text format, so it can be toggled off without deleting the text itself.
- Select the text that already has strikethrough applied.
- Open Format Text.
- Click Strikethrough again to remove the formatting.
If you just applied the formatting, Ctrl + Z on Windows or Command + Z on Mac can also undo the most recent action.
Part 2. How to Strikethrough in New Outlook and Outlook on the Web
New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web use a more web-oriented interface than classic Outlook. Microsoft currently does not provide a dedicated strikethrough keyboard shortcut for New Outlook, so the formatting toolbar is the most reliable method.
- Open New Outlook or Outlook on the web.
- Compose a new message or reply.
- Select the text you want to cross out.
- Open the formatting controls if they are collapsed.
- Choose Strikethrough.
If you cannot find the control immediately, look under the expanded formatting menu. Outlook interfaces can change slightly depending on account type, screen size, and Microsoft 365 updates.
Why Is the Outlook Strikethrough Shortcut Not Working?
If a strikethrough shortcut does nothing, the most common reason is that the instructions were written for a different application or Outlook version.
| Problem | Likely Reason | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + 5 does nothing in Outlook | Ctrl + 5 is commonly associated with Excel strikethrough, not Outlook | Use the Outlook method for your version |
| A Windows shortcut does not work in New Outlook | New Outlook and classic Outlook use different shortcut sets | Use Format Text > Strikethrough |
| A shortcut works on Mac but not Windows | Outlook for Mac has its own documented shortcuts | Use Shift + Command + X on Mac |
| You cannot find double strikethrough | The advanced Font dialog is not available in every Outlook version | Use classic Outlook or apply ordinary strikethrough |
| Formatting disappears for the recipient | The message may be viewed or sent as plain text | Use an HTML-formatted email when rich text formatting is required |
Part 3. When to Use Strikethrough in Outlook Email
Strikethrough keeps the original wording visible while showing that it has been removed, replaced, or superseded. That makes it useful in email discussions where the edit itself matters.
- Show information that is no longer current.
For example, you can cross out an old date, price, deadline, or requirement and place the updated information next to it. The recipient can see both the previous and current version without comparing separate messages.
- Show a proposed revision.
During a negotiation or review, strikethrough can show wording that you propose removing while the replacement appears nearby. For complex contract or document reviews, however, editing or commenting directly in the attachment may provide clearer context than reproducing the text in an email.
- Mark rejected suggestions or completed items.
A crossed-out item can remain visible for reference while signaling that it is no longer active. This can be useful in informal checklists, meeting notes, and collaborative drafts.
For formal documents or workflows that require an auditable revision history, use comments, Track Changes, or document review tools instead of relying on strikethrough alone.
Part 4. How to Strikethrough Text in a PDF Email Attachment
Outlook can format text in the email body, but it cannot directly change text inside an attached PDF. If the wording you need to cross out is inside a contract, proposal, report, or other PDF attachment, edit or annotate the PDF before attaching it to the email.
Wondershare PDFelement provides both PDF editing and annotation tools. Use direct editing when the PDF content itself needs to change, or use a Strikeout comment when you want the recipient to see a proposed deletion and any related note.
You can also see the dedicated guide on how to add strikethrough to PDF text.
Part 4.1. Add Strikethrough to PDF Text with PDFelement
Use direct editing when you are working on an editable copy of the PDF and want the visual formatting to become part of the document.
- Open the PDF in Wondershare PDFelement.
- Click Edit > Edit all.
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 |100% Secure
- Select the text in the PDF that you want to format.
- On the floating toolbar, click Strikeout.
Part 4.2. Use Strikeout Comments for Suggested Changes
If you are reviewing a PDF rather than directly editing the final text, the Strikeout annotation is often more useful because it preserves the proposed deletion as markup and can be paired with a comment.
- Open the file with Wondershare PDFelement.
- Click Comment.
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 |100% Secure
- Click the small arrow next to the Text Markup option.
- Select Strikeout.
- Select the text you want to mark for deletion.
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 |100% Secure
- Add a comment in the Comment panel if you want to explain what should replace the struck-out text.
Part 4.3. Send the PDF by Email from PDFelement
After reviewing the PDF, you can use PDFelement's email or sharing option to hand the file off to your configured email workflow instead of locating and attaching the document again manually.
- Click the Email button in Wondershare PDFelement.
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 |100% Secure
- Complete the email in the mail application opened by your system and confirm that the reviewed PDF is attached.
- Add the recipient, subject, and message, then send the email.
Outlook Strikethrough FAQ
-
Is there a keyboard shortcut for strikethrough in Outlook?
It depends on the Outlook version. Outlook for Mac uses Shift + Command + X. New Outlook for Windows currently has no dedicated strikethrough shortcut, so use Format Text > Strikethrough. In classic Outlook for Windows, Ctrl + Shift + P opens the Font dialog, where you can apply strikethrough. -
What is the strikethrough shortcut in Outlook 365?
There is no single Outlook 365 shortcut that applies to every platform. Outlook for Mac uses Shift + Command + X. New Outlook for Windows relies on the Format Text controls, while classic Outlook for Windows provides keyboard access to the Font and ribbon formatting controls. -
Why does Ctrl + 5 not strikethrough text in Outlook?
Ctrl + 5 is a documented Microsoft Excel shortcut for applying or removing strikethrough. Outlook uses different formatting commands, so the Excel shortcut should not be treated as a universal Microsoft Office shortcut. -
How do I remove strikethrough in Outlook?
Select the crossed-out text and activate the Strikethrough command again. In Outlook for Mac, you can also press Shift + Command + X again. If strikethrough was your most recent action, Undo can remove it as well. -
Can Outlook strikethrough text inside a PDF attachment?
No. Outlook formats the email body but does not directly edit text inside an attached PDF. Open the PDF in a PDF editor or annotation tool such as PDFelement, apply the strikeout markup, save the document, and then attach or share the updated PDF.
Conclusion
The correct Outlook strikethrough shortcut depends on the Outlook version you use. Outlook for Mac supports Shift + Command + X, while New Outlook for Windows currently requires the Strikethrough control in the formatting interface. Classic Outlook for Windows provides additional ribbon and Font-dialog options.
If the text you need to cross out is inside a PDF attachment rather than the email body, use Wondershare PDFelement to edit or add Strikeout comments to the PDF before sending it through Outlook.
