In the vast landscape of email communication, Gmail stands out as a popular and versatile platform. While most users are familiar with basic formatting options, such as bold and italics, there’s a hidden gem that adds flair to your messages – strikethrough text. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the art of using strikethrough in Gmail, exploring its benefits and providing step-by-step instructions to enhance your email composition skills.
Understanding Strikethrough
What is Strikethrough?
Strikethrough is a formatting style that adds a horizontal line through the center of text, giving it a crossed-out appearance. While it may seem like a simple stylistic choice, it can convey various meanings, from indicating corrections to emphasizing changes or updates.
Why Use Strikethrough in Gmail?
In the realm of email communication, clarity is key. Strikethrough text in Gmail offers a visually distinct way to convey information. Whether you’re revising a document, highlighting changes, or simply adding a touch of creativity to your messages, strikethrough can be a valuable tool.
Enabling Strikethrough in Gmail
Now that we understand the significance of strikethrough, let’s explore how to unleash its power in Gmail.
Step 1: Compose a New Email
Open Gmail and click on the “Compose” button to start a new email. Alternatively, if you’re replying to an existing email, click on “Reply” or “Forward.”
Step 2: Access the Formatting Options
In the email composition window, you’ll find a formatting toolbar at the bottom. Look for the “A” icon, which represents text formatting.
Step 3: Locate the Strikethrough Option
Click on the “A” icon to reveal the formatting options. Among the various styles, you’ll find the strikethrough icon, typically represented by an “S” with a horizontal line through it.
Step 4: Apply Strikethrough to Text
Highlight the text you want to strikethrough, and then click on the strikethrough icon. Voila! Your text is now crossed out, adding a visually striking element to your message.
Also Read – How To Write A Follow Up Email
Advanced Strikethrough Techniques
While the basic steps cover the essentials, there are advanced techniques to master the art of strikethrough in Gmail.
Inline Strikethrough
Instead of applying strikethrough to entire lines, you can use inline strikethrough for a more nuanced approach. Simply place double tildes (~~) around the text you want to cross out. For example, typing ~~this~~ will result in “this.”
Keyboard Shortcuts
For efficiency, Gmail supports keyboard shortcuts. To strikethrough text without using the toolbar, highlight the text and press “Alt + Shift + 5” (on Windows) or “Command + Shift + X” (on Mac).
Best Practices for Using Strikethrough
To maximize the impact of strikethrough in Gmail, consider these best practices:
1. Clarity Overload
While strikethrough can add flair, avoid overusing it. Reserve its use for corrections, updates, or essential information to prevent visual clutter.
2. Consistency is Key
Maintain consistency in your formatting. If you choose to strikethrough for corrections, stick to that convention throughout your email.
3. Combine with Other Styles
Experiment with combining strikethrough with other formatting styles like bold or italics to create visually appealing and well-structured emails.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering strikethrough in Gmail elevates your email game, allowing you to communicate with style and precision. Whether you’re correcting errors, emphasizing changes, or adding a touch of creativity, strikethrough is a versatile tool that enhances your messaging experience.