PowerPoint presentations often require highlighting key changes or showing items that are no longer relevant. A simple yet effective way to achieve this is by using the strikethrough effect. This guide will walk you through several methods to strikethrough text in PowerPoint, catering to different versions and preferences.
Method 1: Using the Font Formatting Options (Most PowerPoint Versions)
This is the most straightforward and widely applicable method. It works across various PowerPoint versions.
- Select the text: Highlight the words or phrases you want to strikethrough.
- Access the Font Group: On the "Home" tab of the PowerPoint ribbon, locate the "Font" group.
- Find the Strikethrough Button: Look for the button with a line through the "S" or a similar symbol representing strikethrough. Click it.
That's it! Your selected text should now have a line striking through it.
Method 2: Using the Shortcut (For Speed Demons!)
Keyboard shortcuts are your friend when working quickly. For a speedy strikethrough:
- Select your text.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + ~ (tilde). The tilde key is usually located above the Tab key.
This shortcut offers a quick and efficient way to apply the strikethrough effect, minimizing time spent navigating menus.
Method 3: Right-Click Menu (A Convenient Alternative)
If you prefer a right-click approach, this method works equally well:
- Select the text you wish to strikethrough.
- Right-click on the selected text.
- Choose "Font": A context menu will appear. Select "Font."
- Check the "Strikethrough" box: In the Font dialog box, locate and check the "Strikethrough" option. Click "OK."
This method provides a visual representation of the formatting options before applying them.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Strikethrough Option? Ensure you're using a font that supports strikethrough. Some fonts might have limited formatting capabilities. Try switching to a standard font like Arial or Calibri.
- Strikethrough Not Working? Sometimes, a simple restart of PowerPoint can resolve unexpected issues. If the problem persists, check your PowerPoint version's help documentation for specific troubleshooting steps.
- Removing Strikethrough: To remove the strikethrough, simply repeat the steps above, but uncheck the "Strikethrough" box in the font settings or use the strikethrough button again.
Beyond the Basics: Using Strikethrough Effectively
While seemingly simple, the strikethrough effect can be a powerful tool in your presentations. Here are some creative ways to use it:
- Highlighting deleted or obsolete information: Clearly mark information that's been removed or is no longer accurate.
- Show comparisons: Contrast old and new data or options by striking through the outdated information.
- Creating visual interest: Use strikethrough sparingly to draw attention to specific points and break up large blocks of text.
Mastering the strikethrough function is a small step towards creating more polished and effective PowerPoint presentations. Remember to use it judiciously for optimal impact.
