Chat apps
Discord and Slack both use double tildes, so ~~text~~ crosses out a word. WhatsApp uses a single tilde on each side, like ~text~. Telegram lets you select text and choose strikethrough from the formatting menu, or use its own Markdown style depending on your client.
Word processors
Google Docs applies strikethrough with Alt plus Shift plus 5 on most systems, or through Format, Text, Strikethrough. Microsoft Word has a Home tab button and lets you assign a custom shortcut. Apple Pages uses the Format menu and a customisable shortcut.
Spreadsheets
Google Sheets uses the same Alt plus Shift plus 5 shortcut as Docs. Microsoft Excel uses Control plus 5 on Windows to toggle strikethrough on the selected cells.
When there is no shortcut
Social platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and X have no formatting controls at all. For those, the reliable method is to generate Unicode strikethrough and paste it. It works the same way regardless of the app because the effect lives in the characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Excel it is Control plus 5, and in Google Docs and Sheets it is Alt plus Shift plus 5. Chat apps rely on tilde syntax instead.
No single shortcut works everywhere because each app differs. Unicode strikethrough from a generator is the closest thing to a universal method.
Many do, sometimes with Command in place of Control. Check the app's formatting menu, which usually lists the exact key combination.
Yes. The mobile app may place the option in its formatting menu instead of showing the desktop keyboard shortcut.
It stays when the destination accepts rich-text formatting. For plain-text apps, use Unicode strikethrough so the line travels with the characters.
Use it sparingly, keep the phrase short, and provide the intended meaning in nearby plain text because screen readers may not announce the visual line.
