Strikethrough Text Generator — Cross Out Text Anywhere
Our free strikethrough text generator converts any text into crossed-out strikethrough text that you can copy and paste anywhere — social media, messaging apps, emails, bios, and more. Type your text, choose your style, copy, and paste. It works on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, WhatsApp, Slack, Reddit, and most other platforms that support Unicode.
How This Strikethrough Text Generator Works
Unlike strikethrough formatting in word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, which uses document-level formatting that does not survive copy-paste outside the document, this generator uses Unicode combining characters. A combining character is a special Unicode character that attaches itself visually to the character before it — in this case, adding a horizontal line through the middle of each letter. Because the output is plain Unicode text, it can be pasted anywhere plain text is accepted.
Strikethrough Text Styles Explained
| Style name | How it looks | Unicode used | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combining strikethrough | T̶e̶x̶t̶ | U+0336 per character | Social media, most common use |
| Long stroke overlay | T̴e̴x̴t̴ | U+0334 per character | Lighter, more subtle style |
| Monospace | 𝚃𝚎𝚡𝚝 | Mathematical monospace | Code-style aesthetic |
| Fullwidth | Ｔｅｘｔ | Fullwidth Latin characters | Bold visual impact, Asian platform style |
Where to Use Strikethrough Text
Social Media
Strikethrough text is popular on social media for humor, sarcasm, corrections, and creative expression. A common pattern is writing your real thought in strikethrough followed by a socially acceptable version — for example: This meeting c̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶e̶n̶ ̶a̶n̶ ̶e̶m̶a̶i̶l̶ was very productive.
Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook all display Unicode strikethrough text correctly.
Discord and Messaging Apps
Discord has its own native strikethrough using ~~double tilde~~ markdown syntax, but that only works inside Discord. Unicode strikethrough from this generator works in Discord usernames, server names, and anywhere markdown is not supported. It also works in WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage.
Bios and Profiles
Instagram bios, Twitter bios, TikTok bios, and similar profile fields do not support HTML or markdown formatting. Unicode strikethrough text is one of the few ways to add visual formatting to plain-text profile fields. It is widely used for aesthetic and creative bios.
Reddit and Forums
While Reddit supports markdown strikethrough using ~~tildes~~, Unicode strikethrough works in contexts where markdown is not rendered, such as some subreddit post types, usernames, and flair text.
Strikethrough in HTML and Markdown
If you are working in a context that supports HTML or markdown rather than plain text, you may prefer these native methods:
| Method | Syntax | Output | Works in |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTML s tag | <s>text</s> | Strikethrough | Web pages, HTML emails |
| HTML del tag | <del>text</del> | Strikethrough | Web pages (semantic deletion) |
| Markdown | ~~text~~ | Strikethrough | Discord, Reddit, Slack, GitHub |
| Unicode (this tool) | Paste directly | Strikethrough | Everywhere plain text works |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I strikethrough text on iPhone?
On iPhone, you can apply strikethrough in apps that support rich text formatting by selecting text and tapping the formatting options. For plain text fields like social media bios and messaging apps, use this generator to create Unicode strikethrough text and paste it in.
How do I strikethrough text in Word?
In Microsoft Word, select the text you want to strike through, then go to Home and click the Strikethrough button (ab with a line through it) in the Font section. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Alt+H, then 4 on Windows. For plain text outside Word, use this Unicode generator instead.
How do I strikethrough text in Google Docs?
In Google Docs, select your text, then go to Format → Text → Strikethrough. There is no default keyboard shortcut in Google Docs for strikethrough, but you can assign one in Tools → Keyboard shortcuts.
Why does strikethrough text sometimes look different on different devices?
Unicode combining characters are rendered by each device's font and text rendering engine. Most modern devices render them consistently, but slight visual differences in the position or weight of the strikethrough line can occur between operating systems, fonts, and apps.
Can I use strikethrough text in an email subject line?
Yes — Unicode strikethrough text can be pasted into email subject lines and will display correctly in most modern email clients including Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail, as long as the recipient's client supports Unicode, which is almost universal today.