Strikethrough Text Generator: How to Cross Out Text Anywhere

S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶t̶h̶r̶o̶u̶g̶h̶ text — that line through the middle of your words — is one of the most expressive text styles on the internet. It's used for humor, corrections, sarcasm, showing edits, and adding personality to otherwise plain text.

The problem? Most platforms don't give you a strikethrough button. That's where a strikethrough text generator comes in — type your text, get the crossed-out version, copy and paste it anywhere.

What Is Strikethrough Text?

Strikethrough is a text style where a horizontal line is drawn through the center of each character, like t̶h̶i̶s̶. In traditional writing and editing, it means "this text is deleted" — but online, it's taken on a life of its own.

Common uses include:

  • Humor and sarcasm: "I'm ~~totally fine~~ having a great day" — the crossed-out part adds subtext
  • Showing corrections: "The meeting is at ~~3pm~~ 4pm" — clearly communicates a change
  • Dramatic effect: crossing out the "wrong" answer to emphasize the right one
  • Price comparisons: "~~$49~~ $29" — a classic sales technique

How to Generate Strikethrough Text

Method 1: Use YayText (Works Everywhere)

The fastest way to create strikethrough text that works on any platform:

  1. Visit the Strikethrough Text Generator
  2. Type or paste your text
  3. Click to copy the strikethrough version
  4. Paste it wherever you want

This method uses Unicode combining characters to draw the line through your text. Because it's Unicode — not platform-specific formatting — it works in:

  • Social media (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn)
  • Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack)
  • Email subject lines and body text
  • Google Docs, Notion, and other editors
  • Gaming profiles and forum signatures

Method 2: Platform-Specific Shortcuts

Some platforms have built-in strikethrough support:

| Platform | How to Strikethrough | |----------|---------------------| | Discord | Wrap text in ~~tildes~~ | | Slack | Wrap text in ~tildes~ | | WhatsApp | Wrap text in ~tildes~ | | Google Docs | Alt + Shift + 5 (Windows) or ⌘ + Shift + X (Mac) | | Microsoft Word | Alt + H + 4 or Font dialog | | Reddit | Wrap text in ~~tildes~~ | | HTML | Use <del> or <s> tags |

The limitation? These only work on their specific platform. If you write ~~hello~~ on Instagram, it just shows the tildes — it doesn't render as strikethrough. That's why the Unicode method from YayText is the universal solution.

Strikethrough vs. Other Line Styles

YayText offers several line-based text effects. Here's how they compare:

Strikethrough (S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶t̶h̶r̶o̶u̶g̶h̶)

A line through the middle of the text. The most common and recognizable style for indicating deleted or corrected text.

Try it: Strikethrough Generator

Underline (U̲n̲d̲e̲r̲l̲i̲n̲e̲)

A line below the text. Traditionally used for emphasis or to indicate links. Great for highlighting important phrases.

Try it: Underline Generator

Double Underline (D̳o̳u̳b̳l̳e̳)

Two lines below the text. A stronger emphasis than single underline — often used in academic or formal contexts.

Try it: Double Underline Generator

Overline (O̅v̅e̅r̅l̅i̅n̅e̅)

A line above the text. Less common but visually distinctive. Used in mathematics and as a creative text decoration.

Try it: Overline Generator

Creative Ways to Use Strikethrough Text

On Social Media

Show your inner thoughts:

Just had the ~~worst~~ most interesting meeting of my life

Create suspense:

The winner is... ~~not who you think~~ ANNOUNCED TOMORROW

Make sarcastic corrections:

I ~~need~~ deserve a vacation

In Marketing

Price anchoring:

~~$99/month~~ → $49/month (limited time)

Urgency and FOMO:

Only ~~50~~ ~~30~~ 12 spots remaining!

In Professional Communication

Show tracked changes:

The deadline is ~~Friday~~ Monday. Client requested an extension.

Soften a correction:

Please send the report to ~~john@~~ sarah@company.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Does strikethrough text work on Instagram?

Yes — if you use Unicode strikethrough from YayText. Instagram doesn't have a built-in strikethrough feature, but Unicode characters render correctly in bios, captions, and comments.

Can I use strikethrough in email subject lines?

Yes! Unicode strikethrough works in email subject lines across Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail. It's a great way to make your emails stand out in a crowded inbox — for example: "~~Don't~~ open this email".

Does strikethrough affect SEO or searchability?

On web pages, Unicode strikethrough text is still readable by search engines. However, for HTML content, using <del> or <s> tags is better for accessibility and SEO, as screen readers can interpret the semantic meaning.

Why do some characters not show the strikethrough line?

The Unicode combining character for strikethrough works by attaching to each letter individually. Some characters (like certain emoji or CJK characters) may not display the line correctly on all devices. Latin letters and numbers work best.

Try It Now

Stop searching for strikethrough buttons that don't exist. Use the YayText Strikethrough Generator to cross out any text in seconds — then paste it anywhere you want.

It's free, instant, and works on every platform.