Alt Code for Strikethrough: A Practical Guide

Quick Answer: Alt Code for Strikethrough

The direct alt code for strikethrough depends on platform and editor. On Windows with numeric keypad input, hold Alt and type 021327 to produce ⟐ (Unicode U+2330) in some legacy apps, but this is uncommon. For standard strikethrough formatting, use Alt+X after typing 20D2: type 20D2 then press Alt+X in Microsoft Word to obtain ⃜. In HTML, apply the or element rather than an alt code; there is no universal alt-code shortcut for ⟐ in everyday documents.

What Is Strikethrough and Why It Matters

Strikethrough is a typographic format that draws a horizontal line through text to indicate revision, removal, or negation without deleting content. It is widely used in editorial reviews, code reviews, legal documents, and collaborative writing to show changes transparently. Unlike bold or italic, strikethrough conveys negation or obsolescence. Consistent use improves readability in tracked or final drafts. On the web, semantic HTML tags such as <s> and <del> are preferred for accessibility and correctness.

Platform-Specific Methods for Strikethrough

Keyboard Shortcuts by Platform

Keyboard shortcuts are faster and more reliable than alt codes across modern applications:

• Windows: Ctrl+5 in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applies strikethrough to selected text.
• macOS: Command+Shift+X in Apple Pages and TextEdit applies strikethrough.
• Web Editors (Slack, GitHub, Google Docs): Often accessed via toolbar buttons or menu paths; shortcuts vary (e.g., Alt+Shift+5 in some Linux desktop environments).

Unicode Characters and Input Methods

Unicode provides dedicated strikethrough symbols in the Combining Diacritical Marks block, such as Combining Long Solidus Overlay (U+0336), but these are intended for scholarly typography and rarely produced via alt code in everyday use. Most users rely on application-level formatting rather than raw Unicode input for strikethrough. Input methods vary by OS and editor support, so it is often more practical to use built-in formatting tools or CSS in web contexts.

HTML and Web Development Techniques

In HTML and CSS, there is no alt code for strikethrough; instead, use presentational elements and properties:

• <s> indicates strikethrough without implying importance or correctness.
• <del> semantically marks deletions, commonly used with a time attribute and citation.
• CSS property text-decoration: line-through applies strikethrough to any element.

These approaches are robust across browsers, assistive technologies, and maintain clean separation of style from content.

Alt Code Myths and Limitations

Alt codes are a Windows legacy feature for entering Unicode characters via numeric input while holding Alt. Many purported alt codes for ⟐, such as 021327, may not produce expected results in modern applications or on systems without a numeric keypad. In web forms, chat apps, and contemporary office suites, alt code input is often unsupported. Users are better served by platform-native formatting, Unicode input methods, or direct insertion via toolbars.

Best Practices and Recommendations

When to Use Strikethrough

• Marking tasks as complete in lists.
• Indicating deprecated information in documentation.
• Showing edits or suggested removals in collaborative drafts.

Accessibility Considerations

Screen readers may announce strikethrough inconsistently. For critical meaning, combine visual strikethrough with semantic tags or ARIA attributes (e.g., aria-invalid="true" or explicit status text) to ensure comprehension by assistive technology users.

Common Applications and Examples

Strikethrough appears in many contexts:

• Task management: Completed items with a line through them.
• E-commerce: Price comparisons using $199 now $149.
• Code repositories: Deprecating function calls or removed parameters.
• Legal and academic drafts: Showing retracted statements with clear provenance.

Comparison of Methods

Conclusion

There is no single, universal alt code for strikethrough that works reliably across Windows, Mac, and web environments. Practical approaches include OS and app keyboard shortcuts, HTML semantic elements, and CSS styling. Understanding platform-specific tools and accessibility implications ensures consistent, correct strikethrough usage without reliance on obscure input sequences.