How to Show Strikethrough Text as a Deletion in Word Compare
Question details
The user wants to treat existing strikethrough text as deleted content when comparing Word documents, rather than having it flagged as a formatting difference.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Comparing two Word documents where deletions were manually marked using the strikethrough font effect instead of the official Track Changes feature.
- Observed behavior
- During document comparison, the software flags the strikethrough text as a formatting change rather than an actual document deletion, leading to cluttered comparison results.
Before proceeding, ensure that the strikethrough formatting in your document was used exclusively to indicate deleted text, as this process will remove all text styled with strikethrough.
Use Find and Replace with Track Changes Enabled
Convert manually applied strikethrough formatting into actual tracked deletions using the Find and Replace tool.
Because strikethrough is recognized as a font style and not a deletion, document comparison tools will treat it as a formatting change. By enabling Track Changes and replacing the strikethrough text with nothing, the software will formally record the removal of that text.
Navigate to the Review tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Track Changes' to turn the feature on.
Press 'Ctrl + H' on your keyboard to launch the Find and Replace window.
Click into the 'Find what' field, then click 'More' to expand the options. Click 'Format', choose 'Font', check the 'Strikethrough' box under Effects, and click 'OK'.
Leave the 'Replace with' field completely empty. Click the 'Replace All' button.
Easily Manage Track Changes and Comparisons in WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides comprehensive tools for tracking changes and comparing documents, allowing you to seamlessly convert manual formatting into official tracked revisions.
- 1. Enable Track Changes in WPS Writer: Open your document in WPS Writer and navigate to the 'Review' tab to click 'Track Changes'.
- 2. Access Find and Replace: Press 'Ctrl + H' to open the Find and Replace dialog box.
- 3. Locate Strikethrough Formatting: Click on 'Options', go to 'Format', select 'Font', and check the 'Strikethrough' effect for the 'Find what' field.
- 4. Replace and Record: Ensure the 'Replace with' box is empty and click 'Replace All' to record the text as a tracked deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the comparison tool show strikethrough text as a formatting change?
Strikethrough is technically a font style (like bold or italics) rather than a deletion command. Unless Track Changes was actively used when removing the text, the software treats it as a stylistic difference between the two documents.
Can I reverse the process if I replace the wrong text?
Yes. If you accidentally remove incorrect text, you can instantly undo the bulk replacement by pressing 'Ctrl + Z' immediately after clicking 'Replace All', which will restore your original text and formatting.
How do I compare the documents after making these changes?
Once your manual strikethroughs are converted to tracked deletions, navigate to the 'Review' tab, click 'Compare', and select your original and revised documents. The tool will now provide a cleaner comparison focusing on actual content differences.
