What is a strikethrough text generator?

It's a tool that converts your normal text into Unicode strikethrough text. It works by adding a special combining character (U+0336) to each letter, creating a continuous line through the text that you can copy and paste anywhere.

Where can I use strikethrough text?

You can use Unicode strikethrough text on most social media and messaging platforms, including Instagram bios and comments, Discord, TikTok, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter/X, and in most website forms that accept text input.

What's the difference between Unicode strikethrough and Markdown?

Markdown strikethrough (~~text~~) only works in apps and websites that specifically support Markdown rendering, like Reddit or some note-taking apps. Unicode strikethrough is made of special characters that work as plain text, so it functions in many more places.

Does strikethrough text work in usernames or handles?

Usually not. Most platforms have strict rules for usernames and handles, prohibiting special formatting characters like the combining strikethrough overlay. It's best used in bios, comments, posts, and chat messages.

Strikethrough Text Generator — Copy & Paste Strikethrough Online

A strikethrough text generator lets you create text with a line through it that you can copy and paste anywhere online. Unlike Markdown's ~~double tilde~~ syntax, which only works on specific sites, these generators use a special Unicode character (the combining long stroke overlay, U+0336) that attaches to each letter. The styled characters work in Instagram captions, Discord messages, TikTok bios, and any other platform that accepts Unicode text input.

How Unicode Strikethrough Works

The magic behind online strikethrough generators is a Unicode character called the "Combining Long Stroke Overlay." Its technical code is U+0336. Unlike a regular character you type, this is a combining character. When you place it after another character, it doesn't appear next to it; instead, it overlays on top of it, drawing a horizontal line through the middle.

Here’s the technical process: a generator takes your input, like the word "hello," and inserts U+0336 after each standard letter. So "h" becomes "h" + U+0336, "e" becomes "e" + U+0336, and so on. Your device's font system then stacks these combining characters, creating the visual effect of a continuous line through the entire word: ̶h̶e̶l̶l̶o̶.

Because this is a standardized part of the Unicode system—the universal character encoding standard—any modern device or platform that supports Unicode can display it. The line might look slightly different depending on the font, but the effect remains clear. This method is fundamentally different from visual formatting in a word processor (like the Strikethrough button in Google Docs) and is what makes copy-pasting the formatted text possible.

Where You Can Use Strikethrough Text

The primary advantage of Unicode strikethrough text is its broad compatibility. Since it's treated as text and not code, it works in countless places where basic text input is allowed. Below is a quick reference table for popular platforms, but support is generally widespread.

The key limitation is usernames, handles, or URLs. Most platforms actively filter combining characters from these fields to prevent impersonation or technical issues. For all other uses—bios, posts, chats, and comments—Unicode strikethrough is a reliable way to add visual emphasis.

Strikethrough vs Markdown Strikethrough

It's crucial to understand the two main ways to create strikethrough text, as they work in completely different environments.

Unicode Strikethrough (What This Generator Creates)

Format: ̶T̶e̶x̶t̶ (invisible combining characters attached to each letter).
How it works: It's a text effect made from special characters, just like letters and emojis.
Compatibility: Works anywhere that accepts Unicode text input (see table above).
Use case: When you need to copy formatted text from one place (like a generator) and paste it into another (like an Instagram bio) and have the formatting stick.

Markdown Strikethrough

Format: ~~Text~~ (two tildes before and after the word).
How it works: It's a lightweight coding syntax. The app or website must be programmed to detect ~~ and convert it into a visual strikethrough style.
Compatibility: Only works on platforms that support Markdown rendering (e.g., Reddit, Discord (when sent as raw text), GitHub, Obsidian, Notion).
Use case: When you are typing directly into a platform that supports Markdown and want to use its native formatting.

In short, if you're pasting text into a social media bio or a standard comment box, you need Unicode strikethrough. If you're typing a comment on Reddit, you could use either, but Markdown is often easier to type directly. Our Fancy Text Generator tool focuses on the Unicode method for maximum compatibility.

Creative Uses for Strikethrough Text

Beyond simply crossing out a mistake, strikethrough text has become a versatile tool for digital communication, adding nuance and personality.

Humor and Irony in Social Bios: Add a layer of self-awareness or joke. E.g., "Digital creator ̶p̶r̶o̶c̶r̶a̶s̶t̶i̶n̶a̶t̶o̶r̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶a̶ ̶l̶a̶p̶t̶o̶p̶ just trying to post consistently."
Price Comparisons and Discounts: Visually show the old price next to the new one in a post or bio. "Flash Sale: ̶$̶5̶0̶ $25 today only!"
Showing Edited Thoughts or Progress: Mimic the process of thinking and revising in real-time. "I'm definitely ̶n̶o̶t̶ going to eat the whole pizza. ̶O̶k̶ ̶m̶a̶y̶b̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶l̶f̶. Update: It's gone."
Creating "To-Do" Lists: Use strikethrough to mark completed items in a public list, like in a project update or a collaborative post.
Satire and Critique: Politely (or not-so-politely) critique something by stating and immediately crossing out a common assumption. "This is the most ̶i̶n̶n̶o̶v̶a̶t̶i̶v̶e̶ predictable product launch of the year."
Adding Secret Messages or Easter Eggs: Use very light strikethrough or combine it with other styles to create text that is only fully readable to close readers.

Strikethrough Text Styles

While the single line is most common, you can create other strikethrough effects using different Unicode combining characters.

Single Strikethrough: The standard. Uses the Combining Long Stroke Overlay (U+0336). Example: ̶s̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶t̶h̶r̶o̶u̶g̶h̶.
Double Strikethrough: Uses the Combining Short Stroke Overlay (U+0337), which draws a shorter, slash-like line. When applied to each character, it can create a dense, double-line effect. Example: ̷d̷o̷u̷b̷l̷e̷ ̷s̷t̷r̷i̷k̷e̷.
Slash Through: Uses the Combining Short Solidus Overlay (U+0338), which draws a forward slash (/) through the character. Example: ̸s̸l̸a̸s̸h̸e̸d̸.
Combined Effects: You can even stack multiple combining characters on a single letter for a heavier, "cancelled" look, though this can hurt readability. Advanced generators can also combine strikethrough with other styles like bold or zalgo text for chaotic results.

For a deeper look at all the styles you can create with combining characters, check out our Cool Text Guide.

Tips for Using Strikethrough Effectively

To ensure your strikethrough text has the desired impact without causing issues, keep these practical tips in mind.

Prioritize Readability: Don't overuse it. Crossing out entire long paragraphs makes text difficult to read. Use it for emphasis on key words or short phrases.
Check Length Limits: Combining characters count toward character limits. The word "hello" with strikethrough is technically 10 characters (5 letters + 5 combining overlays). Keep this in mind for platforms like Twitter with strict limits.
Mix with Bold (Carefully): Some Unicode bold generators create letters from the Mathematical Alphanumeric Symbols block. You can often apply strikethrough to these bold letters for extra emphasis: ̶b̶o̶l̶d̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶t̶r̶u̶c̶k̶. Test the result, as not all font combinations render perfectly.
Preview Before Posting: Paste your generated text into a simple note app on your phone or computer first. This lets you see how your device renders it and catch any odd formatting before it goes live.
Use for Intended Tone: Remember that strikethrough often conveys sarcasm, irony, or a change of mind. Make sure this tone fits the context of your post or message.
Avoid Critical Info: Since support is nearly universal but not 100% guaranteed, never use strikethrough to convey essential information (like a password, crucial part of an address, or a legal disclaimer).

By understanding how it works and where to use it, strikethrough text becomes more than a gimmick—it's a functional part of your online communication toolkit.