Ever feel like your inbox is a never-ending to-do list? There’s a simple trick in Outlook that can help you visually declutter and feel more organized. Lets explore how you can master this!
This method will help you mentally check off completed tasks and focus on what still needs your attention. It’s a digital equivalent of crossing things off a list, but even better!
1. Unlocking the Power of Strikethrough Outlook
The strikethrough feature in Outlook is a visual cue that instantly signals “done.” It’s a fantastic way to manage tasks within your emails without deleting them outright. Keep things for reference, but visually mark them as complete.
Strikethrough is useful in various situations. Mark completed action items within an email chain, or signal that a part of a proposal is finished, while still showing the record of that discussion.
2. How to Apply Strikethrough in Outlook
Applying strikethrough is super simple. Select the text you want to mark, then look for the strikethrough icon. Its usually represented as “abc” with a line through it, available in the font formatting options.
Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts! “Ctrl + -” (hyphen) often works. Experiment to find the shortcut thats easiest for you within your Outlook setup.
3. Conditional Formatting
Outlook’s conditional formatting can automatically apply strikethrough based on specific criteria. For instance, if an email contains the word “Completed,” the text could automatically strikethrough!
Dive into Outlook’s settings and explore the “Conditional Formatting” options. You can set rules based on keywords, sender, or other criteria to automate your strikethrough workflow.
Consider setting up rules to mark items as complete based on responses from your team. This helps to maintain a clean inbox while automatically logging actions taken.
4. Strikethrough Outlook
Strikethrough isn’t just for tasks. Use it to indicate retracted statements in drafts, mark outdated information in shared documents, or even add a bit of visual humor to your emails!
Think outside the box! Strikethrough can add context and clarity to your communication, making it easier for recipients to understand the evolution of a project or idea.
Experiment using it to redact parts of a message you no longer want to include, but want to keep available in the thread for future consideration.
5. Making Strikethrough Outlook Work for You
The key to effective use is consistency. Develop a clear system for when and how you use strikethrough. This will help you stay organized and make the most of this simple yet powerful feature. Make it part of your daily routine!
Think about how strikethrough fits into your existing workflow. Does it replace a different system of managing tasks in your inbox? How does it pair with the tasks tool already in Outlook?
Now it’s your turn! Experiment with strikethrough in Outlook and discover how it can streamline your workflow and bring a sense of order to your digital life. It’s a small change that can make a big difference. Give it a try today and see how much more organized you feel!