What this tool does
This LinkedIn text formatter turns plain letters into bold, italic and other Unicode styles that you can paste into a post, comment or profile. Select the words you want to style, or style the whole text, then copy the result. If a draft runs past the 3,000 limit, you can split a long LinkedIn post into parts that each fit.
How to use the LinkedIn text formatter
- Type or paste your post into the input box.
- Select the words you want to style. With nothing selected, the style applies to all of the text.
- Click Bold, Italic or another style, or press Ctrl+B or Ctrl+I (Cmd on a Mac).
- Check the count against the 3,000 limit and look at the feed preview.
- Click Copy and paste the text into LinkedIn.
How to bold text on LinkedIn
At the time of writing, regular LinkedIn posts have no bold or italic button, so check the composer in case that has changed. The usual workaround is to paste Unicode characters that look bold or italic.
LinkedIn articles and newsletters use a separate editor that, as far as we know, includes basic formatting, so you may not need this tool there.
- Write your post here or paste it in.
- Select a word or line and click Bold.
- Click Copy.
- Paste into the LinkedIn composer and check how it looks before you post.
Where you can use styled text
As far as we know, styled Unicode text can be pasted into:
- Posts
- Comments
- Your headline
- Your About section
- Messages
How it looks can vary by device, app and font, so preview before you publish.
Your name and headline are where readability and searchability matter most. People search for you by those words, and styled letters may not match a plain-text search, so use styling sparingly there.
If your post has an image, resize images for LinkedIn first so they are not cropped awkwardly.
Why use text formatting
Used lightly, formatting can make a post easier to read. Used heavily, it makes it harder.
- Scannability: many people read LinkedIn on a phone, where a bold line or a short list helps the main point stand out.
- Emphasis: bold one key line, such as your takeaway, rather than whole paragraphs.
- Lists: bullets make steps or options easier to follow than a block of text.
- Accessibility: styled letters are Unicode symbols, so screen readers may read them oddly or skip them.
- Search: styled words may not match what people search for, so keep names, skills and keywords in plain text.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bold text in a LinkedIn post?
Not with a built-in button, at the time of writing. You can paste Unicode bold characters instead: select the words here, click Bold, then copy the result into your post.
How do I make text italic on LinkedIn?
Select the words, click Italic or press Ctrl+I (Cmd+I on a Mac), then copy the result into LinkedIn. Apply Bold as well to get bold italic.
Does bold text work in a headline or About section?
As far as we know, yes, because it is pasted as ordinary Unicode text. Use it sparingly there: people search for you by the words in your headline, and styled letters may not match a plain-text search.
Will styled text hurt accessibility or search?
It can. Screen readers may read styled letters one by one or skip them, and styled words may not match searches. Keep links, names and key details in plain text.
Does it count toward the 3,000 limit the same as normal letters?
LinkedIn does not publish how it counts styled letters, which sit outside the basic character set. That is why this tool also shows a conservative count. If you are close to the limit, check the count for each LinkedIn field and LinkedIn's own composer.
Does it work in comments and messages?
Generally, yes. The output is plain Unicode text, so it pastes into comments and messages, though how it looks depends on the reader's device and app.
Why do some styled letters show as boxes?
The device or font does not include those Unicode symbols. Try another style, or check on a different device, since older systems are more likely to show boxes.
Is it free and is my text stored?
Yes, it is free with no signup. The formatting runs in your browser, and your text is not sent to a server or stored.