WhatsApp formatting cheat sheet
| You type | You get |
|---|---|
*bold text* | bold text |
_italic text_ | italic text |
~crossed out~ |
|
```monospace text``` |
|
`inline code` |
|
> quoted line | quoted line |
- first item
- second item |
|
1. first item
2. second item |
|
Select your text first, then use the toolbar, or type the marker on both sides with no spaces inside.
How to format text in WhatsApp
WhatsApp turns a few symbols into styles when you send a message. Put the symbol directly before and after the words, with no spaces inside the symbols.
In many versions you can also select the text and choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace from the menu. Steps differ by device and app version.
How to bold text in WhatsApp
Type an asterisk on both sides of the words, like *this*. You can also select the words in the message box and choose Bold from the menu, if your version shows it. In this tool, select the words and click Bold or press Ctrl+B.
How to italicize in WhatsApp
Type an underscore on both sides of the words, like _this_. Selecting the words may also show an Italic option in the menu. In this tool, select the words and click Italic or press Ctrl+I.
How to strikethrough in WhatsApp
Type a tilde on both sides of the words, like ~this~, to cross them out. The menu may also offer Strikethrough after you select the text. In this tool, select the words and click Strikethrough.
Message templates
Ready-made messages that use the formatting above. Load one into the editor, then replace the text in brackets.
Order update
Tell a customer their order is on the way.
Show message
*Order update* 📦 Hi [name], your order *[order number]* has shipped. - Items: [items] - Expected delivery: _[delivery date]_ - Tracking: [tracking link] Reply to this message if you have any questions.
Appointment reminder
Remind someone of a booking and how to change it.
Show message
*Appointment reminder* 🗓️ Hi [name], this is a reminder of your appointment with [business name]. > [day], [date] at [time] > [address] Need a different time? Reply *CHANGE* and we will find another slot.
Event invitation
Invite people with the key details in a list.
Show message
*You are invited: [event name]* 🎉 _[One line about the event]_ - *When:* [date] at [time] - *Where:* [place] - *Bring:* [what to bring] Please reply by [date] so we can plan.
Group rules
Pin a short, numbered set of rules in a group.
Show message
*Group rules for [group name]* Welcome! Please keep these in mind: 1. Be kind and respectful. 2. Stay on topic: [topic]. 3. No spam or unrelated ads. 4. Ask an admin before sharing links. _Questions? Message [admin name]._
Price list
Line up items and prices in a monospace block.
Show message
*[Business name] price list* ``` [Item one] [price] [Item two] [price] [Item three] [price] ``` Offer: ~[old price]~ *[new price]* for [item] until [date]. _Prices may change. Ask us for a quote._
Broadcast announcement
Share an update with a clear summary and next step.
Show message
📢 *[Announcement title]* Hi everyone, [one line summary]. *What is changing* - [Change one] - [Change two] *What you need to do* [Action] by _[date]_. Thanks, [your name]
Common problems
- Spaces inside the markers. A message like * bold * may show the asterisks instead of bold text. Write *bold* with no spaces inside, or use Fix spacing in the checks panel.
- A marker in the middle of a word. Markers inside a word, such as file_name_here, usually stay as typed. Put the markers at the start and end of whole words.
- Copying from another app. Some apps change characters when you copy, for example turning a leading asterisk into a bullet or adding hidden characters. Paste the text here first to check the preview, then copy it from here.
- Keyboard autocorrect adding spaces. Autocorrect can add a space after a symbol or swap it for a similar-looking one. Check the message before you send it, or turn off the setting that makes the change.
Styled letters or WhatsApp formatting?
Use the app's own symbols first. The words stay as normal text, so they can be searched, copied cleanly and read aloud by screen readers.
Styled letters (Unicode) are a fallback for one or two words, for example where the symbols do not work. They are separate symbols that only look bold or italic, so screen readers may read them letter by letter, search may not find them, and some devices show boxes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make text bold in WhatsApp?
Put an asterisk before and after the words, like *bold*, with no spaces inside. In many versions you can also select the words and choose Bold from the menu.
How do I italicize text in WhatsApp?
Put an underscore before and after the words, like _italic_. You may also be able to select the text and choose Italic from the menu, depending on your app version.
How do I strikethrough text in WhatsApp?
Put a tilde before and after the words, like ~crossed out~. Selecting the text may also show a Strikethrough option in the menu.
Why is my WhatsApp formatting not working?
The usual causes are spaces just inside the markers, a marker in the middle of a word, or a marker that is not closed on the same line. Paste the message into this tool to see the checks. Older app versions may not support every style.
Can I underline text in WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has no built-in underline as far as we know. In Styled letters mode this tool can make letters that look underlined, but they can display differently on some devices.
Should I use styled letters or WhatsApp's own formatting?
Use WhatsApp's own formatting in most cases, because the text stays normal and accessible. Styled letters are a fallback for one or two words, since screen readers may read them letter by letter and they are harder to search.
Is this tool free, and is my text stored?
Yes, it is free with no signup. Everything runs in your browser, and your text is not uploaded or stored.
Related tools
- Telegram Text FormatterFormatting for Telegram messages.
- Instagram Text FormatterStyled letters for captions and bios.
- LinkedIn Text FormatterBold and italic for LinkedIn posts.
- Instagram Line Break GeneratorKeep line breaks in Instagram captions.
- Fancy Text GeneratorBold, italic, script and other Unicode styles to copy.