I'm sure you've seen a WhatsApp message with words more than once. in bold, italics, or even crossed out And you've wondered how they do it. There's no need to install strange apps or use special keyboards: the app itself includes several ways to format text and make your messages stand out in any chat. In addition to the typical plain text we all know, WhatsApp lets you apply bold, italics, strikethrough text, and monospaced font.
What text formats can you use in WhatsApp?
Before diving into the tutorial, it's helpful to understand the app's formatting options. Currently, WhatsApp offers four basic styles that are applied directly to the text you type in the message box, without external tools and without complicating things: bold, italics, strikethrough, and monospace.
These styles serve a purpose far beyond decoration. For example, Bold is perfect for highlighting Key parts of a long message: italics are great for titles, quotes, or nuances; strikethrough works well for expressing irony or corrections; and monospace gives a more technical or "code" look to what you write.
The great advantage is that you can combine these formats with each other. You can write a word in bold and italics at the same timeYou can also mix bold with strikethrough, although if you overdo it, the result might be a bit chaotic. Even so, the app allows it, and everything is managed from the same box where you compose your messages.
Two ways to format: symbols and context menu
WhatsApp offers two main methods for modifying the appearance of text. On the one hand, you can use handwritten codes with symbols (very similar to the Markdown format used on other platforms). On the other hand, you have a context menu that appears when selecting the textwhere you can choose the style with just a couple of taps.
The symbol method is the fastest when you already know them by heart, because You write and apply the formatting as you go. without having to lift your finger from the keyboard. In contrast, the context menu is very useful if you don't remember which symbol corresponds to each style or if you prefer a more visual approach, by tapping options like "Bold," "Italic," or "Strikethrough."
How to format text by writing the codes by hand?
If you're comfortable using a mobile keyboard, you'll love this method. It's simply a matter of placing a specific symbol at the beginning and end of the word or phrase you want to highlight. You don't need anything more than your phone's standard keyboard, whether it's on Android or iPhone.
The mechanics are the same in all cases: you write the symbol, then the word or phrase, and close again with the same symbol. The moment you enter the final symbol, WhatsApp transforms the text and shows you the result Before you press send, so you can check if you are happy with it or prefer to change it.
Write in bold on WhatsApp
To highlight important words or phrases in a chat, bold text is almost essential. In WhatsApp, the quickest way to make text bold is using asterisks around the content that you want to highlight.
- Write an asterisk, then the text, and close with another asterisk: *hello*.
- Once you type the second asterisk, WhatsApp will display the word with the bold style applied.
- It works the same with a single word, several words in a row, or complete phrases within the message.
This format helps you to certain parts of the message attract much more attentionThis is very useful when you send instructions, important lists, or information that you don't want to go unnoticed in the middle of a very active chat.
How to write in italics on WhatsApp
Italics are perfect for marking titles, adding subtle emphasis, or adding marginal notes. Include quotes within your own messageWhatsApp also has a quick shortcut using symbols to activate it without having to search through any menu.
- Place an underscore at the beginning and end of the text: _text_.
- Closing with the second underscore will automatically display the content in italics.
- You can use it in a single word or in longer expressions or phrases within the same message.
This system is very similar to the formats used on other writing platforms, so if you're already somewhat used to Markdown, You will find it very natural to write in cursive this way in any WhatsApp conversation.
How to write strikethrough text in WhatsApp
Strikethrough text has a very expressive and somewhat ironic quality that is used extensively on social media and in chat rooms. It serves to highlight something like “corrected”, “cancelled” or said jokinglyIn WhatsApp, activating it is just as easy as the other formats, only the symbol changes.
- Write a tilde (~), then the text, and close with another tilde: ~ example ~.
- When you add the second symbol, you will see the word or phrase with a horizontal line crossing it.
- You can strike through anything from a single word to an entire paragraph, as long as everything is enclosed in tildes.
This format works very well for phrases like "I've been paid and I have the account" packed in the red", where the strikethrough adds a touch of humor, irony or resignation without you having to explain yourself too much.
How to write in monospace on WhatsApp
Monospace formatting gives your text a look similar to that of a code editor or a... power supplies used in terminalsEach character occupies the same horizontal space, which This makes it ideal for technical snippets or pieces of code.but also for messages that you want to visually differentiate from the rest.
- You must surround the text with three consecutive open accents at the beginning and three at the end: «`text«`.
- Once you close the sequence of three accents at the end, the text will be displayed in a monospaced font.
- You can also use a single open accent on each side to mark short pieces, which are displayed as small snippets of code.
Although it's not the most common style seen in everyday life, monospaced layouts are very useful if you want differentiate data, passwords, commands, or technical fragments within a normal message, so that the recipient can identify them at a glance.
Other useful codes: lists and quotes
Although most users only use bold, italics, strikethrough, and monospace, WhatsApp understands some text patterns that generate additional small formats, in the style of markdown.
- Numbered listsIf you start a line with "1." followed by a space and the text (for example, "1. Tomato"), the app interprets that you are creating a numbered list item and gives it a small, ordered format.
- Unnumbered listsIf you put a hyphen or an asterisk before the text, like "- Lettuce", WhatsApp treats it as a simple list item, useful for pointing out individual items within a message.
- Verbatim quotesIf you start a line with the symbol “>” followed by a space (for example, “> The early bird catches the worm”), the text is displayed as a quote, slightly shifted to the right.
- Code snippets: Surrounding short text with an open accent (`), such as `console.log('hello')`, highlights that fragment in a style similar to computer code.
These details are not as well known as bold or italics, but They provide a lot of clarity when you need to structure your writing well.especially if you're explaining something step by step or sharing more technical instructions.
Apply formatting using the WhatsApp context menu
If you don't remember the symbols or simply prefer something more visual, no problem: WhatsApp includes a integrated formatting menu in the text optionsIt is available on both Android and iPhone, with slight differences in how it appears, but the general operation is the same.
The trick is to first write the message normally and, before sending it, Select the word or phrases you want to modify.Next, you'll see the typical floating menu with actions like "Copy", "Cut" or "Paste", and from there you can access the options for bold, italics, strikethrough and monospace.
General steps for using the formatting menu
The basic sequence you need to follow to change the appearance of text using the context menu is very simple. Although some names change slightly between Android and iOS, the logic is the same: You select, open the menu, and choose the style that you want to apply.
- Open WhatsApp and enter the chat or group where you want to write.
- Type your message normally in the text box, but don't press the send button yet.
- Double-tap on a word (or press and hold on some Android devices) until it appears selected.
- Drag the side markers that appear at the beginning and end of the selection to include more words or complete phrases.
- Once you have selected the part you want, tap on the selection to bring up the floating actions menu.
- In that menu you will see options such as "Copy" or "Paste", and also an extra button (three dots or the word "Format", depending on the device).
- When you press it, a list appears where you can choose between Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, and Monospace.
- Select the desired format and you will immediately see how the style of the marked text changes.
The advantage of this method is that you don't need to remember any symbols and you can combine several formats in different parts of the same messagesimply by repeating the selection process on each part you want to modify.
How does it work on Android?
On most Android phones, when you select text in WhatsApp, the following appears: standard system context menuThere you will see the usual actions and, in addition, an icon with three vertical dots or a shortcut to "Bold", depending on the Android version or the manufacturer's skin.
- Select the word or phrase by holding your finger down.
- Drag the edges of the selection to cover everything you want to format.
- Tap the three dots in the context menu if you don't see the formatting options directly.
- Choose between Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, or Monospace and the style will be applied immediately.
This system is very convenient if you are editing somewhat long messages and want highlight only certain parts without having to manually insert symbolsespecially when you mix several styles in the same sentence.
How does it work on iPhone (iOS)?
On iPhone the idea is exactly the same, although the names of some options may vary slightly. When you select text, A floating menu appears above the selected word. with actions like “Copy”, “Paste” or “Select all”, and often a side button with more options.
- Double-tap a word to select it, or hold your finger down to open the selection options.
- Adjust the selection by dragging the handles until you cover the entire fragment you want.
- In the floating menu, look for the "BIU" (bold, italic, underline) option or any entry that takes you to the formatting tools.
- Within that menu, choose the option of “Bold”, “Italic”, “Strikethrough” or “Monospace”, depending on what you want to apply.
Just like on Android, you can combine styles within the same message by selecting different pieces of text and repeating the operation, allowing you to to structure the information very well within a single submission without having to send several messages in a row.
Advantages of using text formats in your messages
Beyond its visual appeal, formatting text has many practical uses. When you send long messages, it's easy for someone to overlook important information, so Using bold, italics, or strikethrough helps key content stand out. and is better understood without needing to reread several times.
For example, you can use bold to highlight dates, times, amounts of money, or essential instructions, while italics will be great for movie titles, book names, quotes, or explanatory commentsThe crossed-out text, meanwhile, adds an expressive touch perfect for humorous corrections or to show that something "is discarded".
Monospace might seem less useful at first glance, but it works wonders if you're sharing passwords, codes, commands, or technical snippets. By displaying them with a distinct appearance, It's easier to copy it correctly and avoid confusion.In addition, it visually separates from the rest of the text, which is very useful in technical or work chats.
On the other hand, playing with numbered or bulleted lists helps you to better organize the information you sendThis is especially useful when giving step-by-step instructions, passing along a to-do list, or summarizing key points from a conversation.
Combining multiple formats in the same text
WhatsApp doesn't limit you to just one style per word or phrase. You can mix and match styles if you want. bold, italics, and strikethrough in the same section of textprovided you correctly combine the symbols surrounding the content.
The trick is to respect the opening and closing order of the symbols, just as if you were using nested tags. For example, to write a word in both bold and italics at the same time, you have to put both codes around it: *_text_*If you also wanted to add strikethrough text, you could use something like *_~text~_*However, it's best not to overdo it so that the result remains legible.
With the context menu it's even simpler, because You can apply formatting and then reselect the same text to add another style. You select the word, make it bold, and then select it again to add italics or strikethrough, without having to worry about the order of the symbols or whether you've left any open.
However, while the app allows these combinations without issue, it's advisable to use them judiciously. Text with too many mixed styles can become confusing, so it's best to use a variety of styles. Reserve combinations for specific cases where they really add something, such as to emphasize a joke, a correction, or an important notice.
Advanced formats and additional tricks
Although the bulk of WhatsApp's formatting focuses on bold, italics, strikethrough, and monospace, there are little tricks which can make your messages much clearer. Take good advantage of them. direct quotes, lists, or code snippets It can make a difference in large groups or conversations where a lot of information is shared.
Numbered lists are very practical if you're explaining steps to do something: each number marks a clear order, and the reader knows where they are. Bullet points with dashes or asterisks work very well when what you want is to present several points without a specific order, such as loose ideas, reminders, or meeting points.
Quotes with “>” allow you to highlight other people's phrases, sayings, comments, or other people's work. Summarize what someone said and then reply belowAnd code blocks with open accents are perfect for more technical messages, because they immediately stand out from the rest of the text and make them easier to read and copy.
By combining these resources with basic styles, you can transform a long, chaotic message into something much more structured, easy to read and visually appealingwithout leaving the app or using external tools. Ultimately, it's about taking full advantage of the formatting options that WhatsApp already includes by default.
Mastering these ways of writing in bold, italics, strikethrough, and monospace, along with lists and quotes, allows you to give your WhatsApp messages an extra level of clarity and personality; with a few symbols or a couple of taps in the formatting menu, you can Highlight what's important, add nuance to what you say, and make your conversations much more expressive. without complicating your life. Share this WhatsApp tutorial and more people will know how to write strikethrough text in the messaging app.