Whether you’re chatting with friends, managing a work group, or sending a message to a client, getting your tone and meaning right matters. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become a critical communication tool — and mastering its text formatting options can boost clarity and impact.
In this article, you’ll learn how to use bold, italics, strikethrough, monospace, lists, quotes, inline code, and more to make your WhatsApp messages stand out, look professional, and read clearly.
Why Formatting Matters on WhatsApp
In a fast-moving chat world, messages quickly blend together. Without structure, your important point can get lost. Formatting helps you:
- Draw attention to key words
- Establish tone (formal vs. casual)
- Make instructions or updates easier to follow
- Add professionalism in business chats
Recent updates show WhatsApp is making formatting smarter. In February 2024, the app introduced bulleted and numbered lists, block quotes, and inline code. With 30 years of writing experience behind this advice, let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Basic Formatting Options
Bold
To make text bold, enclose it in asterisks:
*your text* → your text
So if you write Meeting at 3 PM, it sends as Meeting at 3 PM. This helps emphasize important words or phrases.
Italics
To italicize text, wrap it in underscores:
_your text_ → your text
For example: Please review the document. This adds subtle emphasis without shouting.
Strikethrough
When you want to show something has changed or is no longer valid, use a tilde around the text:
~your text~ → your text
Great for revision notes or showing edits.
Monospace (Fixed-Width Font)
Use three backticks before and after your text to apply monospace font:
`your text` → your text
This is ideal when sharing code, commands, or structured text.
Advanced Formatting Features (2024 and Beyond)
WhatsApp now supports more advanced formatting tools for better structure and readability.
Bulleted Lists
Start a new line with either a hyphen (-) or an asterisk (*) followed by a space:
- Item one
- Item two
Or
- Item one
- Item two
This is useful for step-by-step instructions or sharing multiple points.
Numbered Lists
Begin each line with a number and a period, followed by a space:
- First point
- Second point
This brings order to longer messages and ensures your reader can follow easily.
Block Quotes
To quote someone or highlight a snippet, start the line with a greater-than symbol and a space:
This is a quote or important note
Perfect for referencing or drawing attention to a specific message.
Inline Code
Wrap a single backtick around a word or phrase to denote inline code:
`example` → example
This is great for technical chats, commands, or text that should look distinct.
How to Apply Formatting on Different Devices
On iOS or Android
- Type your message.
- Tap and hold the word(s) you want to format.
- Choose “Bold”, “Italic”, “Strikethrough”, or “Monospace” from the menu.
- You can also use manual symbols as shown above.
On WhatsApp Web or Desktop
- Select the text with your mouse or keyboard.
- Right-click or use keyboard shortcuts where available.
- You can also manually type the characters (*, _, ~, or `) for the same results.
Combining Styles and Practical Examples
You can combine formatting styles for extra emphasis, but use them sparingly to maintain clarity.
- *_important point_* → * important point * (bold + italic)
- ~*canceled*~ → canceled (strikethrough + bold)
Monospace typically stands alone and does not combine with other styles.
Example for a professional message:
Agenda for meeting
- Review project status
- Discuss budget changes
- ~Finalize vendor contracts~
Note: Q3 targets changed — see attached document
printf(“Hello World”);
Each style in this example serves a clear purpose and improves readability.
When and Why to Use Each Format
Bold – Highlight key facts, tasks, or deadlines.
Italics – Add gentle emphasis, show quotes, or name titles.
Strikethrough – Indicate cancellations, revisions, or changes.
Monospace – Format code, commands, or special text.
Lists – Organize ideas, tasks, or steps clearly.
Quotes – Separate referenced text from your own message.
Using each style appropriately makes your communication more effective and professional.
Formatting Tips for U.S. Business Users
- Limit yourself to one or two styles per message for simplicity.
- Use bold for deadlines or key actions in group messages.
- Apply bullet points for agendas, updates, or progress lists.
- For customer or client communication, use italics to soften tone while keeping clarity.
- Ensure you and your recipient have updated WhatsApp versions to view formatting correctly.
Common Formatting Issues and How to Fix Them
- Symbols showing instead of formatting: Avoid spaces between the symbol and text. For example, * text* won’t work.
- Formatting not appearing for recipient: The recipient may be using an outdated version of WhatsApp.
- Over-formatting: Too many styles at once can reduce readability. Keep it minimal.
- Monospace not combining: Monospace can’t combine with other formats; use it alone.
- Underlining not supported: WhatsApp does not support underlining natively. You’ll need a Unicode text generator if required.
Professional Use-Cases and Practical Scenarios
For team communication:
Use bold for names and deadlines, bullet points for task lists, and quotes for meeting notes.
For customer support chats:
Highlight order numbers or ticket IDs in bold, and show system commands in monospace.
For training or internal updates:
Organize your messages using numbered lists and italics to emphasize key reminders.
For company announcements:
Start with a bold header, use lists for points, and italicize secondary notes to maintain structure.
The Future of WhatsApp Text Formatting
WhatsApp’s continuous updates suggest the platform is heading toward more structured and business-friendly communication. Future updates may include color text options, underline support, and markdown previews for improved control.
Understanding and applying these formatting techniques now ensures your messages remain effective as the platform evolves. Businesses, freelancers, and professionals who use WhatsApp effectively gain a competitive edge in communication.
Conclusion
Mastering WhatsApp text formatting styles is more than a technical trick — it’s a communication advantage. By learning how to use bold, italics, strikethrough, and the newer tools like lists and quotes, you can make every message clearer, more engaging, and professional.
Whether you’re talking to colleagues, clients, or friends, formatting ensures your point is seen, understood, and remembered. With WhatsApp’s new updates, there’s never been a better time to refine your messaging style.