How to Write in Italics in WhatsApp?

Complete Guide to Writing Italic Text in WhatsApp

Want to add emphasis, style, or personality to your WhatsApp messages? Italic text is perfect for highlighting words, expressing tone, or making your messages more visually interesting. This guide will show you every method to write in italics on WhatsApp, plus creative ways to use this formatting effectively.

The Simple Method: Using Underscores (_)

The easiest way to italicize text in WhatsApp is by using underscores before and after your text.

How It Works:

• Type: _your text here_
• Result: your text here

Important Rules:

• ✓ Use underscores (_) not hyphens (-)
• ✓ No spaces between underscores and text
• ✓ Must have underscores on both sides
• ✓ Works for single words or entire sentences

Method 2: Using the Formatting Menu

WhatsApp has a built-in text formatting menu that makes italicizing text even easier, especially on mobile devices.

On Android:

1. Type your message in the chat box
2. Long press on the text you want to italicize
3. Select the text by adjusting the handles
4. Tap the three dots (⋮) menu
5. Select ‘Italic’ from the formatting options

On iPhone:

1. Type your message
2. Tap and hold on the text
3. Select the text you want to format
4. Tap ‘BIU’ (Bold, Italic, Underline)
5. Choose ‘Italic’

On WhatsApp Web/Desktop:

1. Type your message
2. Select the text with your mouse
3. Press Ctrl+I (Windows) or Cmd+I (Mac)

Practical Examples of Italic Usage

1. Emphasizing Words

I _really_ need your help with this project.

Result: I really need your help with this project.

2. Book and Movie Titles

Have you read _The Great Gatsby_?

Result: Have you read The Great Gatsby?

3. Foreign Words or Phrases

Let's have some _joie de vivre_ today!

Result: Let’s have some joie de vivre today!

4. Expressing Tone

Oh _sure_, that's a great idea... 🙄

Result: Oh sure, that’s a great idea… 🙄

5. Technical Terms

Make sure to update your _API endpoint_ configuration.

Result: Make sure to update your API endpoint configuration.

Combining Italic with Other Formatting

WhatsApp allows you to combine italic with other text formatting for even more emphasis:

Italic + Bold

• Type: _*Important Message*_
• Result: Important Message

Italic + Strikethrough

• Type: _~Wrong information~_
• Result: Wrong information

All Three Combined

• Type: _*~Triple formatting~*_
• Result: Triple formatting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Spaces Between Underscores and Text

❌ Wrong: _ This won't work _

✓ Correct: _This will work_

2. Using Only One Underscore

❌ Wrong: _Only one side

✓ Correct: _Both sides needed_

3. Mixing Up Symbols

Remember:

• Underscores (_) = Italic
• Asterisks (*) = Bold
• Tildes (~) = Strikethrough

4. Using Hyphens Instead

❌ Wrong: -text- (hyphen)

✓ Correct: _text_ (underscore)

When to Use Italic Text

Best Use Cases:

• Emphasis: Drawing attention to specific words
• Titles: Books, movies, songs, articles
• Foreign words: Non-English terms or phrases
• Thoughts: Internal dialogue or thoughts
• Tone: Sarcasm, irony, or subtle emphasis
• Technical terms: Variables, functions, specific terminology
• Definitions: When introducing new terms

When NOT to Use Italics:

• ✗ For entire long messages (hard to read)
• ✗ For strong warnings (use bold instead)
• ✗ In URLs or phone numbers (breaks functionality)
• ✗ Overusing in every message (loses impact)

Creative Ways to Use Italics

1. Storytelling

And then she said, _"I never said that!"_

2. Quoting

As Einstein said, _"Imagination is more important than knowledge."_

3. Stage Directions

_walks into the room dramatically_

Hello everyone!

4. Side Comments

The meeting is at 3 PM _if anyone actually shows up on time_

5. Definitions

_Serendipity_ means finding something good without looking for it.

Italic Text in Different Languages

Good news! Italic formatting works with all languages and character sets supported by WhatsApp:

• ✓ Arabic (العربية)
• ✓ Chinese (中文)
• ✓ Hindi (हिन्दी)
• ✓ Russian (Русский)
• ✓ Japanese (日本語)
• ✓ Korean (한국어)
• ✓ And all other supported languages

Troubleshooting

Italic Not Working?

Check these common issues:

• Make sure you’re using underscores (_) not hyphens (-)
• Remove spaces between underscores and text
• Ensure underscores are on both sides
• Update WhatsApp to the latest version
• Try the built-in formatting menu instead

Text Appears with Underscores

If you see _text_ instead of text, the recipient might:

• Be using an outdated WhatsApp version
• Have a device that doesn’t support formatting
• Be viewing on an incompatible platform

Quick Reference: All WhatsApp Formatting

Pro Tips for Effective Italic Usage

• 📚 Literary Standard: Always italicize book, movie, and song titles
• 🎯 Selective Emphasis: Use sparingly for maximum impact
• 💬 Tone Indicator: Great for conveying sarcasm or irony
• 🌍 Foreign Phrases: Traditional to italicize non-English words
• 📝 Professional Writing: Use for proper nouns and technical terms
• ⚡ Quick Highlight: Faster than bold but still noticeable
• 🎨 Mix Formats: Combine with bold for extra emphasis

Looking for more formatting options? Explore our complete WhatsApp Text Styles Guide for bold, strikethrough, monospace, and more creative formatting techniques.

Comparing Text Formatting Options

When to Use Each:

Use BOLD (*text*) for:

• Strong emphasis
• Important warnings or alerts
• Headers and titles in messages
• Key information that must stand out

Use ITALIC (_text_) for:

• Subtle emphasis
• Titles of creative works
• Foreign words
• Expressing tone or mood

Use STRIKETHROUGH (~text~) for:

• Corrections
• Humor and jokes
• Showing changes or updates
• Price reductions

Accessibility Considerations

While italic text is great for visual emphasis, keep in mind:

• Screen readers may not always convey italic formatting
• Some users with visual impairments find italics harder to read
• On small screens, italic text can be less legible
• Use context clues in addition to formatting for important information

Conclusion

Italic text in WhatsApp is a powerful tool for adding nuance, emphasis, and style to your messages. Whether you’re highlighting a word for emphasis, citing a book title, or expressing sarcasm, knowing how to use italics effectively will make your messages more expressive and engaging.

Remember: the key to good formatting is moderation. Use italics strategically to enhance your message, not overwhelm it. With the simple underscore method or the built-in formatting menu, you now have all the tools you need to take your WhatsApp messages to the next level!

Start experimenting with italic text today and discover how this simple formatting option can add personality and clarity to your conversations.