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WhatsApp Text Styles

Format your messages with bold, italic, strikethrough, and more

Text Formatting

Bold

*text*

Add asterisks before and after your text

Example:

*Hello World* → Hello World

Italic

_text_

Add underscores before and after your text

Example:

_Hello World_ → Hello World

Strikethrough

~text~

Add tildes before and after your text

Example:

~Hello World~ → Hello World

Monospace

```text```

Add three backticks before and after your text

Example:

```Hello World``` → Hello World

Quote

> text

Add a greater-than symbol at the start of your text

Example:

> Hello World

Hello World

Combine Styles

You can combine different formatting styles for more emphasis:

*_Bold and Italic_*

Bold and Italic

*~Bold and Strikethrough~*

Bold and Strikethrough

_~Italic and Strikethrough~_

Italic and Strikethrough

Pro Tips

  • Formatting only works when symbols are placed directly before and after text without spaces
  • You can select text and use built-in formatting options on mobile (long press the selected text)
  • Formatting works in both individual and group chats
  • Status updates also support text formatting

The Psychology of Text Formatting in Digital Communication

Text formatting in messaging apps isn't just about aesthetics—it fundamentally changes how messages are perceived and processed by readers. Bold text draws the eye immediately and signals importance, making readers prioritize that information. Studies in digital communication show that bolded text has 60% higher recall rates compared to plain text, which is why it's so effective for highlighting deadlines, prices, or critical information. When you write "*Meeting at 3 PM*", recipients are far more likely to remember the time than if you'd written it normally.

Italic text conveys subtlety and nuance that plain text cannot. It's the digital equivalent of inflection or emphasis in spoken language. When you write "I _definitely_ agree," the italics communicate sarcasm or strong emphasis that might otherwise require emoji or additional explanation. This makes italics particularly powerful for conveying tone in text-only communications where misunderstandings are common. Strikethrough text has evolved into a sophisticated communication tool for showing thought processes, making corrections feel friendly rather than confrontational, or adding humor through visible "mistakes."

Understanding these psychological effects helps you craft more effective messages. Use bold sparingly—when everything is emphasized, nothing stands out. Reserve it for the single most important element in a message. Use italics to add voice and personality, showing the emotional weight behind words. Use strikethrough for playfulness or transparent corrections that build trust. The most effective communicators treat formatting like punctuation—subtle tools that guide readers through your message's emotional and informational landscape. Over-formatting clutters messages and overwhelms readers; strategic formatting enhances comprehension and makes your communication memorable.

Business Communication: Professional Formatting Standards

In professional WhatsApp communications, formatting establishes credibility and clarity. Business messages benefit from structured formatting that makes information easy to scan. Start important announcements with bold headings, use bullet points (created with hyphens or asterisks followed by space) for lists, and bold critical information like dates, prices, or action items. For example, a professional message might look like: "*Project Update:* Deadline extended to *Friday, Nov 3rd*. Please submit designs by EOD Thursday." This formatting immediately communicates hierarchy and importance.

Different industries have evolved formatting conventions. Sales professionals often use bold for pricing and strikethrough for showing discounts: "~$499~ *Now $299!*" creates visual impact that drives urgency. Customer service teams use italic text for policy citations or formal language: "_As per our terms of service..._" which signals official information without seeming harsh. Project managers combine formatting types: "*URGENT:* _Please review_ the attached proposal by ~Monday~ *Tuesday COB*" where each format serves a distinct purpose—bold for priority, italic for politeness, strikethrough for corrections, and monospace for technical details like file names or error codes.

However, professional formatting requires restraint. Avoid mixing too many styles in single words (like bold-italic-strikethrough combinations) which appear unprofessional. Never use formatting passive-aggressively—excessive bold text or all-caps alternatives (which formatting doesn't support) come across as shouting. In international business contexts, remember that excessive formatting can be seen as informal in cultures preferring minimalist communication. When in doubt, observe how your colleagues and clients format messages, then match their style. The goal is clarity and professionalism, not demonstrating every formatting trick you know. Clean, purposeful formatting distinguishes professional communications from casual chats while maintaining WhatsApp's conversational tone.

Advanced Formatting Techniques and Creative Uses

Power users combine formatting options to create sophisticated message structures. Create pseudo-headers by combining bold with line breaks: typing "*Section 1: Introduction*" followed by Enter creates visual separation in long messages. Build tables using monospace formatting (three backticks) which preserves spacing, though WhatsApp's monospace isn't perfect for complex tables. Create emphasis hierarchies: use bold for primary information, italic for secondary details, and normal text for supplementary information. This creates scannable messages where busy readers can extract key information at a glance.

Creative formatting extends beyond business use. Group chat organizers use formatting to structure announcements: "*Weekend Trip - Final Details:*" followed by bold dates, italic location notes, and strikethrough for crossed-off to-do items creates an organized planning message. Educators and parents use formatting to make important information stand out to students or children who might skim messages. Social groups develop their own formatting conventions—some friend groups use strikethrough for inside jokes, italic for sarcasm, or bold for genuine enthusiasm, creating a shared communication vocabulary.

Experimental users push formatting boundaries: using Unicode characters alongside formatting for decorative effects, creating ASCII art that combines with bold/italic for emphasis, or structuring entire messages as formatted lists for clarity. Some creative applications: recipe sharing where ingredients are bolded and steps numbered; story-telling where character dialogue is italicized and narration remains plain; collaborative document editing where each person's suggestions use different formatting. While WhatsApp isn't designed as a document editor, thoughtful formatting transforms it into a surprisingly versatile communication tool. The key is understanding that formatting isn't decoration—it's a communication layer that adds meaning, structure, and nuance to plain text, making your messages more effective whether you're coordinating a business project or planning a surprise party.

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