Chat formatting
WhatsApp Formatting Editor
Write a WhatsApp message with *bold*, _italic_, ~strikethrough~, and ```monospace``` and preview it in a WhatsApp-style chat bubble before copying it to your phone.
Text styles
Markers must touch the text and sit at a word boundary: *bold* works, * bold * does not.
Element
Syntax
Result
Bold
*bold text*Italic
_italic text_Strikethrough
~struck text~Combined
*_bold italic_*Monospace and code
Triple backticks give monospace text; single backticks give inline code.
Element
Syntax
Result
Monospace
```monospace text```monospace textInline code
`code`codeQuotes and lists
Lists and quotes need a space after the marker, at the start of a line.
Element
Syntax
Result
Quote
> Quoted textQuoted text
Bulleted list
- First
- SecondNumbered list
1. First
2. SecondHow it works
Step 1
Write your message
Type on the left or use the toolbar to add formatting.
Step 2
Check the preview
The right pane shows how WhatsApp will display it.
Step 3
Copy and paste
Copy the message and paste it into WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make text bold in WhatsApp?
Put an asterisk on both sides with no spaces inside: *bold*. Use _underscores_ for italic and ~tildes~ for strikethrough.
Why is my formatting not working?
The markers must touch the text and start at a word boundary. "* bold *" with spaces and "word*bold*" without a space before it are shown literally.
Does WhatsApp support lists and quotes?
Yes. Start a line with "- " or "1. " for lists and "> " for a quote. These work in current WhatsApp versions on phones, desktop, and web.
Can I underline text?
No, WhatsApp has no underline. Use the Unicode font generator for underlined or decorative text that pastes anywhere.
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