WhatsApp Text Formatter

Create bold, italic, strikethrough, or monospace text and preview how your message displays in WhatsApp.

Write your message

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Select some text, then click a button above — or type the symbols yourself, like *bold* or 1. item.

Formatting codes

*text*Bold

_text_Italic

~text~Strikethrough

`text`Inline code

```text```Monospace block

- itemBulleted list

1. itemNumbered list

> textQuote

How it looks in WhatsApp

How to Use Text Formatter

01

Enter your text

Type your message into the editor box, or paste text you already wrote.

02

Apply styles and preview

Highlight any word to apply bold, italic, strikethrough, or monospace styles. The live preview updates instantly as you edit.

03

Copy and send

Copy your styled text and paste it into any WhatsApp chat. The formatting characters will turn into styled text as soon as you hit send.

Monospace Guide

Monospace Block: Wrap text with three backticks on both sides: “`like this“`. On mobile keyboards, tap and hold the single quote ' key to select the backtick ` (on iPhone, access it via 123 → #+=).

Inline Code: Wrap text with a single backtick on each side: `like this`. This creates a typewriter-style font with a light background box—ideal for tracking numbers, promo codes, and addresses.

Formatting Errors

Avoid Inner Spaces: Do not leave spaces directly inside the formatting symbols. *bold* works, but * bold * will not format.
Symbol Placement: Symbols must touch the formatted word edges and have space or punctuation outside. For instance, 2*3*4 will remain plain text.
List Formatting: Always add a space after list markers (* , - , or 1. ) at the start of a line.
API Templates: WhatsApp Business API templates use these exact same formatting rules. Verify your text structure before submitting templates to Meta for approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make text bold in WhatsApp?

Place an asterisk on both ends of the text with no inner spaces: *like this*. Alternatively, highlight the text inside WhatsApp, tap the options menu (three dots or More), and choose Bold.

How do I cross out text in WhatsApp?

Add a tilde to both sides of your text: ~like this~. The tilde key is located on the secondary symbol layout on most smartphone keyboards.

Can I mix multiple styles together?

Yes. Nest your symbols together, such as *_bold italic_*. Make sure to close the symbols in the reverse order you opened them.

Does text formatting work on WhatsApp Business?

Yes. Standard WhatsApp, the WhatsApp Business app, and the WhatsApp Business API all support the same text formatting rules and template styles.

Can I alter text colors or fonts in WhatsApp?

WhatsApp only supports its default font and the monospace font option shown above. Color changes are not supported. Sites claiming to offer color fonts use non-standard Unicode characters that break accessibility readers.

Why are my formatting symbols showing as plain text?

This usually happens if there is an unwanted space inside the symbols or if a symbol touches adjacent text outside. Adjust your text so it matches the live preview tool above.