In short: Put symbols around your text. Use
*text*for bold,_text_for italic and~text~for strikethrough. Start a line with-for a bullet,1.for a number or>for a quote. WhatsApp’s formatting list has no highlight or text colour option. To make words stand out, use bold.
WhatsApp formats text with simple symbols, so you do not need a menu. WhatsApp’s formatting guide lists all of them.
WhatsApp formatting cheat sheet
Type the left side. The message shows the style on the right.
| Style | Type this | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | *text* |
Asterisk on both sides |
| Italic | _text_ |
Underscore on both sides |
~text~ |
Tilde on both sides | |
| Inline code | `text` |
One backtick on both sides |
| Monospace | ```text``` |
Three backticks on both sides |
| Bulleted list | * text or - text |
Symbol and a space, at the start of each line |
| Numbered list | 1. text |
Number, full stop and a space |
| Quote | > text |
Angle bracket and a space |
How to make text bold on WhatsApp
Put an asterisk on each side, with no space between the asterisk and the word:
Your order is *ready for pickup*.
You can also use the menu. On Android, tap and hold the text you typed, then choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace. The menu may look a little different on other devices.
How to highlight text on WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s formatting guide does not list a highlight or colour option, so there is no symbol for it. Try one of these instead:
- Use bold for the one thing the reader must see.
- Use a quote to set a line apart.
- Use monospace for codes and reference numbers.
- Put it on its own line. Space around a line draws the eye.
Many people searching for “highlight” simply want bold, so try that first.
How to add lists and quotes
Start each line with the symbol and a space:
Please bring:
- ID proof
- Booking reference
- Payment receipt
Next steps:
1. Confirm your slot
2. Pay the deposit
3. Get your invoice
> Can I change my delivery date?
Yes, reply with your new date.
How to turn formatting off
You cannot. WhatsApp says there is no option to disable the feature. If you want to show a symbol, such as a real asterisk, place it so it does not wrap a word on both sides.
Why your formatting is not working
These are the usual causes:
- A space inside the symbols. Write
*sale*, not* sale *. - Only one symbol. Bold needs an asterisk on both sides.
- No space in a list. Write
- item, not-item. - An old app version. Update WhatsApp, as some newer styles may not show on older versions.
Formatting tips for business messages
Good formatting helps a customer find what matters in a busy chat:
- Bold one thing, such as a date, amount or next step. If everything is bold, nothing stands out.
- Use lists for steps, because long paragraphs are hard to read on a phone.
- Use monospace for order numbers and codes, which are easier to read and check.
- Keep your style the same across your team.
Here is a simple example:
Hi Priya, your order *#4521* has shipped.
Delivery: *Friday, 6 Nov*
Need to change it?
1. Reply with your new date
2. We will confirm within working hours
Saving messages like this as quick replies keeps them consistent. For more ideas, see our guide to WhatsApp Business auto replies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bold and italic together?
Yes, you can usually combine them by wrapping one inside the other: *_text_*. Send it to yourself to check how it looks.
Can I change the font or text colour? WhatsApp’s formatting guide does not list a colour or font-picker option. Monospace is the only different typeface in the list.
Does formatting work on WhatsApp Web? Yes. WhatsApp’s guide has versions for Android, iPhone, Web, Mac and Windows.
Can I underline text on WhatsApp? Underline is not in WhatsApp’s formatting list.
Sending well-formatted messages as a team? See how Risponse works, or see plans.