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The ability to format text within the WhatsApp application is one of the practical tools that help users highlight specific parts of the conversation or add a professional touch to personal and business messages.
In this example, we will explore together the methods of writing in bold, italic, and strikethrough, along with examples and clarifying the key points that ensure you have an enjoyable and effective experience across various platforms.
Increasing Font Size in WhatsApp
You can increase the font size in WhatsApp by following these steps:
- Go to WhatsApp settings and select Chats.
- You will find Font size in the middle of the page. Tap on it.
- You can choose the font size from three options (Small, Medium, and Large). Choose what suits you and tap OK.
Understanding Text Formatting in WhatsApp
Text formatting in WhatsApp relies on simple symbols added before and after the text, without the need to change settings or use external tools. This method is supported on both Android and iOS operating systems, as well as on the web version and the desktop application. Formatting can be used to write short titles within conversations, emphasize a specific idea, or clarify instructions in group chats or with clients.
How it Works
WhatsApp reads the formatting symbols and hides them when displaying the message to the other user while applying the desired formatting to the text enclosed between these symbols. For example, adding the asterisk (*) before and after a word will turn that word bold upon sending.
How to Write Text in Bold
Bold text is used to draw attention to an important word or phrase in the conversation. It can be useful when referring to sensitive data, such as dates, booking numbers, or specific instructions.
How to Use:
All you have to do is place an asterisk (*) before the beginning of the word or phrase, and then put the same symbol after its end. For example:
*text to be highlighted*
After sending, the word or phrase will appear like this: text to be highlighted.
This method can be applied to more than one word in the same sentence, keeping in mind not to leave spaces between the asterisk and the word.
How to Write Text in Italic
Italic text is typically used to add a stylistic touch or to refer to a foreign term or a short quote. It also helps emphasize quotes or highlight a specific word without giving it the heaviness of bold text.
How to Use
To turn text italic, use the underscore (_) before and after the text you want to format. For example:
_this is italic text_
The result for the recipient will be: this is italic text.
How to Write Strikethrough Text
Strikethrough text is used when you want to show a modification or correction in previous messages without deleting them completely, or to add a humorous or sarcastic touch to the expression.
How to Use
This is done by placing a tilde (~) before and after the part of the text you want to strikethrough, as in the following example:
~this is strikethrough text~
And it will appear to the recipient as: this is strikethrough text.
Combined Formatting
You can combine multiple types of formatting together in one sentence, allowing for great flexibility in presenting information. For example:
*Bold title* _italic explanatory text_ ~strikethrough note~
After sending, it will appear as: Bold title italic explanatory text strikethrough note.
When combining, make sure that the formatting symbols are nested correctly, maintaining the order and avoiding excess spaces.
Monospace Text
If you want to display text in a style similar to programming code in WhatsApp, you can use the Monospace formatting. This format displays all characters in the same width, making it ideal for sharing code commands, scripts, paths, or any text that needs to maintain its original form.
How to Apply:
Place three backticks (“`) before the text and three after it, like: ```Hello```
It will appear in the message in a code-friendly font that is easy to read and distinguish from the rest of the content.
Creating a Bulleted List in WhatsApp
Bullet lists help organize information and present it in a way that is orderly and easy to read, especially when enumerating a collection of items or steps that do not depend on a specific order.
To create this type of list, add an asterisk (*) or a dash (-) followed by a space (this will turn the asterisk into a bullet) then write a word and hit Enter. Instead of sending the message, the cursor will move down for the new enumeration. For example:
* Text
or
– Text
Creating a Numbered List
When the order of steps or items is important, a numbered list is the best option. Just write a number followed by a dot and then leave a space before the start of the first line, like 1. or 2., for Telegram to automatically display the list with numbers. This format is often used in explanations, instructions, and procedures that must be followed in the correct sequence.
Quote Formatting
The quote formatting allows you to highlight a part of the text and display it differently from the rest of the message, which is suitable when quoting another person’s words or referencing information, or to draw attention to an important note. To add a quote, write a greater than symbol (>) and then leave a space before the start of the text, which will appear in a distinctive quote block making it easy for the reader to recognize.
Inline Code Formatting
If you want to emphasize a word or short phrase within a sentence, such as a programming command or variable name or file path, you can use Inline Code. This formatting relies on placing a single backtick (`) before and after the text, making it appear in a different font within the same line without having to create a separate code block.
This option is suitable for highlighting commands or technical terms within explanations.
Using Quick Formatting Options
In addition to writing formatting symbols manually, Telegram provides a quicker way to apply some formats. All you need to do is select the text you wrote by double-clicking it or long-pressing, and a menu will appear with formatting options or a (…) more button. Tap it and choose:
Bold or Italic or Strikethrough or Inline Code, and the formatting will be applied directly without the need to type any symbols.
Additional Tips
For a better experience with text formatting in WhatsApp, we recommend the following:
1. Before sending an official or important message, test the formatting on yourself first to ensure the final appearance.
2. Ensure that the formatting does not overshadow the content of the message; excessive formatting may distract the reader.
3. Use a combination of styles thoughtfully: bold for titles or key points, italic for terms or quotes, and strikethrough for corrections or humorous references.
4. In corporate group chats, agree with team members on standardized formatting criteria, to facilitate understanding and referencing messages when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do older versions of WhatsApp support this formatting?
WhatsApp introduced the text formatting feature in 2016, and the app should be updated to version 2.12.535 or newer on Android, and version 2.17.60 or newer on iOS. If formatting does not appear, try updating the app or restarting it.
2. Do language settings affect formatting?
Changing the app language or the primary language of the operating system does not affect the formatting functionality. This feature relies solely on symbols, regardless of the language used to write the content.
3. Can these symbols be used in the Status?
Yes, WhatsApp statuses support the same text formatting symbols, allowing you to write stories or quotes in more attractive formatting within the status.
4. What should I do if the formatting in my text appears inappropriate?
First, ensure that there are no excess spaces between the symbols and the words, and that the symbols are fully enclosed around the text to be formatted. If the issue persists, try copying and pasting the example into a test chat and manually adjusting the symbols.
With this, you have a comprehensive guide to formatting text in WhatsApp: bold, italic, and strikethrough, along with practical tips and frequently asked questions. Use these tools wisely to bring clarity and appeal to your daily or professional conversations, and feel free to experiment with different formats until you find the optimal style that suits your messages and objectives.
