WhatsApp text formatter

Make text bold, italic, strikethrough, or monospace, add lists and quotes, and see exactly how your message will look before you send it.

Write your message

223 characters

Select some words, then pick a format. Or type the symbols yourself.

How it looks in WhatsApp

Order confirmed ✅

Hi Maria, thanks for your order. Here is what happens next:

1.We pack it today

2.It ships tomorrow

3.You get a tracking link

Need to change something? Just reply here.

Order number: WS-10482

How to use it

1
Write or paste
Type your message in the box, or paste one you already have.
2
Select and format
Select some words and pick bold, italic, strikethrough, or monospace. The preview updates as you type.
3
Copy and send
Copy the message and paste it into WhatsApp. The symbols turn into formatting when you send it.

WhatsApp formatting codes

Put these symbols around a word or at the start of a line. They work on iPhone, Android, WhatsApp Web, and the desktop app.

Style	Type this	Example
Bold	`text`	`Sale ends today`
Italic	`_text_`	`_see you soon_`
Strikethrough	`~text~`	`~$40~ $29`
Monospace	```text```	```ORDER-1042```
Inline code	`text`	`WS-10482`
Bulleted list	`* text or - text`	`* Pick up at 5pm`
Numbered list	`1. text`	`1. Choose a size`
Quote	`> text`	`> Is it in stock?`

How to type monospace in WhatsApp

Put three backticks on each side of the text: ```like this```. On most phone keyboards the backtick is behind the apostrophe key: press and hold ' and pick `. On iPhone it is on the symbols page (tap 123, then #+=).

A single backtick on each side, `like this`, gives inline code: the same typewriter font with a light box behind it. It is handy for order numbers, codes, and addresses people need to copy.

When formatting does not work

No space just inside the symbols. *bold* works, * bold * does not.
Start and end at a word edge. The symbols need a space or punctuation outside them, so 2*3*4 stays as it is.
Lists need a space after the symbol. Type * , - , or 1. at the start of a line.
Business API templates use the same codes. Test them in the template builder before you submit a template to Meta.

Questions

Something else? Ask us.

How do I make text bold in WhatsApp?

Put an asterisk on both sides with no spaces inside: *like this*. You can also select the text in WhatsApp, tap the three dots or More, and choose Bold.

How do I strike through text in WhatsApp?

Put a tilde on both sides: ~like this~. On most keyboards the tilde is on the second symbols page.

Can I combine formats, like bold and italic?

Yes. Nest the symbols: *_bold and italic_*. Keep the order the same on both sides.

Does WhatsApp formatting work in WhatsApp Business?

Yes. The WhatsApp Business app and Business API messages use the same codes, including approved message templates.

Can I change the font or color in WhatsApp?

WhatsApp has one font, plus the monospace style above. There is no way to change text color. Sites that offer "fancy fonts" use special Unicode letters, which screen readers and search cannot read well.

Why do my symbols show up instead of formatting?

Usually there is a space just inside a symbol, or the symbol is touching a letter outside it. Check the preview above: if it looks right there, it will look right in WhatsApp.

Write messagesWhatsApp Template BuilderWrite a Business API message template, preview it, and check it before you submit.Write messagesBulk WhatsApp Message PlannerFill a message with names and details from a spreadsheet and check every copy.Write messagesWhatsApp Number FormatterTurn a list of phone numbers into the international format WhatsApp needs.

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