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WhatsApp Text Formatter
Write your message like in a word processor: select text and click Bold, Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace, or add lists and quotes. The tool writes the WhatsApp formatting symbols for you and shows exactly how the message will look in a chat.
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Chat preview
Formatting cheat sheet
| Bold | *text* |
| Italic | _text_ |
| Strikethrough | ~text~ |
| Monospace | ```text``` |
| Inline code | `text` |
| Bulleted list | - text |
| Numbered list | 1. text |
| Quote | > text |
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How to use the WhatsApp Text Formatter
- Type or paste your message into the editor. An example is loaded so you can see every style.
- Select words and click a style button (Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, Monospace, Inline code), or use the keyboard shortcuts.
- Add structure with the bulleted list, numbered list and quote buttons.
- Check the chat-bubble preview to see how the message looks on WhatsApp.
- Click Copy message and paste it into WhatsApp, or click Share to WhatsApp to open it directly.
WhatsApp formatting symbols
| Style | Type this | Shows as | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bold | *Hello* | Hello | No space just inside the asterisks |
| Italic | _Hello_ | Hello | Underscores on both sides |
| Strikethrough | ~Hello~ | Tildes on both sides | |
| Monospace | ```Hello``` | Hello | Three backticks; other styles inside are ignored |
| Inline code | `Hello` | Hello on a grey background | One backtick; added in 2024 |
| Bold italic | *_Hello_* | Hello | Nest the symbols |
| Bulleted list | - Item or * Item | • Item | Symbol plus a space at the start of the line |
| Numbered list | 1. Item | 1. Item | Number, dot and a space |
| Quote | > Text | Text with a colored bar | Greater-than sign and a space |
Other ways to format in WhatsApp
- On a phone: type your message, long-press a word to select it, then tap Format (Android) or the BIU menu (iPhone) and choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace.
- WhatsApp Web and Desktop: select text and use the same symbols, or press Ctrl+B and Ctrl+I in recent versions of the desktop app.
- This formatter: useful for long messages, announcements and broadcast texts that you prepare in advance, and for checking that every symbol is in the right place before you send.
Formatting symbols must touch the text they wrap and be preceded by a space, punctuation or the start of the line. That is why * text* or word*bold* are shown literally. When you click a style button here, spaces at the edges of your selection are kept outside the symbols automatically.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make text bold in WhatsApp?
Put an asterisk on both sides of the text with no spaces inside: *hello* shows as bold hello. In this formatter you just select the words and click Bold; it adds the asterisks in the right places for you.
What are all the WhatsApp formatting codes?
Bold: *text*. Italic: _text_. Strikethrough: ~text~. Monospace: ```text``` (three backticks). Inline code: `text`. Bulleted list: a line starting with - or * and a space. Numbered list: a line starting with 1. and a space. Quote: a line starting with > and a space.
Can I combine bold and italic?
Yes. Nest the symbols, for example *_text_* gives bold italic, and *~text~* gives bold strikethrough. Monospace and inline code cannot contain other formatting.
Why is my WhatsApp formatting not working?
The symbols must sit directly against the text: * hello* or *hello * will not format. The marker also needs a space or punctuation before the opening symbol, so mid-word formatting like un*believ*able does not work. This tool always places the symbols correctly.
Do lists, quotes and inline code work on every device?
Bulleted and numbered lists, quotes and inline code were added to WhatsApp in 2024. Older app versions show the symbols as plain text, while bold, italic, strikethrough and monospace work on all versions, including WhatsApp Web and Desktop.
Does the formatting work in WhatsApp status and group chats?
Yes. The same symbols work in individual chats, groups, channels, status captions and photo captions. Some formatting is not supported in contact names or group names.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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