WhatsApp Formatting Cheat Sheet
| You type | You get |
|---|---|
*text* | Bold |
_text_ | Italic |
~text~ | Strikethrough |
```text``` | Monospace block |
`text` | Inline code |
- text or * text | Bulleted list item |
1. text | Numbered list item |
> text | Quote |
The original four (bold, italic, strikethrough and monospace) have been in WhatsApp for years. Bulleted and numbered lists, quotes and inline code were added in 2024. You can also select text in the message box and choose a format from the menu that appears, instead of typing the symbols.
Combining Formats
You can combine formats by nesting the markers, for example *_bold and italic_*. The markers must touch the text: *bold* works, but * bold * with spaces inside does not. If asterisks show up in your message instead of bold text, check for a space next to the marker.
Names, About and Status
WhatsApp's asterisk and underscore formatting is designed for messages. Your profile name and your About line are plain fields, so the way to give them a style is to paste styled Unicode text, which is what the Name and About Styler above creates.
- Profile name: up to 25 characters. People who have saved your number usually see the name they saved, so your styled name shows mainly to people who have not saved you and in group chats.
- About: up to 139 characters. A styled phrase works well, but keep the important words in plain text.
- Group names: a styled name stands out in a long chat list, as long as it stays readable.
Which Style Works Best
Good for a profile name.
Good for an About line.
Good for friends and family groups.
Best for short names.
Tips
- Keep business names clear. Customers search and read plain letters most easily.
- Test on another phone. Ask a friend to check that your styled name shows without boxes.
- Think about accessibility. Screen readers can read styled letters as odd symbols, so keep key details in plain text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Put asterisks around the text with no spaces inside, like *bold*. You can also select the text in the message box and choose Bold from the menu. For italic use underscores, for strikethrough use tildes.
Yes. Profile names and About text are plain fields, so you can paste styled Unicode text there. WhatsApp's asterisk formatting is meant for messages.
An About can be 139 characters and a profile name 25 characters. These limits can change, so the app has the final say.
The markers need to touch the text, so *bold* works but * bold * does not. WhatsApp's formatting also applies in messages, not in your profile name or About.
Not always. People who saved your number usually see the name they saved. Your styled name shows mainly to people who have not saved you and in group chats.
Want every style in one place?
This page shows the styles and tools that matter most for WhatsApp. The full Font Craft tool has all 15 font styles, a Title Framer and a Description Editor.
Open the full Font Changer → Read the guide